*May reflect or copy other pieces of literature

*Vocabulary may be forced or not well thought-out

*May have to pay or self-publish to get stories out to the public

*Lack experience and credentials

*May contain errors or inconsistencies

*Not paid for work

*Usually a beginner

*Do not have to work under the constraints of others

*Practice in perfecting--complete works

*Original

*Focus on vocabulary and precision to detail and illustrations

*Paid for their work

*Have extensive experience and credentials

*No errors and well-proofed

*Usually work under a deadline

*May have to work within the restrictions of others

Ironside, Virgina. (August 1998). Dilemas: How do I become a Children's Author?. The Independent. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/dilemas-how-do-i-become-a-childrens-author-1169882.html

Klearns, Brian. (January 2014). The Five Differences Between Amateur and Professional Novelists. Writer's Digest. Retrieved from http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-5-differences-between-professional-and-amateur-novelists

Koltay, Tibor. (January 2011). New media and literacies: Amateurs vs. professionals. First Monday, 16(1 - 3). Retrieved from
http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3206/2748

Cruz. (2014). Painted-hands.jpeg. [image} Retrieved from http://mrscruzsclass.com

Stewart, Kathy. (2009). humann/files/2009/04/40.jpg. [image}. Retrieved from http://wp.lps.org/humann/classes-clubs-and-staff/specials/art/

Show examples of each

Explain that all professionals were once amateurs

Show the progression that takes place as one becomes a professional

Looking at the work of a professional will give students an ideal to look up to, with a set of concrete rules to help them form the foundation for whatever creative practice they chose to embark upon!