Developing Compelling
Children’s Book Ideas
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Coming up with a good idea for a children’s book is not always easy. It takes creativity, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of the market. And yet, if you have an idea that speaks to kids, it can be incredibly rewarding! Here are some tips and strategies to help you get started on your journey of writing a children’s book.
Coming Up with Children’s Book Ideas: Research the Market
Before you start writing all of the children’s book ideas in your head, it’s important to research the marketplace. Take some time to read as much as you can in and outside of your chosen genre or category. (Did you know that a generic “children’s book” category in the publishing market doesn’t exist? You need to learn the six types of children’s books before you try and write a project for young readers. Each category means a specific target audience, word count guidelines, and other elements that will need your careful attention.)
Research is important because the children’s book market has really matured in the last few decades—so it’s very important to experience what successful examples of various children’s books are doing, instead of simply thinking about the books of your own childhood. Consider what types of stories or universal themes are popular right now and try to come up with something that offers a unique twist on an existing topic, or an irresistible character.
Coming Up with Children’s Book Ideas: Brainstorming Sessions
Once you have done some research into what kind of stories and formats are popular right now, consider hosting a brainstorming session with friends or family members who are also interested in writing for children. You can do this unofficially, or with a critique partner or writing group. Brainstorming sessions can be great ways to generate children’s book ideas by exploring different perspectives on contemporary topics. If possible, involve people who have experience working with kids—such as teachers, daycare workers, parents with preschoolers—as they can offer insight into what kinds of topics make compelling children’s book ideas. The most limited perspectives come from writers who want to “teach kids today a thing or two” and come up with moralizing manuscripts. Those will not get much traction in a mature marketplace.
Coming Up with Children’s Book Ideas: Inspiration Is All Around You
The best ideas often come from personal experiences, so don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from your own life or the lives of your kids and grandkids, if applicable. Think back on moments where you faced difficult challenges or had unique experiences. These could be great starting points for children’s book ideas that resonate with young readers. Contemporary children’s book ideas often center on character, so don’t be afraid to really spend time developing a protagonist personality that can carry a story.
Coming up with good children’s book ideas takes creativity, thoughtfulness, and knowledge about the marketplace. Take these tips and create some unique stories that capture a new generation of readers. There’s no more noble purpose in the publishing world.
Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Picture Books, my book on children’s picture books. This comprehensive guide is crammed with craft advice and groundbreaking original research, including a survey of 1,000 upcoming picture book deals, a breakdown of 80 modern and marketable picture book topics, and in-depth analysis of over 150 published picture books.