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Learning How to Write Children's Stories--
Tough but Rewarding!

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"Write As We Go"
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If you have a work-in-progress you might prefer to send me a few chapters at a time. That way you can consider my suggestions as you write the following chapters.

We can work together as the story grows, and you can pick your own pace and pay as you go.

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Editing through Bristol Services

Writing a children's story: the hardest story to write!

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.

More on writing for children

More on how to write children stories

4 Keys to Writing a Book for Children:

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.

How to Be a Children's Book Writer:

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.
       How to Write and Sell Children's Picture Books by Jean E. Karl
       Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children (Write for Kids Library) by Nancy Lamb
       Childrens Writers Word Book (Children's Writer's Word Book) by Alijandra Mogilner (details which specific words are appropriate for each grade level)
       Childrens Writers & Illustrators Market 2007 (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market) from Writer's Digest Books. (Be sure it is the current year's edition.)

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.

Stories, Articles and Books for Children Written by My Clients:
My Imaginary Friend Congratulations to Shirley Povondra of California, for her just released book, My Imaginary Friend. The book, co-written by Kathryn Andrew, is about an innocent child with a wonderful and creative imagination. Her creativity—through her imaginary friend—helps her face the terrible secret that she is a victim of sexual abuse. With a comfortable and easy-to-read story of strength and encouragement, My Imaginary Friend can help children speak out if something bad happens to them. It is also a wonderful way for parents to discuss the topic with their children without scaring them. Shirley and Kathryn are examples of authors who are sharing their own special message with readers—to heal, help and improve our world.
Previously Shirley also had 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 one article, based on her knowledge and personal experience meeting Koko, the famous gorilla who uses American Sign Language to communicate, exposed young readers to the world of the gorilla. She has been a supporter for The Gorilla Foundation for many years and her article touches young minds around the world. children's story published in Skipping Stones
children's story published in Skipping Stones Shirley's other article, about the "Lost Boys of the Sudan," shared the memorable experiences of hundreds of young boys who struggled to survive during the wars in their native land--and their new lives since that time.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It is a special pleasure to have participated in the editing of these life-affirming writing projects. Writing can both fulfill an author's dreams of publication and send ripples of positive energy and action around the globe. Good job, Shirley!

Congratulations to Dr. Mosetta Penickphillips-Cermak of Ohio, for being published in the Mother's Day (May) edition of the Writers Post Journal , a magazine promoting fine fiction and emerging writers.

Mosetta says, "I am very excited. I credit you for this. I have become a much better writer thanks to your insight." She is now busy writing and illustrating a children's picture book.

 children's story published in The Writers Post Journal


Heather Cuthbertson of Oregon, announced the acceptance and upcoming publication of one of her children's short stories. "I'm finally getting 'Frost Your Face' published in a children's magaine this October! It's called Beyond Centauri and a lot of schools order it, so I'm hoping it will be a big hit."

EDITOR'S NOTE: One often overlooked outlet for writers is the school market. Look for publishers who specialize in supplying material for schools and you will find more opportunities for your stories.



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."


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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