Today’s post is from children’s book writer Linda Mai. Linda has a master’s degree in Elementary Education and taught third grade. Besides writing picture books and middle grade novels, she plays in a handbell choir, rides her ATV, and loves to travel.
Writing for children is easy, right? Actually no. It isn’t! In fact, many agree it’s harder to write for children than adults. WHY? Because every word must count in a picture book, and you must leave room for the illustrator to tell half the story.
You need a story arc, an engaging plot, and colorful characters, plus word play, humor, and action—all told in as few words as possible. Picture books are typically read to the child by an adult. If your adult readers are entertained, your book will be read again and again. Middle grade and young adult readers want drama, action, and suspense. Your beginning should hook your reader and every chapter should end with a cliff hanger. Tight writing is always a must.
Remember: Adults should never solve the problem in a children’s book. Your main characters need to be kids, and they need to figure things out for themselves. Never sound preachy or spell out a moral. Let the story speak for itself.
Know your WHY. For me it was important to leave a legacy for my grandchildren. Once they found out I was writing children’s books, they were relentless. “Do you have a book yet, Granny?” That one question kept me going. Your why might be to make money, inspire or help others, or share your knowledge. But whatever it is, hold on to your why.
Revise your manuscript
Revision is imperative in every genre. Read your manuscript out loud and have writing friends give you feedback. Ask questions. Is it suited for the correct age group? Does it drag in spots? Is the title catchy? Revise again. Submit. Repeat. The children’s market is very competitive. You must have a polished manuscript to grab the attention of an agent or a publisher.
Main characters: When writing for children, it’s best if you make your main character slightly older than the age group for which you are writing. Kids love to look up to their main characters.
Illustrators and Agents
Publishers love it if you are an author/illustrator, but if you’re not both, your publisher will find the illustrator whose style they believe is best for your book.
You don’t need an agent to sell your book. You can submit your manuscripts to smaller publishers that are open to submissions. Two good resources are Book Markets for Children’s Writers, and The Book: The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, available through https://www.scbwi.org/
Literary agents have one big advantage. They can submit to closed publishing houses that only accept agented submissions. If you are searching for an agent, send complete picture book manuscripts. For MG and YA, follow their guidelines, but they typically ask for a synopsis, query, and/or cover letters. Be prepared if they request your entire manuscript. Keep a record of every submission, to both agents and publishing houses, including the date and response.
My advice
Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI: scbwi.org) This is an international organization for children’s writers with regional chapters in most states. It provides many valuable resources such as how to query and submit your manuscript, how to format, how to write a synopsis, how to give and receive a critique, types of publishers, helpful websites, plus a list of hundreds of publishing houses where you can submit your manuscript.
Attend conferences and monthly meetings.
Find other writers/critique groups that are willing to swap manuscripts.
Read books in the genre you want to write.
Use RHYMEZONE, an on-line resource for synonyms, antonyms, definitions, and rhyming words.
Keep writing. Many publishers will ask, “What else do you have?” It’s great if you have more to show them. If you only have one manuscript, submit what you have, but while you’re waiting to hear back, start something new. Constantly look for new ideas. Book series are popular right now, so if your book lends itself to a series, that could be a plus.
Rejections: You will get them. You will need to develop a thick skin. This business is very subjective.
The Details of Writing for Children
Categories and word count. Here are some guidelines, but when submitting, check out each publishers’ specific requirements.
- Board Books: under 3 years old (100 words)
- Picture Books: 3-8 years old (400-600 words)
- Non-Fiction Picture book: age depends on word count and topic (1,000-3,000)
- Early Reader: 5-8 years old (1,500 words)
- Chapter Books: 7-9 years old (4,000-15,000 dependent on grade and reader level)
- Middle Grade: 8-12 years old (45,000-65,000)
- Young Adult: 12 years old and up (85,000 -95,000)
- Formatting:
- 12 point font (Ariel or Times New Roman).
- Double spaced. First page starts 1/3 of the way down.
- Typically, one-inch margins.
- Indent each paragraph.
- Upper left-hand corner: Your name, address, and phone number/email.
- Upper right-hand corner: Your word count (rounded off) and the type of book.
- (PB, Chapter, MG, YA)
- Starting on page two, your header should contain your name and book title on the
- the right side. On the left put your page number. (Some prefer it at the bottom)
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Leave them in the comments below. If you prefer, here’s my contact information, LindaMai.writer [at] gmail.com.
About Deidra’s Dolly
The unconditional love of a child is boundless.
Deidra loves her dolly no matter what. When Deidra returns from the hospital after a long stay, though, she wonders if her dolly will love her just the same.
Written by Linda Mai. Illustrated by Jain Coble. Available at Amazon (affiliate link).