Children’s Book Publishing

Are you a writer who would like to write and publish a children’s book?  If you are, you should know that you have a lot of work ahead of you.  A lot of new writer’s believe that children’s books are easy to write.  Yes, children’s books are easier to write, for the most part, but that does not mean that children’s books are easier to get published.

The first step in getting a children’s book published is to write a great children’s book.  You will want to write a children’s book that kids can’t wait to read or a book that kids don’t want to put down.  This is most often the case with chapter books or books for young adults, but even picture books must be interesting and captivating.

One of the best ways to ensure that you write a good children’s book is by talking to kids in the age group that you intend to write for.  Are you a parent yourself?  If you are, speak to your kids.  What would like they to see in a book?  If you don’t have any kids, consider asking your younger relatives or the children of your friends.

Also, if you are a parent, you are at an advantage because there is a good chance that you have read stories to your children before.  What books did they find the most interesting?  Which books did you like to read to them the most?  Examine the themes and layouts of these books and consider making yours similar in nature.

After you have written a children’s book, your first thought may be to start approaching publishers right away.  This is a step is one that should wait.  First, it is important to proofread and edit your book.  Unfortunately, many new authors assume that this is a step that they do not have to take.  Many mistakenly believe that since children’s books are shorter in length that there is much less to edit.  The truth is that you should actually proofread and edit a children’s book more.  Since there are less words, publishers expect every word to be written perfectly.  If you must, hire the services of a professional editor.

Join a critique group.  Writer’s critique groups are easy to find and they have a number of benefits.  The best way to find a writer’s critique group is by using the internet.  You may be able to find online critique groups or information on local groups.  Depending on what you find, you may need to pay a small fee to join a critique group, but some out there do not require the payment of a membership fee.  When becoming a part of a writer’s critique group, you share your book with other group members and they will do the same.

Whether you use the services of a professional editor, join a writer’s group, or just let your friends or family read your book, it is important to take all advice into consideration.  Of course, this does not mean that you have to completely rewrite your book, but you will want to take all suggestions into consideration.  Your friends, editors that you pay, and other members of a writer’s critique group want to see you succeed, not fail.  This means that the advice that they do give you is likely useful and helpful; therefore, it should be taken into consideration.

