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Information For Writers
“People think there's something magical about writing, that you go up in the attic at midnight and cast the bones and come down in the morning with a story, but it isn't like that. You sit in back of the typewriter and you work, and that's all there is to it.” Harlan Ellison
My office..............................................................and office helpers.
The path to becoming a children’s writer is as individual as an author’s voice. Children’s writers come from all backgrounds and places, but one thing they seem to have in common is a love of questions.
Here are some questions that beginning writers have asked me about writing and publishing. I hope you find the answers helpful but honestly, I’m still searching for my own answers.
I want to write children’s books. How do I get started?
It’s like that old joke... practice, practice, practice. Writing is a creative art but in daily practice it works more like a craft. The more you do it, the better you are at it. I don’t know any authors whose completed stories spring directly from their brains onto the page (and if you’re out there, I officially hate you.) In addition to writing consistently, here are basic steps that will help you write better children’s stories:
- Join SCBWI The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. This is a life-saving professional organization with local, national and international chapters. Meet other children’s authors, get your work critiqued, have great snacks (hmmm, maybe that’s just my chapter…)
- Find ways to share your writing with others. This can either be in a writing critique group or at writing workshops and conferences given by SCBWI or other institutions.
- Read current children’s books. Read hundreds of them. Read them out loud to kids. Repeat.
How do I get my children’s book published?
First, be absolutely sure your writing is at its best. Read your manuscript out loud to yourself, your friends or honest strangers if necessary (my neighbors think I’m crazy, why shouldn’t yours?) Listen to what they say. Make changes. There are many markets and genres for literary work for children. Information on all of them can be found in an annual guidebook called the Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market. The steps to contacting publishers are in that book and on many sites on the internet.
My idea is great! Why is my manuscript getting rejected?
Publishing is a competitive business; the odds are against one lone manuscript sitting on an editor’s desk in one of many paper piles. Keep trying. Your manuscript may be getting rejected solely because that’s the nature of publishing, however other common reasons could be: your manuscript needs polishing, there are too many books like yours or your presentation is unprofessional. If your manuscript keeps getting rejected without editorial comment, there’s probably something you should improve. Remember, anyone can have a great book idea. Great book ideas that are focused by their authors get published.
Do I need an agent to be published?
The easy answer to this is no, sort of. Some children’s publishers (and we love you for it) still read unsolicited manuscripts—that means manuscripts that no one at the publisher really asked to see. Unfortunately for beginning writers, many more publishers do not and the number of “closed” publishers is rising every year. Being represented by a literary agent insures that your work can be sent to any publisher that is right for your manuscript. However, having an agent is not a guarantee of publication. Not all agents are reputable, so ask questions until you are comfortable. Good sources for agents include personal references from other writers, the Association of Artist’s Representatives (AAR) or the yearly book, Guide to Literary Agents.
Read This Handy Handout! Secrets of Picture Book Success
Websites About Writing for Children:
If I haven’t answered your specific question about writing, contact me and I’ll try…
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