How to Write a Kids Book
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.
Many writers wonder how to write a kids book, because the children’s publishing market looks like so much fun. Writing and publishing a kids book can be one of the most rewarding experiences available in literature, as long as you know what you’re doing. Not only does kids book writing require creativity and imagination, but it also gives you the opportunity to share your story with future generations. It can be daunting to take on such an ambitious project, so let’s break down the process of how to write a kids book, step by step.
How to Write a Kids Book: Develop Your Idea
Before you start writing, you need a robust idea that is both unique and engaging to your target market. Did you know that there isn’t just one category known as a “kids book”? There are several, and you need to figure out which part of the children’s book market you’re interested in. Once you know whether you’d like to write a picture book or a young adult novel, for example, you should imagine yourself at that age and think about what kind of story would resonate with that target audience.
Consider things like characters, plot, worldbuilding (if writing fantasy), setting, and universal theme—whatever comes to mind! Once you have the basics of a book idea down, you can begin fleshing out your story, and even using a novel outline, if you’re writing a longer piece. It’s important to remember that no idea is too small or silly—every great book starts off with an idea nugget. You won’t know how to write a kids book until you sit down and try it, so don’t nip any ideas in the bud at this stage.
How to Write a Kids Book: Draft the Manuscript
Now that you’ve got your idea all figured out, it’s time to get started on writing! For children’s books, it is recommended that the word count should be somewhere between 500-1000 words per chapter. Additionally, keeping a consistent tone throughout your book is essential for maintaining reader engagement and interest in your story. Remember to keep track of any notes or changes you make along the way; this will come in handy later when it comes time for revisions.
How to Write a Kids Book: Pursuing Potential Publication
Once your work has been revised and perfected (or as close as possible), then comes the final step—seeking potential publication opportunities! Many publishers accept submissions directly from authors without agents; however if this is something new for you, then consulting with an experienced literary agent might be beneficial in navigating these waters successfully. If you decide not to work with an agent right away, familiarize yourself with different publishing houses guidelines regarding submission procedures so that you are well informed when submitting any materials.
Writing a children's book is no easy feat! When done properly, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience both personally and professionally. Each step requires careful consideration because ultimately it could determine if your work gets accepted by a publisher. Having confidence in yourself and trusting your instinct should always be top priority–good luck!
How to Write a Kids Book: Revise Your Work
After spending countless hours writing and perfecting your story line by line, now is the time for revision! This means going through your work again with a critical eye and making sure everything from spelling and grammar to character development makes sense in the context of your story. You may even want to seek feedback from friends or family who can provide impartial opinions about how well your book reads. Once all revisions are complete, then congratulations—you have officially completed the draft of your first children's book!
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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.