Institute Of Childrens Literature-Should I Join

C4rlyxx · Aug 17, 2007

First of all Hi everyone! I was browsing several websites to try and find info on the Institute of childrens literature. I really want to become a published author,however my mom doesn't agree and thinks its a scam to get money. I'm only 15 and i passed the test. We're also Canadian. I was wondering if anyone could give me some info about it. I'm not sure if i should join or not? I heard somewhere if you don't join theykeep nagging you and they will sure. I'm scared about that and don't want them bothering me. Another thing whenever i get a chance like this my mom tends to say oh it's a scam, you're a good writer and i don't want it to go to waste. I hate that. Has anyone been through the course? Does it actually promise you everyting it says? I heard somewhere that it is a scam and that they accept everyone into it...is that true? I really want to publish something but i'm not sure if this school promises everything they say. It's pretty expensive and my mom will probably say no to it. She wants to see the thing i had submitted to see if they just said yes because of it. And she said all the stuff they send you is what they want you to see. I'm only 15 and i'm still confused. If my mom says no and doesn't want me in will they keep nagging and attempt to sue because i don't want a whole court case over something stupid as this.

Sorry about the length of this. I'm just really worried, unsure,and confused. I really needed assurance and this forum seemed like the place that i could find it it in

Thanks
and i hope someone can help

C4rlyxx

Hillary · Aug 17, 2007

Hey, I don't know anything about them, never heard of them.

However, I did a quick search of the site and found this thread:

Absolute Write thread on Instiute of Children's Literature

Hope that helps.

peevy · Aug 17, 2007

I'm not sure on what grounds they would sue you. Have you signed any kind of contract with them?

From what I've read elsewhere on this site, they give you your money back if you're not satisfied with them. I would guess that would mean they're not able to sue you if you claim you're not satisfied.

Also, most companies don't go around suing potential clients. It's not so good for business.

As far as whether or not to take the course: there are plenty of other ways to learn how to write well without forking over hundreds of dollars. Go to your library. Find the shelf with all the books about how to write great fiction. Check one out and read it. Repeat. That's what I did. Also, find a critique group, online or otherwise.

If you really want to take a class, sign up at your local community college. It's a whole lot cheaper.

Bufty · Aug 18, 2007

Welcome C4,

Yup- you're in the right place.

It costs nothing at all to be published. All that's needed is a good story that's well-written.

What exactly are you looking for?

Are you looking to be published right now -this minute.

Or are you wanting to improve your writing skills in the hope that one day in the future...

There's no short cut - one reads and one writes and as one writes and reads one learns the craft.

Tell you what - Why not introduce yourself in the Newbie Forum, then consider popping a short story or the opening chapter of something of your work into the Share-Your-Work Forum here?

There's plenty of folk your age here, several old gits like me, and lots of other weirdos inbetween. And a lot of writers who have actually had their work published. Not me - yet.

Don't worry, nobody will eat you - well not the bones, anyway. :Hug2:

Harper K · Aug 18, 2007

Welcome!

I have heard mostly good things about the ICL. However, I also believe that you can get an excellent education in writing and publishing just through the Internet and the library -- without forking over hundreds of dollars. This board is incredibly useful, as is Verla Kay's Blue Board (http://verlakay.com/boards), which is full of people writing for children and young adults.

Since you're in school, why not check out some creative writing classes available to you through your school system? I joined a small critique group when I was in high school. We met after school and had an English teacher there to moderate the workshop. It was the first time I got real, honest feedback on my fiction, and it was incredibly valuable to me. Even now, over ten years later, I still remember and use what I learned from that first critique group I took part in.

Any writing group that meets through your school probably won't ask for more than a few dollars for club fees or, you know, snacks. Probably your mom will agree to that a lot more readily than what ICL charges.

And if you're not ready for an in-person critique group, hop on over to the Share Your Work forum here at AW. The Children's / Young Adult subforum is pretty active, and there are always people willing to help you with your writing.

HSJRivers · Aug 18, 2007

Some thoughts

Hi.

I took the course, way back in 1980, when I had two small children. My mom paid for the course because she knew how much I wanted to learn to write. The good thing about the course, to me, is that it holds you accountable to turn in your assignments. You do get some good marketing info, but as others have said, there are other ways to break into writing. The community classes and critique groups, in person or online, are valuable. I do believe ICL is reputable, but it is costly, so you have to weigh your options. For me, it was the right step to get me started publishing.

Good luck.

wyntermoon · Aug 21, 2007

Welcome C4rlyxx!
They've given you great information above and we're always available for questions so get busy writing!

C4rlyxx · Aug 22, 2007

Heyy thanks everyone for your help

My mom and I were talking and there's a course opening up in the area(where i live). She said i could join that if i wanted to since it was a bit closer to home. She aslso mentioned i could talk to my counsellor at school and see if there are any clubs i can join. If there wasn't one she suggested i should make one.

Thanks and i'll consider going to the newbie forum. This sounds like a very interesting forum.

cwgranny · Sep 6, 2007

Okay, first, I teach for ICL -- so obviously I don't think they're a scam.

Having said that, if your mom is not 100% behind you spending a boatload of money on classes at 15...well, that's pretty much all you need to know. The Institute courses are expensive. I would definitely explore other areas that are less expensive because there are actually a lot of alternatives out there, including completely free options.

As for the Institute -- all you need to do is tell them that you're 15 and your parents are opposed to expensive courses at your age. They will remove you from the computer generated "are you sure?" list because, well, you're sure. They actually only accept a small handful of students under 18 (for a lot of reasons) so if you were good enough to get the offer at your age, you should pursue your craft. But pursue it in a way your parents can totally get behind -- maybe some community college classes?

And, there's always the self-study way -- read writing books, read hundreds and hundreds of recently published children's books and magazines (because learning to write short stories is a lost art and I'm always behind it). And write, write without ceasing while continuing to read. It's amazing what you can accomplish on your own as long as you don't rush yourself. The craftsmanship comes before publication (well, in a perfect publishing world it does, anyway.)

jannawrites · Sep 18, 2007

Eight-ish years ago I gave ICL a try. I really did correspond with a published author (whose books I was able to find at the library). She was very helpful, and I did enjoy (as another said) that I was held accountable with deadlines for the assignments. I ended up dropping the program, though, because at that time I was newly married, helping my husband with his new business, and working full-time. I wasn't hindered any; basically they just kept my account open - still to this day - should I choose to pick up where I left off. Occasionally I would receive something in the mail - "We miss you! Come back to us!" However, I've since determined I can do this on my own! I've learned so many things just by searching every avenue and putting myself out there where all the action is (like these forums

.

You can totally do it! Congrats on your new course!

MaryPoppins · Sep 24, 2007

I am also considering ICL. I have completed my Aptitude Test but have not sent it in yet because I have been unsure. I don't think it will get there by the deadline. Do you think this will be a problem? Also, are there any examples of published books by previous students?

This forum has been very helpful by the way.

jannawrites · Sep 24, 2007

MaryPoppins said:
I am also considering ICL. I have completed my Aptitude Test but have not sent it in yet because I have been unsure. I don't think it will get there by the deadline. Do you think this will be a problem? Also, are there any examples of published books by previous students?

This forum has been very helpful by the way.

Is there a phone number on your information? I'd call and ask about the deadline, and if they'd extend it for you. Maybe you could google 'em to see about their graduate's books.

Welcome to AW!!

a_sharp · Sep 24, 2007

I always thought THE organization to belong to was http://www.scbwi.org/, SCBWI. They've been around a long while, they're very active, and have conventions and contests that help children's writers. They also have local chapters that put on seminars, writer's talks, and generally support one another. Every CW I've ever known was a member, myself included until I left the genre. It's considered a plus to mention you're a member when querying or submitting.

Calico Anne · Sep 29, 2007

Kudos for ICL

I felt like you and your mother when I first took the test for ICL and was accepted. I wondered if they accepted just anyone. I don't believe they do. It's not a rip-off. They don't have the time or manpower to take someone with no writing ability and make a writer out of them. I have to add that I am just finishing the ICL course for articles and short stories, and have MULTIPLE manuscripts that are ready to send out just from the lessons each month, not to mention the stories I have written on my own. They teach you everything you need to know from the beginning basics to the end, furnish your work books, handbooks, etc., and you also receive useful publications on new markets and 'how to' guides. My instructor is professional, and so helpful. I think all the instructors are published authors, so they know what they are doing, and the coursework is structured so well, you can't help but learn. I think they are worth the money, but your parents know what is best for you. I look at it as an investment in my writing career. Keep them in mind for the future. Best of luck to you whatever path you choose.

Calico Anne

Institute Of Childrens Literature-Should I Join

C4rlyxx

Hillary

Neural Trailblazer

peevy

keeping my head

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Harper K

here's to the girl on the go

HSJRivers

I'm a Georgia Peach

wyntermoon

C4rlyxx

cwgranny

jannawrites

no, really

MaryPoppins

jannawrites

no, really

a_sharp

Somebody give me an A

Calico Anne