# From Bookstore to Bestseller: Inside Children's Publishing with K.B. Childress

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-chat-w-author-vivian-e-moore-437920/from-bookstore-to-bestseller-inside-children-s-publishing-with-k-b-childress.md
Podcast: [Book Chat W/Author Vivian E. Moore](https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-chat-w-author-vivian-e-moore-437920)
Published: 2026-05-02T14:06:51+00:00
Episode link: https://bgtfn7n7gcm.podbean.com/e/from-bookstore-to-bestseller-inside-childrens-publishing-with-kb-childress/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/g74kwgdcpxyam7e8/all_inked_up_1_ams6t.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2702

## Resource

Author and editor K.B. Childress shares her 30-year journey through the publishing industry, from bookstore employee to children's book professional. The discussion provides actionable advice on navigating the querying process, avoiding common manuscript errors, and building a professional presence.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Success in publishing requires deep market research, including studying publisher wish lists and submission guidelines
- Practical takeaway: Use LinkedIn as a professional digital resume to build industry connections and networking opportunities
- Failure mode: Avoid 'showing not telling' errors, which remains a top pitfall for writers at all stages of development
- Practical takeaway: Treat personal rejection letters from editors as an opportunity to establish a professional contact via a thank-you note
- Main idea: Building an online presence is essential, but focus on platforms that are sustainable and enjoyable rather than trying to be everywhere

## Topics

Children's Publishing, Query Letters, Manuscript Editing, Literary Agents, Author Branding, Market Research, Writing Tips, Book Marketing

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Introduction to K.B. Childress: Host Vivian E. Moore introduces K.B. Childress and her diverse background in journalism and publishing.
- 8:00 — The Importance of Genre Knowledge: A discussion on the value of reading widely within your genre to understand market trends and quality standards.
- 14:00 — Common Writing Pitfalls: Identifying 'showing vs. telling' as a primary error that authors must overcome during the editing process.
- 21:00 — Building a Digital Presence: Advice on using social media and LinkedIn to create marketing campaigns and professional visibility.
- 24:00 — Mastering the Query Process: How to use writer's market guides to research publishers and tailor query letters to their specific interests.
- 31:00 — Navigating Agents and Submissions: Best practices for submitting to agents and the importance of researching their specific roles and histories.
- 41:00 — Closing and Recent Works: A look at Childress's recent work on 'The Legend of the Fairy Stones' and final thoughts on the publishing journey.

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## Transcript

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