Becoming a Children's Book Writer--
Tough but So Rewarding!
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That's right. Many new writers think they will start with something simple--like a story for children. A children's book requires only a few words, short ones at that; what could be easier? Right? Wrong!
There is no tougher story to write than one intended for young readers. The reasons are:
- Children are demanding. A story for adults might be able to slide a bit here and there, take its time, and omit a thing or two and not lose the reader. Not so for a children's story. Every single word must both attract and hold their attention, engage their senses and carry them into the story, piquing their own imagination along the way. Every word must sparkle!
- Children's book publishers are demanding. Children's books can be more expensive to produce than books for adults, both in higher production costs (colorful illustrations, for example) and high-end promotions. So publishers accept only the most saleable manuscripts.
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1. BE AGE APPROPRIATE
Write to your audience. Each age group has a different perspective on what is interesting, fun, and exciting.
2. USE VIVID VERBS AND CRISP DESCRIPTIONS
Young readers don't like being told what something is like; they want to experience it for themselves. Active, vivid verbs create detailed scenes that pull in the young reader.
3. INCLUDE PROBLEMS -- EITHER BIG OR SMALL
A story's problem can be as simple as finding a lost shoe or as complex as helping to catch a thief. Whatever the problem, it must have a direct and personal and immediate effect on the main character.
4. BE SELF-ACTUATING
Allow your young reader a chance to grow along with the main character, by making the story's resolution a direct result of the actions or decision of the main character.
1. Read, read, read! I suggest you read at least the following:
Books published for readers in the age group you want to write for.
2. Revise, revise, revise. Every word must excite and propel the young reader further into the story.
3. Get professional editing. Yes, this is a plug for my services, but it is true: Professional editing services can help you grow as a writer in ways that studying books could never do. I take your own plot, characters, and ideas and review them with an eye to marketability. Then I can address your own strengths and help you bolster your weaker spots to create the strong story that you want. Interested? Click here to see more about my editing services.
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Stories, Articles and Books for Children Written by My Clients:
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Congratulations to Jerilyn Ito, of Honolulu, Hawaii. Jerilyn writes, "Aloha Sandra!
I have all three of my children's picture books published and in all of Hawaii's Walgreen stores! Thank you again for all your assistance with my books! I am grateful to have found you.
Mahalo nui loa."
"Finding Our Ohana," "Rainbow Island" and "Double Rainbow Island: The Mauka Adventure" were published by Sleepytown Press. They are available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, with autographed copies available through her website.
"I want to thank you again for all of your help, insight and guidance with my steep learning curve. Your feedback will remain with me for future manuscripts, and I will definitely be turning to you again when I complete my next manuscript!" --Jerilyn Ito
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Congratulations to: Alayne Kay Christian on her book Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa 
published by Blue Whale Press. This fine book is an award winner--twice over! She won both a Mom's Mom's Choice and Independent Publisher Award.
In her book, written for ages 3-8, Emily loves to visit Grandma and Grandpa where she gets lots of affection and the freedom to do what she wants. But when their visit comes to an end, Emily is saddened by thoughts of missing them. This engaging and gracefully illustrated story reinforces the loving bond between grandchildren and grandparents who cannot see each other as often as they would like. Through Emily's eyes, children learn to use their imagination, memory, and natural surroundings to feel close to their grandparents whether they are miles or countries apart.
EDITOR'S COMMENT: "I was pleased to participate in this project and congratulate the author, illustrator and publisher on a job well done!"
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Congratulations to Mosetta Penick Phillips-Cermak, Ph.D. of Ohio, on her third book, entitled Rajah and the Big Blue Ball. This is the first in a series of six (6) stories based on the lives of Dr. Penick Phillips-Cermak's own dogs. According to award-nominated author Dr. Mosetta Penick Phillips-Cermak, "Each of the stories addresses an issue with which children have to contend in real life.
In the first book, Rajah is afraid after something or someone hits him. He has to face his fear and take back his own back yard." Written at the second grade level, for children 6-8 years old, Rajah and the Big Blue Ball is illustrated with full-color photographs.
"Since he is a live dog," said Dr. Mosetta, "I wanted genuine photographs and not graphics."
Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak, Ph.D. lives with her two Labrador Retrievers, one black and one yellow, and two Siamese cats in West Park, Ohio. She comes from a family of educators, is a retired psychotherapist/counselor and a teacher of many years. She is also a dog trainer, registered with the State of Ohio to train and certify Handicap Assistant Dogs. A relatively well-known speaker in the Cleveland area, this writer has presented more than a dozen papers and workshops throughout the State of Ohio.
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Dr. Mosetta's previous published book was written for children in Kindergarten through third grade. The Magic of Laven-Rock explores making friends with someone who is different, and how one can even share something that is a precious resource with them. In this fantasy story, the people of K'briadron lived an idyllic life in which purple and blue magic created by the Jockspurs supplied their every need. That is, until the coming of the Lockstick. Princess Kaylin Veronica and her cousin, Prince Theodore, escape the confines of their royal lives and set out to find the being who caused so many problems in their land.
In this story the children learn that fighting is not the solution to problems. According to Dr. Mosetta, who is currently teaching for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, 'There might even be a lesson in this for our world leaders as the children share the natural resources of their country.'
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And Dr. Mosetta's first published book explored yet another fine message for children (6 to 10) wrapped in a fanciful tale. In this unique and original fairy tale, "The Wishing Flower" tells the story of a desire for a most precious gift. Loved by parents and children alike, "The Wishing Flower" is the perfect bedtime story for both new and not-so-new parent. "The Wishing Flower" is a wonderful way to teach each child just how special he or she is.
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Congratulations to Shirley Povondra of California, now with two articles accepted by the award-winning Skipping Stones magazine, a multicultural magazine that "challenges us to understand and appreciate differences, realizing the potential inherent in diversity."
Shirley's article exposed young readers to the world of the gorilla. She has been a supporter for The Gorilla Foundationfor many years and has written articles and stories based on her knowledge and her personal experiences meeting Koko, the famous "signing" gorilla who uses American Sign Language to communicate. Her article will reach--and touch--young minds around the world, giving them insight about these special creatures and include a "call-to-action" to get them involved too.
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Shirley's second article was about the "Lost Boys of the Sudan," a touching and memorable exploration of the experiences of hundreds of young boys who struggled to survive during the wars in their native land--and their new lives since that time.
Writing can both fulfill an author's dreams of publication and send ripples of positive energy and action around the globe. Good job, Shirley!
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Joli
Allen of Half Moon Bay, California, won First Place Overall in Bristol
Services' latest writing competition for her tale of an alien girl seeking
to make earth-friends! She also had several articles accepted for
publication last year and has a children's story that will appear on tape for
the juvenile
market.
She says that
growing up as an Air Force brat taught her firsthand about adapting to
new environments and making new friends. "My family moved every year. As a
kid I loved traveling. It gave me a deep sense of how we all are
connected and basically the same no matter how varied or 'alien' our
cultural outlook is on life."
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Bob Moseley of Shelton,
Connecticut, won First Place in Stories for Children in Bristol Services'
latest writing competition! Bob has been a professional writer and editor
with newspapers and magazines for 25 years, in which time he's been
honored with New England writing awards from Associated Press and United Press International.
He's had stories printed in the New York Times and Sports
Illustrated. This is his first attempt at a children's book. "I've
written mostly sports, and I wanted to try something different," Moseley
says. "I wanted to combine my love of animals and nature with a message to
kids."
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by Jean E. Karl
by Nancy Lamb
by Alijandra Mogilner (details which specific words are appropriate for each grade level)
from Writer's Digest Books. (Be sure it is the current year's edition.)