Book excerpt: The annual, bestselling guide to all aspects of the media and how to write and illustrate for children and young adults. Acknowledged by the media industries and authors as the essential guide to how to get published. The 70+ articles are updated and added to each year. Together they provide invaluable guidance on subjects such as series fiction, writing historical or funny books, preparing an illustration portfolio, managing your finances, interpreting publishers' contracts, self-publishing your work. Foreword by Sarah Crossan, Carnegie Medal winner and author of One, Breathe, Moonrise (published July 2018) and We Come Apart (with Brian Conaghan) NEW articles for the 2019 edition include: LGBT+ characters in children's fiction by Lauren James The hybrid author by Shelli R. Johannes A jobbing writer's lot by Joanna Nadin Adapting children's books for stage and screen by Emma Reeves Where does your book sit? by Jasmine Richards Murderous inventions by Robin Stevens The long and winding road to publication by Paul Stewart Writing picture books by Tessa Strickland The ups and downs of being a writer by Theresa Tomlinson All of the 2,000 listings of who to contact across the media have been reviewed and updated. The essential guide for any writer for children.