Book Giveaway

I love bookstores, but I love libraries even more. Everyone, regardless of their income, should be able to read great books. In this economy, budgets have been cut and libraries have felt the wrath of it.

From The Mixed Up Files..., a blog for fans of middle grade books, is having a fabulous contest where they will donate STACKS of books to one lucky library. Know a library that could use more children's books? Swing by and leave a comment to nominate them for a chance to win.

http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2010/10/the-great-library-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-7499

Keeping to the Code: Do You Follow Submissions Guidelines?

There are nine aisles at the grocery store. One is open. It's the ten items or less aisle. My cart is overflowing.

The lady at the register says, "Come on, Honey. I'll take you on this one."

I unload my cart in record time, help bag my groceries, and apologize in a babbling manner to anyone with less than ten items who ends up behind me.

If there are rules or guidelines, I like to follow them.

In these days where most major publishing houses are closed to unagented submissions, I wonder how many writers play by the rules. Do you send unagented submissions or queries to editors that are closed to them? Or do you consider those publishing houses off limits until you find someone to represent you? Weigh in in the comment section.