Harold Underdown
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hunderdown.bsky.social
Harold Underdown
@hunderdown.bsky.social
2.8K followers 260 following 2.2K posts
I'm a children's book editor, teacher and workshop presenter, owner of The Purple Crayon website -- www.underdown.org

I post about #kidlit, but I do have opinions about other things and will share them as well.
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hunderdown.bsky.social
I'm available--for #kidlit consulting and editorial work. If you're wrestling with a MG novel that isn't quite landing, working to increase the impact of a NF manuscript, sorting through and polishing multiple PB mss., I can help. Info. here and on linked pages: www.underdown.org/pced.htm
A cluttered desk, with a laptop open in the middle, a #kidlit manuscript to the left, handwritten notes on the right, and various objects scattered around them.
January 28, 2026 at 9:55 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
In 1 week, I go live online via @boydsmills.bsky.social with all you need to know to get out on submission with a #kidlit or #yalit ms.: preparation, strategies, resources, case studies, query letter basics, myth-busting, handouts. Questions, a recording. $59

boydsmills.org/workshop/suc...
Banner for "Successful Strategies for Submitting Your Manuscript to Agents and Editors" on January 27 and 29, online, via boydsmills.org, with photo of Harold Underdown
January 20, 2026 at 10:57 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Happy holidays to all!
A large leafless tree covered in snow, with a blue sky with a few wispy clouds behind it. In upper left corner, a branch with red berries and snow descends into the frame. In the lower background, picnic tables are visible on a grassy expanse, with two peaks of a building visible behind them.
December 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Coming up Jan. 27/29, online via @highlightsfound.bsky.social, what works, what doesn't, query letter basics, case studies, handouts, and more! It will be recorded. $59.

Please repost and otherwise spread the word.

Registration is open: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/suc...
Banner for online workshop on "Successful Strategies for Submitting Your Manuscript to Agents and Editors" presented by Harold Underdown via the Highlights Foundation on January 27 and 29.
December 5, 2025 at 11:03 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Kindling Words is holding an auction to benefit our scholarship fund, with signed #kidlit and #yalit books, consultations, critiques, and more!

See what's being offered here: www.32auctions.com/KindlingWords
Images of Wicked by Gregory Maguire, and Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan, available signed as part of the Kindling Words auction. Feedback on 15 pages with Maggie Lehrman, and a consultation with Nancy Werlin, items available as part of the Kindling Words auction. A graphic novel critique from Kristen Kiesling and a collection of books by Lesa Cline-Ransome, items available as part of the Kindling Words auction.
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Received today: "Zohran Walks New York"--a tribute not only to Mamdani but to our amazing city. Congratulations to creator Millie von Platen and editor Carolyn Yoder for the vision to create and publish a nearly instant book.

At Bookshop and elsewhere: bookshop.org/a/3703/97816...
The cover of "Zohran Walks New York," featuring the skyline, a street scene, and a smiling, bearded politician waving to people in front of a row of houses. Text: In Zohran's city, everyone is always on the move!" Picture: In background, a bus under elevated subway tracks. In foreground, Mamdani walking towards a street crossing on which two children are walking. Picture: Mamdani, arms in the air, walks towards a lively street party. Text: "It's neighbors welcoming you home after a long walk." Text: "This is Zohran's home, and it's yours too." Picture: People gaze out across a river with a bridge and lighted skyscrapers and a sunset in the background.
November 4, 2025 at 4:41 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
My regular reminder to sign up for my newsletter so you won't miss news of workshops I'm giving, updates to my website The Purple Crayon, and the like. Simple form on my Contact page. Infrequent mailings: www.underdown.org/contact.htm#...
A purple crayon, the logo of my website.
November 2, 2025 at 10:28 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
This photo of my desk means I'm open for #kidlit developmental editing and career/submissions consulting--and possibly other things too (just ask!). I'm not a copyeditor or proofreader and usually do line-editing only as part of a larger project.

More info.: www.underdown.org/pced.htm
A desk crowded with papers, a laptop, postits, a bell, and various paperweights.
October 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
In which I talk a bit more about my "Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities" #kidlit workshop, coming up online *next week* via @highlightsfound.bsky.social

More information and to register: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pub...
October 10, 2025 at 3:48 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
A reminder: NEXT week I will be offering "Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities," online via @highlightsfound.bsky.social, October 14 and 16, recording available, and resources included. $59

See the screenshot below for details or go here: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pub...
Banner graphic for "Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities." October 14 and 16, 7-8:15 PM Eastern with Harold Underdown Workshop details: Another reminder, because I think this is going to be very useful, and I don't want anyone who would benefit to miss it: NEXT week is when I will be offering "Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities," online via The Highlights Foundation, on the evenings of October 14 and 16, with a recording available, and resources included. $59 On Tuesday, I'll be covering: --different kinds of change in publishing, from fads to trends to market shifts, and how to respond to them --how to do your own research into trends --a short history of market shifts in children's publishing, from circa 1960 to today --a look at the big market shift of this century On Thursday, I'll move on to: --the trends! from picture books to young adult, fiction and nonfiction --the changes in publishing from outside of it, mainly --diverse voices and banned books, --technology, and especially AI
October 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
3 weeks to go to my trends workshop! I'm enjoying reading, talking, researching what's going on with PB bios, MG novels, YA and romantasy--the trends you're talking about--and thinking about how best to learn about and deal with them going forward... www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pub...
Banner for "Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities"--online workshop on Tuesday October 14 and Thursday October 16 via the Highlights Foundation.
September 24, 2025 at 3:22 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
A common white-tail dragonfly in our backyard. Aren't the wings cool?
Dragonfly resting on concrete. White tail, black head. 4 rings transparent except for black patch in middle third.
August 30, 2025 at 6:26 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Here's the source I found: The MSNBC News Junkies FB Group.
Screenshot from a FB Group of a photo of Donald Trump with the caption "Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination withdrawn."
August 17, 2025 at 9:50 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
It's not quite August, but it feels like the top of the Ferris wheel, so here is the first para. of Natalie Babbitt's "Tuck Everlasting":

"The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning."
The first paragraph of Natalie Babbitt's "Tuck Everlasting": The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn...
July 29, 2025 at 2:59 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Coming up in *3 weeks*--my online mini workshop on "Big Picture Revision," exploring tools, how + when to use them on #kidlit and #yalit manuscripts.

Live August 19 and 21, 7 PM, via @highlightsfound.bsky.social, w/ handouts and a recording available.

www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/big...
A banner for the workshop "Big Picture Revision," a two-night online mini workshop with editor Harold Underdown. Dates August 19 and 21, 7 PM Eastern. Sponsored by the Highlights Foundation
July 28, 2025 at 8:47 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Some of you know of my long-time involvement with both Kindling Words and The Highlights Foundation. So you will understand how excited I am that KW is planning a retreat AT Highlights this fall.

highlightsfoundation.secure.retreat.guru/program/kind...
A banner for a Kindling Words retreat at the Highlights Foundation.
July 1, 2025 at 9:43 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
I am open for editorial consulting work--if you've been querying manuscripts and aren't getting interest, but don't know why, or are otherwise stuck, I may be able to help! Information here: www.underdown.org/pced.htm

Happy to answer questions here or by email (there's a link.)
A laptop, papers with notes, and other items on a cluttered desk.
June 17, 2025 at 9:23 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Coming up in 3 weeks, the first of 3 pre-retreat online classes, followed on May 15-18 by the Revision Retreat, with Emma Dryden and Eileen Robinson, at @highlightsfound.bsky.social.

www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/rev...

More details in the alt text or via the link.
Graphic for the "Revision Retreat" Details: Many writers say that their favorite part of writing is revision. Whether this opinion matches your feelings, the reality is that revision is part of the writing process and we’ll all need a toolbox full of strategies to meet each book we create. This workshop combines “filling that toolbox” and time to implement the revision strategies on your work(s)-in-progress. Included in this program are pre-retreat presentations that you can engage via Zoom or watch as your time allows, a 1:1 consultation to discuss where you are in your current project(s) and what support you need at this stage in the process, opportunities to ask questions of working editors in the field of children’s books, and, importantly, time and space to revise at the Highlights Foundation retreat center. At the retreat center, days will be spent on individual projects. You choose what that means for you! Maybe you’ll revise on the porch of your cabin, sketch in the Art Coop, research, rebuild, or rest. Emma Dryden and Eileen Robinson will join you at the retreat center, with Harold Underdown supporting you virtually through presentations and 1:1 consultations.
April 7, 2025 at 3:31 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Reminder! The Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing--everything you need to know about our business--starts May 28.

Information and to register: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/the...

More details in the alt text.
Banner for "The Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing" Details: This ten-week online course covers all aspects of children’s book publishing, from genres and types of books to working with a publisher (and everything in between). Material will be covered via six live Zoom sessions, and pre-recorded content in our online learning platform. You’ll also have access to weekly live “drop-in” hours with Harold Underdown. You’ll also learn details about the editorial development process, including what to do once you have a finished book. The goal of the course is to demystify children’s publishing and answer ALL of your questions about the process. You will: Explore genres of books, types of publishers, types of markets; fiction vs. nonfiction, flat fee vs. royalties, schools and libraries, etc. Find out how to get help before you submit from books, conferences, critique groups, beta readers and children. Find out how to get started as a professional and find your community. Use writing exercises to get to know your characters and develop your stories. Understand submissions rules and practices, including which mistakes to avoid. Learn about how publishers sign up manuscripts and how to make sense of contracts. Discover the publishing process: developmental editing, line editing, copyediting and proofreading, design, illustration, production, marketing and distribution.
April 7, 2025 at 3:26 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Starts *tomorrow*! You can still register for "Practical Matters in Children's Book Publishing"--what you need to know and do, and what you can expect, in #kidlit publishing.

www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pra...
Banner for the Practical Matters in Children's Book Publishing online mini-workshop on March 18 and 20: A smart, engaging 2-night course covering everything from book types to contracts—plus a chance to ask your pressing questions! Key topics covered during the program will include: • A guide to types of children’s books; • Getting support and feedback; • Researching types of publishers, editors, and agents; • Understanding the submission process; • How manuscripts are acquired; • Key terms in contracts and how they work; • What to expect in the publishing process.
March 17, 2025 at 9:38 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Coming up in two weeks: A two-evening workshop with The Highlights Foundation, online, with recordings available to watch later (so no problem if you can't watch live). $59 Pls. repost!

Further details in the alt text, or click this link: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pra...
Graphic for the "Practical Matters in Children's Book Publishing" online workshop on March 18 and 20. Details: It's for anyone getting started in the world of children's book publishing, which can be be both wonderful and frustrating. It covers all the *practical* stuff someone needs to know, from kinds of books and who they are intended for, through submissions, all the way to contracts and the publishing process. There will be a bonus handout with web and print resources, and a time to answer burning questions. Please share to #kidlit writer and illustrator friends who might benefit! And let me know if you have questions. This is likely to be the only time I give this workshop in 2025.
March 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
I noticed cool features on the jacket and cover of the UK edition of Frances Hardinge's "The Unraveller." See the Alt text for details.
The jacket of "The Unraveller" by Frances Hardinge. Arranged around title and author's name are 5 key objects from the story: the moon, a feather, seed pods, a spider, and a fish hook. A spider web printed in metallic copper appears behind them, over a dark purple/black background. The spine of "The Unraveller" by Frances Hardinge. There are no words on the cover or spine, but on the spine appear 5 key objects from the story: the moon, a feather, seed pods, a spider, and a fish hook, all stamped in metallic copper ink, paralleling their appearance on the jacket.
February 15, 2025 at 11:25 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
The sky last night at sunset...
Clouds in the sky at sunset, some tinged with orange, with a bare tree standing on the right edge of the photo.
February 15, 2025 at 3:41 AM
hunderdown.bsky.social
Announcement! All the practical stuff in #kidlit publishing, coming up 3/16 + 3/18! Join me for a jam-packed 2-night course covering everything from book types to contracts and the publishing process—plus a chance to ask your pressing questions! More details: tinyurl.com/mtadfe5u

Please repost.
A graphic for the "Practical Matters in Children's Book Publishing" workshop, March 16 and 18. Key topics covered during the program will include: • A guide to types of children’s books; • Getting support and feedback; • Researching types of publishers, editors, and agents; • Understanding the submission process; • How manuscripts are acquired; • Key terms in contracts and how they work; • What to expect in the publishing process; • and so much more! There will be time saved for a Q&A on the final night of the program.
February 14, 2025 at 8:28 PM
hunderdown.bsky.social
We had a visitor to our yard today.
A possum sniffing around in a snowy yard with a rosemary plant in a pot next to it.
February 13, 2025 at 2:22 AM