Ah, the eternal question every children’s book author wrestles with: What theme should my book tackle? Dive deep into the heart of children’s literature and you’ll find there’s a universe of themes waiting to be explored. But, let’s be real – not all themes are made equal. Some are timeless, others, well, not so much. […]
So you’ve taken the brave leap into the colorful world of children’s picture books. You’ve poured your heart, soul, and maybe a few late-night snack crumbs onto those pages. But before you present your masterpiece to the tiny critics (a.k.a. kiddos), there’s one major step left: revision. “Wait, what? I thought I was done when […]
When embarking on the adventure of writing a children’s book, the initial excitement can be overwhelming. Characters, colors, settings, and songs might flood your imagination. But many writers don’t make it to the finish line. This article will help you get started and write a successful children’s book, while sidestepping the typical pitfalls and mistakes. […]
1. Pick the Right Illustrator Illustrators get paid more than children’s book writers (sorry, but it’s kind of the worst kept secret in the industry). That’s because the illustrations of a children’s book make or break your story. Yes, your words are important, but the illustrations are even more important. That’s why it’s important to […]
So you’ve finally completed your children’s book. Congratulations! But amidst the excitement of potentially seeing your book in stores or in the hands of eager young readers, there’s a looming question: “Should I copyright my children’s book?” While the nuances of copyright law can be complex, I’m here to break down the debate with a […]
Hey there, budding children’s book writer! I know the magic and whimsy that writing for children can bring, but like any genre, it has its quirks and pitfalls. I’ve seen a ton of talented writers stumble, trip, and sometimes get lost in the wonderful world of children’s literature. But don’t fret – I’m here to […]
If you’ve been around the block a few times (and by block, I mean the ever-captivating world of children’s book publishing), you’ve probably come across the term “mentor books.” If not, you’re in for a treat! I’ve delved into this topic, chatted with some of our favorite authors, and dug up real examples just for […]
All four topics below I’ve personally seen in children’s books I’ve edited, and I’ve had to gently tell authors they don’t quite work. It’s easy to forget your audience when writing a children’s book, and accidentally put something in there that’s only appropriate for a much older audience. Now, I know that some people think […]
Characters are the heart of any story, and that includes children’s picture books. Even if you only have 500 or 800 words, you still have to make the reader feel like this is a real life child (or a real animal, depending on your story!). Here are ten fantastic ways you can take your children’s […]
What exactly is ‘timeless’ fiction? In essence, it’s a piece of work that withstands the passing of years, even decades, maintaining its relevancy and charm. The danger is that your fiction won’t age well, and in 10 years certain references will make readers scratch their heads, either bewildered or feeling like your book is dated. […]
