Writing a children’s book requires knowledge, determination, and practice. Writers should study the craft of writing for children, read current children’s books, use writing resources like websites and classes, and join critique groups to improve their skills and get objective feedback on their work.
Many people around the world would like to write a children’s book. They dream of becoming the next JK Rowling, their stories are read by children all over the world. Despite these aspirations, many people don’t know how to make that dream come true. It takes more than a fervent desire to become a children’s writer. Writing a children’s book takes knowledge, determination and practice.
To write a children’s book, a writer must do her homework, learning the craft of writing for children. Contrary to popular belief, writing for children is no easier than writing for adults. In fact, it’s more difficult.
An adult will probably analyze a novel even if it starts slowly. A child will toss a book aside if it doesn’t immediately capture her attention. For this reason, children’s writers must be adept at crafting stories that keep young readers on the edge of their seats.
Writing a children’s book requires the writer to take time to read children’s books. This might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many aspiring children’s writers never pick up anything written for children. Most of the children’s books they have read were published years ago when they were young. Many don’t realize that these books have changed a lot since they were in school. To become competitive in the children’s book market, a writer should be knowledgeable about the types of children’s books being published today.
To learn how to write a children’s book, writers should study books on how to write for children. If a person visits a bookstore or library, they will find a variety of resources on writing for the youth market. Whether a writer dreams of creating picture books, chapter books, mid-grade novels, or books for young adults, she can locate a reference on how to write for a particular age group.
Writing a children’s book requires a writer to take advantage of other writing resources. For example, the Internet provides several websites dedicated to children’s writers. Two notable websites include Verlakay.com and write4kids.com. Both websites offer articles, tips, and message boards to help children’s writers navigate the treacherous waters of writing a children’s book and getting it published.
While studying information from books and websites, aspiring children’s writers should start writing every day. Writing is a skill that must be practiced if any writer hopes to improve. She should be prepared to revise a manuscript, polishing it to the best possible. Many writers join critique groups as writing can be a lonely affair. Critique groups help new and experienced writers get objective feedback on their work so they can make it stronger.
For those who need a more formal education, consider enrolling in a children’s writing class. Universities, community colleges, online programs, and adult education courses offer lessons in writing a children’s book to adults who want to write for children. Such classes help writers learn to write by providing them with valuable insights and feedback on their work.
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