The children's book industry is a $2 billion industry; therefore, it will come as no surprise that it is a highly competitive industry. On the surface, many people think writing children's books is a snap, easy as pie, but nothing could be farther from the truth. You need to understand what it takes to write a children's book that stands out from the rest. This web page gives you resources and advice on writing a children's book.
Here are some tips on the writing of children's books:
- Do Your Research. Find out what's popular in the children's literature industry. It helps to attend children's book conferences or seminars, learn the hot topics and trends.
- Writing Your Story. Decide what childrens age group you're writing for, then present your idea in an original way. You might want to use others, even children, to help develop your idea. You could study child psychology for your targeted age group to get a feel for what kind of story and writing will appeal to them.
- Illustration. If you are not a professional artist, you should not illustrate the children's book yourself. In fact, the childrens book does not need to be illustrated before submitting it to a publisher. Children's publishers often have illustrators they like to work with, so a lack of illustration should not be a stumbling block to getting published.
- Revise. It has been said that true writing is re-writing. Edit and re-work your children's book multiple times.
- Feedback. Getting quality feedback is extremely beneficial to improving your childrens book, whether it is from a smart, trusted friend or loved one, or a professional writer or editor. Listen and be open-minded.
I highly recommend a few outstanding books and guides on children's literature and writing successful children's books:
Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books. Practical advice on getting started as a children's author; basics of writing-and selling-books for children; tips on the publishing process. The comprehensive guide to writing, publishing, and selling for the ever-expanding and always exciting children's book market.
The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author's Tips on Writing and Publishing Children's Books, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids. A terrific guide for aspiring writers of children's books. The guide addresses common myths about children's writings, children's book categories, elements of successful stories, manuscript format, submission strategies, contract negotiation, the publishing process, career building, and children's writer resources.
You Can Write Children's Books. Writing for kids has never been so clear as with this guide to the art and craft of storytelling for the rugrats. This book will guide you through the first steps of writing successful children's books.