Hey there, fellow aspiring authors! So, you’re dreaming of creating a magical children’s book that will captivate little hearts everywhere, right? Well, you’ve landed in the right place. Let me guide you through the fantastic journey of writing a children’s book with a template that makes the process easier and fun. Stick around because I’ve got tips, tricks, and some friendly advice for you.
1. Know Your Audience
First things first, who are you writing for? Understanding the age group you’re targeting is crucial. Are you crafting a picture book for toddlers or a middle-grade story for more advanced readers? Knowing your audience helps shape the language, themes, and content of your manuscript.
- Babies and toddlers: Board books and picture books
- 5-7 years: Early readers
- 7-10 years: Chapter books
- 8-12 years: Middle grade
- 12-18 years: YA
- 18-25 years: New Adult
- 18+ years: Adult
Each age group has distinct preferences and cognitive abilities, BUT please keep in mind these are not written in stone, and obviously every reader is different, so tailor your story accordingly. If you need more insights into writing for various age groups, check out this resource.
2. Develop Your Story Idea
Coming up with a story idea can be the toughest part. Don’t overthink it! Start by asking yourself:
- Who’s the main character?
- What does the MC want?
- What’s the central conflict or goal?
- What’s the moral or message? (Don’t forget to leave the lectures OUT!)
Remember, kids love stories that are funny, adventurous, or full of wonder. If it makes you excited, it will likely captivate children too!
3. Create Memorable Characters
Kids love relatable and fun characters. Whether it’s a curious cat or a brave young explorer, your characters should drive the story. Give them distinct personalities, voices, and relatable challenges. Think of new classics like the monotone yet menacing bear in I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, or the new emotional Humpty Dumpty in After the Fall, by Dan Santat.
4. Outline Your Plot
With your characters and central conflict in mind, it’s time to outline your plot. Here’s a quick template to get you started:
- Introduction: Set the scene and introduce your hero.
- Inciting Incident: Present the problem or adventure.
- Rising Action: Build tension with obstacles and challenges.
- Climax: The big moment where everything changes.
- Resolution: Tie up loose ends and reveal the moral. (No lectures, though!)
If detailed plot structure is what you need, go to your local bookshop and ask to see the most recent bestsellers. Look at them as mentor texts. Some writers even retype the text to see how it’s rolling out.
5. Write with Simplicity
Remember, less is more. Use simple language and short sentences, especially for younger readers. Rhymes and repetitions can be fun and engaging, but make sure they serve the story and you actually know how to rhyme (it’s not just cat/hat/bat/sat).
6. Plan Your Layout
Children’s books are as much about the visuals as they are about the words. Plan page turns to build suspense and keep descriptions vivid but concise. Unless you’re a professional illustrator, remember, the job of the editor is to find the perfect match between your manuscript and the art.
FAQs
Q: How long should a children’s book be?
A: It depends on your target age group. Picture books are typically 500 words (longer for nonfiction), while middle-grade novels can range from 20,000 to 50,000 words.
Q: What if I can’t illustrate?
A: No sweat! As I said above, that’s the editor’s job. If you want to self-publish, you’ll need to hire someone, and if they’re good, it will be costly (remember the adage, you get what you pay for? That.) You can find artists through writing forums or by contacting agencies and artist reps.
Q: How do I get my book published?
A: Once you’re happy with your manuscript, consider attending conferences like the ones SCBWI has or better yet, Picture Book Summit, since you won’t even have to leave home! (Full disclosure, I’m one of the cofounders.) You’ll get submitting opportunities and will be able to send to agents and publishers specializing in children’s literature. Alternatively, self-publishing is a viable option today.
Remember, writing a children’s book is a journey full of creativity and joy. Stay true to your vision, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our community if you need a helping hand. Happy writing!
