Blog

How to Write a Children’s Book: Get Started With These 5 Steps

Step #1: Find out HOW to get started
We have several workshops aimed especially at giving you an overview of the children’s book industry:

• Everything You Need To Know About Children’s Book Publishing: A Crash Course
  This intensive weekend is designed to give you a comprehensive look at how the children’s book publishing industry works. You will gain understanding of all processes associated with submitting, selling, developing, and marketing a trade book or magazine article.
• Writing for All Young Readers: Board Books through MG Series
  Taught by four authors with over 30 books published for readers of all ages, this workshop is for anyone looking for ways to break in or expand upon a career in writing for children, from board books to middle grade series.

Step #2: Explore the world of children's books
The kidlit community is large, warm and welcoming. If you're going to write for children, you should get involved:

• Join the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
• Befriend a children's librarian, or haunt a children's bookstore, and read, read, read. Find the books that you love, the stories that call to you.
• Attend an SCBWI conference.
• Follow your favorite authors, illustrators and publishers on social media. Follow us, too! @HighlightsFound on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Step #3: Work on the CRAFT of writing for children

• Sign up for our signature workshop, Summer Camp at the Barn: A Week of Creative Mentorship. You’ll find keynotes, breakout sessions, camaraderie and a creative mentor to provide one-on-one support.
• Read some of the wonderful books about writing for children. There's a great list here.
• Join a critique group.
• Learn how to revise! We offer several revision workshops each year.
• Bring your manuscript to one of our workshops and get a hands-on session with one of our mentors. We offer workshops for all levels on many subjects.

Step #4: Study the BUSINESS of getting published

• Follow some kidlit editors and agents on social media, to understand what they are looking for.
• Learn how to write an impressive query letter.
• Find out what the best submission practices are.
• Study the publishers who publish books for children.

Step #5: Send your stories out into the world

• Don't send your work to a publisher before it's ready–but don't wait forever, either.
• Brace yourself for rejection–but keep writing, revising and submitting.
• Don't forget to stay inspired and to keep the faith.

Ready? Go back to Step #1: Find out how to get started!

Posted on: December 12, 2018

Tags: getting started