So you want to write a children’s book? That’s fantastic! There’s something truly magical about creating stories that light up young faces and maybe even become a cherished bedtime favorite. I know it might feel a bit daunting at first – after all, you’re not just writing a story, you’re crafting memories that could stick with kids for years to come. No pressure, right?
But here’s the thing – while writing for kids definitely requires some special sauce (and we’ll get to all of that), it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do as a writer. Just imagine a child giggling at your funny character or a parent telling you their kid insists on reading your book every single night. Pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Whether you’re dreaming about crafting a cozy picture book that’ll have toddlers pointing at every page, plotting an adventure that’ll get early readers hooked on reading, or developing a deeper story that’ll resonate with middle-grade kids, I’ve got your back. Think of this guide as your friendly writing companion – you know, like having a chat with someone who’s been there and can help you dodge the common pitfalls while keeping your creative spirit soaring.
And don’t worry if you’ve never written for kids before, or if you’re completely new to writing altogether. We’re going to break this whole process down into bite-sized pieces that make sense. Plus, I’ll share some insider tips and tricks that’ll help you create something truly special.
Ready to jump in and start bringing your story to life? Let’s do this! I promise it’ll be fun, and who knows? Your book might just become some lucky kid’s absolute favorite.
1. Idea Generation
Before you can write a children’s book, you need a captivating idea. Think about what makes children laugh, dream, and wonder. Focus on relatable themes like friendship, problem-solving, or adventure, and don’t shy away from incorporating imaginative twists. Research the current market to find opportunities for unique stories that fill gaps in popular genres.
- Define the age group of your target audience (e.g., board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade, etc.).
- Brainstorm relatable themes (e.g., friendship, overcoming fears, adventure, learning values).
- Research existing children’s books to identify gaps or unique opportunities.
- Consider adding an educational or moral lesson.
- Ensure the story idea is imaginative and engaging for children.
- Perform a competitive analysis of the top children’s books in your theme or genre. Read all of the reviews to see what real readers are saying about the books. Buy the books and read them!
2. Planning Your Story
A successful children’s book has a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Planning your story ensures that it stays focused and engaging. Create a protagonist with a compelling goal or problem, and map out how the story will unfold in a way that captivates young readers. This is your chance to build the foundation for a story that resonates with children.
- Develop a clear and simple plot suitable for the age group.
- Create a memorable main character that children will connect with.
- Outline the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
- Add conflict or a problem the protagonist must solve.
- Include a satisfying resolution with a positive or meaningful takeaway.
- Decide if the book will rhyme (if so, ensure it’s natural and not forced).
3. Writing the Manuscript
Writing a children’s book requires clarity, simplicity, and creativity. Use language that’s appropriate for your target age group, and keep the word count within the standard range for your book type. Whether you’re using rhyme, repetition, or descriptive storytelling, make every word count. Remember, less is often more when it comes to children’s literature.
- Use language appropriate for the target age group (refer back to the competitive analysis you did and the books you bought!).
- Limit word count based on the type of children’s book:
- Board books: ~300 words
- Picture books: ~500-700 words
- Early readers: ~1,000-2,500 words
- Middle grade: ~20,000-50,000 words
- Incorporate repetition, rhyme, or rhythm to make the story engaging.
- Include dialogue to bring characters to life.
- Use vivid and descriptive language to spark imagination.
- Keep the tone light, fun, or age-appropriate for the theme.
- Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon.
4. Developing Characters
Children’s books thrive on memorable characters. Whether it’s a quirky animal, a brave child, or a magical creature, your characters should be relatable and age-appropriate. Give them clear goals, distinct personalities, and challenges that help them grow. A well-crafted character will stay in the minds of young readers long after the last page.
- Create relatable, age-appropriate characters.
- Give the protagonist a clear goal or desire.
- Ensure supporting characters enhance the story and avoid cluttering the plot.
- Include diversity to reflect the world and appeal to a wide audience.
5. Structuring the Book
Children’s books are as much about visuals as they are about words. Plan your story with illustrations in mind and divide it into manageable pages. Each spread should convey a new part of the story while keeping a balance between text and visuals. Remember, picture books are often 32 pages, so make every page count.
- Write with illustrations in mind, leaving space for visuals to tell part of the story.
- Divide the text into pages (typical picture books have 32 pages).
- Ensure a balance between text and visuals on each page.
- End with a memorable conclusion or call to action (e.g., a moral or fun twist).
6. Editing and Feedback
Your first draft is just the beginning. Revise your manuscript to ensure it flows smoothly, uses age-appropriate language, and maintains consistency. Reading it aloud can help you catch any awkward phrasing. Seek feedback from beta readers, especially parents and teachers, to ensure your story appeals to its target audience.
- Revise the manuscript for grammar, flow, and age-appropriateness.
- Read it aloud to ensure it sounds natural and engaging.
- Get feedback from beta readers, ideally parents, teachers, or children.
- Hire a professional editor familiar with children’s literature.
7. Illustrations
- Decide whether to illustrate the book yourself or hire an illustrator.
- If hiring, create a brief with clear instructions and ideas for visuals.
- If you’re open to AI (don’t get upset! It’s just a suggestion!), Katharyne Shelton has an amazing free (or, “pay what you want”) course right here.
- Ensure the illustrations are colorful, eye-catching, and match the tone of the story.
8. Formatting and Design
- Choose the book dimensions and layout based on the type of book.
- Format the text to complement illustrations (e.g., placement, font size, readability).
- Use a professional design tool or hire a designer for the final layout.
9. Publishing Options
- Decide between traditional publishing or self-publishing.
- If self-publishing:
- Research platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Lulu.
- Ensure the book meets platform requirements for print and digital formats.
- If traditionally publishing:
- Write a query letter and submit to literary agents or publishers specializing in children’s books.
10. Marketing and Promotion
- Create an engaging author website or landing page.
- Use social media to connect with parents, teachers, and readers.
- Reach out to schools, libraries, and local bookstores for book readings.
- Build a mailing list for updates and promotions.
- Use Amazon Advertising or other platforms to boost visibility.
- Enter the book into children’s book awards or contests.
11. Post-Publication
- Gather reviews from readers, educators, and parents.
- Engage with your audience through author events, Q&A sessions, or giveaways.
- Plan sequels or related projects if the book is part of a series.