Pass It On - A valuable resource for any Author/Illustrator.

  

Today we learn about a valuable resource packed full of valuable information about the book industry.

What is Pass It On?

PASS IT ON or PIO is a weekly e-zine for anyone and everyone with an interest in the children’s book industry.

Tell us how the idea for Pass It On came about?

I have been compiling and publishing PIO since 2004 when it was passed on to me after the founder became too busy to continue it. The original e-zine, CAINON (Children’s and Illustrators Networking Online Newsletter), produced 20 issues and required the receivers to contribute every week. If you didn’t contribute you didn’t get a copy. Needless to say I contributed every single week, I LOVED it and found it so useful being a brand newie writer at the time. When the founder said that she could not longer continue with it, she suggested that someone take it over. After much trepidation I stuck my hand up and eleven years and 520 issues later, the proof is in the pudding.
How does the subscription work?
Subscribers pay $44.00 for a 12 month subscription which works out to be less than a $1 per week. Subscribers are encouraged to contribute industry news and of course to blow their own trumpets, advertise workshops, ask for advice etc. The e-zine is delivered to your inbox every Monday and because it is aimed at the Children’s Book Industry, all information is relevant to that industry. It can save you lots of time in that respect.

　

Can you name drop some people that have featured in it?
Every week I also highlight an illustrator. There have been hundreds but if I were to name drop a few I suppose I might include Shaun Tan, Leigh Hobbs, Bob Graham, Anne Spudvilas, Sarah Davis…

  High profile authors such as Hazel Edwards contribute regularly and are a wealth of advice and information.
What are you most proud of with this valuable EZine?
I love that PIO acts like a family. We are all here to help each other navigate, celebrate, commiserate and encourage. Interestingly I thought the need for PIO might drop off now that we have facebook but then again that has become another pile of information to plough through. PIO filters the seed from the chaff. 

Any other essential resources (besides Pass It On) you would recommend for writers/illustrators?I would definitely recommend becoming a member of the ASA (Australian Society of Authors), SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and to attend as many local events as you can, book launches, conferences, workshops all of which you’ll be informed about in PIO. Keeping up to date is important.

　
How can we learn more?
The Blog - https://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/

Like the sound of Pass It On? Then do yourself a favour and subscribe today!