Why I Love The 12x12 Community Of KidLit Authors and Illustrators

Dear Fellow Author-Illustrator,

One of the key ways to sharpen your craft is to engage in one (or more) of the very active and welcoming kidlt communities available.

This describes my experience with the 12x12 community. There is something truly special about being a part of this community because of the authenticity of the voices that are there and active in the community.

The 12x12 community consists of voices - old and new - who are asking - and answering - a myriad of questions about all the phases of the kidlit writing experience.

As of this writing, most of the participants there are picture book authors, but this community has something to offer writers across the spectrum. Inside the community, there are a variety of ‘help-elves’ who have amassed tremendous resources that help writers of fiction and non-fiction. They are there to link arms and answer questions from those of who are along the journey.

Outside of the forum community, there is a really active Facebook group that tackles a myriad of questions and who provides an up-to-the-minute update on the pulse of the children’s book industry. The encouragement and the advice there gives an authentic and true look at the good (and the not-so-good) industry happenings.

On top of all of this, is the monthly webinars that are offered for free to all members. The webinars that 12x12 hosts consist of invaluable strategies and insights from a variety of industry participants and professionals. It’s amazing how much the 12x12 community cares when it comes to the growth of all of those who join.