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I posted a bit ago about the photopoetry book I'm working on for an educational publisher. I got it turned in early last week, and yesterday I got the revision notes.

Now, there are several kinds of revision notes I get from educational publishers. The first kind is the best kind. It's where the editor says I nailed it, she loves it, and she has nothing further for me to do (or maybe just a few small wording changes). That kind usually only happens when I'm writing an entry for an existing series so I have something to match.

The second best kind is when I have plenty of work to do on the manuscript, but the notes all make sense and feel very doable. That's the kind of revision note I got on the photopoetry book. Some adjustment in voice, a bit of rearranging, and a few changes in material--but nothing overwhelming or earth-shattering. That's the kind I often get when I'm writing for a new series, as I am here.

And it's the kind of note I got yesterday. So now I can move forward with this revision, confident I'm giving the editor what she wants. Yay!

As for the third kind, the "you totally missed the boat with this attempt" kind? We're just not gonna go there.

I've made no secret of the fact that I'd love to sell more trade books (the kind like Stampede, where I write a book I love and find a publisher who wants to publish it). And I do have two more in the works for 2011 and 2012--yay! But right now, at least, my bread and butter is writing books on assignment for educational publishers. I teach about it (in fact, I have a new self-paced workbook version of my online course) and live it--I almost always have at least one book, if not several, in progress.

When I get assigned to write a book on a topic I love, that's the best! Right now, I'm working on a book for upper elementary school kids that I just love. It's about how to use photos to inspire and strengthen your poetry. How perfect is that?

The book has 14 spreads, and I'm working hard to turn it in before a three-day event that I have next week. Yesterday, I wrote 4 spreads, and I'm aiming to do 3-4 today. It's a blast writing nuggets about ways to use photos, and then also writing sample poems and poetry prompts for the kids. I think this book is going to be so cool--but only if I get to work!

I'm now taking registration for the next session of my online class: Writing Children's Nonfiction Books for the Educational Market.  In this class, you will learn about the educational market and how it differs from the trade market. You will learn how to put together an introductory packet to send to publishers. We'll work on the various components of that packet so that by the end of the month, you have packets ready to pop in the mail. You'll also learn how to deal with some of the practical issues of educational writers: research, dealing with editors, finding expert consultants, etc. Then, once the class is over, you can join (if you like) the "post-grad" blog community The Guppy Pond (members only), where you can continue to chat and get feedback from other writers hoping to or starting to write for the educational market.

This online class will run from September 29 - October 31, with 4 weeks of new material and homework daily, Monday through Friday, and one week of big homework where you won't receive new lessons daily. The class is followed by a week of Q&A, You can read complete class info here (where you can read feedback from my recent students on page 6), and you can read feedback from students in the first session here. Then, if you think this class is a good fit for you, you can register here. 

Hope to work with some of you!

Anastasia Suen has the Nonfiction Monday wrap-up.