Advice for hopeful authors & illustrators: Do your research & have a professional work ethic. The professionalism you show can make the difference between getting published & getting discouraged. More great advice from author/illustrator Pat Cummings in her Inkygirl interview.
Writers: Be aware when research/prep turns into procrastination. Ask yourself: “What are you afraid of?” JUST JUMP IN. You can revise later. (And YES, I speak from experience….)