If you have children you know the joy that comes from reading them a really good book, or having them read on their own. If you have ever considered writing books for children this website can help you with advice, tips and resources to get you going. Check out our other menu choices for other articles and links for almost every subject there is in the writing field, from writer's organizations to travel writing.
What are some of the things you need to know about writing childrens books? Writing for children is no different than any other writing except for subject matter. You still need to research, know your audience and work really hard. There are no guarantees that the children's book market will improve or even get worse. Following are some general tips on what you need to know to write a children's book.
- You need to read, voraciously. You must become very familiar with the market you are writing for, whether it be for children, teen or young adult. The more you read the better writer you will be. Read the good, the bad and the ugly. You need to be prepared to explain to yourself what they did right and what they did wrong. Libraries are full of every book you will need so don't worry about buying them all. If you can pick them up at thrift stores and yard sales do it. This way you can mark up the books with your comments and insights.
- Be part of the children's literary community. Volunteer your time with the library or literacy programs in your area. Volunteer to be a story time teller at a local preschool or library event.
- You need to tell stories that are important to you-important enough to lose sleep over. You can be just as passionate about a picture book as you can about a young adult novel. This passion, or the lack of, will come across in all your writing.
- You need to believe in what you are doing and in your abilities. If you are writing books for children because you think it is the easiest work you can do as a writer, keep walking. Your words have the ability to inspire a young reader. Think about a child who reads his first sentence--and its yours! It don't get much better than that baby!