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

Dec 12, 2018 | For Beginners

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. One for serious beginners is our Crash Course: Everything You Need to Know About Children’s Publishing.

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

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!

Workshops for Writers & Illustrators

> Online
> In-Person
> On-Demand (Self-Paced Online)

New to the Highlights Foundation? Try these:

About Children's Publishing | The Whole Novel Workshop | Summer Camp

Questions?

Need help deciding on a workshop?  Ask an ambassador!

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Line drawing of the Barn at Boyds Mills

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