I love reading storybooks to my kids that are informative and teach them valuable lessons about life, love, and caring for others. This has become a cherished ritual for me, stemming from my own love for storybooks as a child. Having read so many to my kids, I find that my mind is filled with various topics that I want to write about for children.
If you are also planning to become a children’s book author, I totally understand and support you! This is why today, I am going to tell you where you can start and what things you need to take care of.
Key Takeaways
- Select the theme and idea you want to go with for your children’s book.
- Write a simple and engaging manuscript using rhythm, repetition, and interesting dialogues.
- Edit your book until it reaches perfection and is ready to be published.
- Get an amazing illustrator who can astoundingly depict your story in delightful pictures.
- Pick from traditional or self-publishing, and later, market your book.
Your Journey of Becoming Children’s Book Author Simplified!
Decide for Which Age Group You Want to Write
Thinking carefully about the age group you’re writing for can really affect how well your book does. Different ages have different skills, interests, and challenges. For example, toddlers enjoy simple stories with bright pictures, while kids in middle school prefer more complex plots and characters they can relate to. Making sure your writing matches these preferences helps create a more enjoyable experience for your readers.
Find Your Story
Every great children’s book starts with an idea. Think about the stories that resonate with you and what message you want to share.
If you feel like your mind is empty, then you must consider these questions:
- What themes or lessons do you want to convey?
- Who is your target audience (toddlers, preschoolers, early readers)?
- What style of storytelling appeals to you (rhyming, adventure, educational)?
Draw inspiration from your own childhood, personal experiences, or even the children in your life. Keeping a journal of ideas can also help when brainstorming your first book as a children’s book author.
Write Your Manuscript
Once you have your idea, it’s time to start writing!
Children’s books are typically short, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to write. Focus on creating engaging, simple, and meaningful text that resonates with young readers.
Here are a few things that you must take care of when writing a manuscript:
1. Know the Word Count Range
Each children’s book category has its own word count. If you are writing for kids who are early readers or love picture books, then the word count should be 0–300 words, and if you are writing a short story for kids that also have pictures, then the word count can be 700 words.
2. Stick to One Main Idea
Don’t overload young readers with too many plots. One core message, one emotional journey, and one transformation are plenty.
3. Trim the Extra Information
Children’s books work best when they are simple. Every word needs to have a purpose. It’s important to cut out repeated ideas, long descriptions, and any dialogue that doesn’t help the story move forward.
4. Rhythm and Repetition
These elements make stories more enjoyable and easier to remember.
Lastly, I suggest reading your manuscript aloud. If it sounds natural and fun to read, kids will likely enjoy it, too!
Show, Don’t Tell: Use Illustrations
If you are becoming a children’s book author, one thing that you must understand is that kids absolutely love pictures.
Pictures aren’t just for looks in children’s books; they are very important. They help kids understand the story, grab their attention, and show feelings that words alone might not convey (this is precisely what show, don’t tell means.) Good illustrations can make a story exciting and help kids feel more connected to it. Hire affordable book illustration who don’t just draw cute pictures — they show emotion and enhance the story. Whether it’s a big moment or a character’s feeling, the illustration should speak what words can’t tell.
Get an Illustrator
A beautifully illustrated book captivates young readers and enhances their understanding of the story. But how do you find the right illustrator?
- Look for the one that matches your budget while maintaining high quality.
- Search for top book illustration services online to compare styles and pricing.
- Hire freelance illustrators. Many talented book illustrators for hire online can bring your story to life at a reasonable cost.
- Discuss with your illustrator how they approach sketches, revisions, and final artwork to ensure a smooth collaboration.
Finding the perfect illustrator is a key part of creating a book that stands out in the competitive children’s book market.
Edit and Refine
Once your manuscript is complete, take time to edit and revise it. You can self-edit your book and check it for clarity, flow, and consistency. Or, if you feel like you are unable to find or point out the mistakes, hire book editing services online. You can also get feedback from your trusted friends, colleagues, and family.
An important note: If your book doesn’t seem perfect at first and needs deep editing, don’t get upset at all. Every great book that becomes a bestseller goes through multiple drafts and editing rounds before it reaches perfection. And so will yours!
Choose Your Publishing Path
As a new children’s book author, you have two main publishing options:
Traditional Publishing
- Submit your manuscript to a publishing house.
- If accepted, they will handle illustration, printing, and marketing.
- This route takes time but offers credibility and wider distribution.
Self-Publishing
- Retain full creative control over your book.
- Choose print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Blurb.
- Handle your own marketing and distribution.
- Higher profit margins but requires more effort in promotion.
- Both options have pros and cons, so choose the path that aligns best with your goals.
Market Your Book
Writing a book is only half the journey. Marketing is essential to get your book into the hands of eager readers. Here are some effective strategies:
- Create your social media presence along with an engaging website. It will help you stay in touch with your audience and build a community.
- Use booktok, bloggers and influencers. Get reviews from people who have a strong following in the children’s book niche.
- Host book readings and signings. Schools, libraries, and bookstores are great places to introduce your book.
- Run promotions and giveaways. Free copies can generate buzz and increase word-of-mouth marketing.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a children’s book author is an exciting and fulfilling adventure. From brainstorming ideas to finding the right illustrator and publishing your book, every step is a learning experience.
Take your time and enjoy the process because those cute little munchkins are always ready for a fun story.
Happy writing!
FAQs
How can I send my manuscript to a publisher?
Research and figure out the publishers that fit in perfectly with the kids’ book genre. Get in touch with them using the email they must have given on their website. Most of them would require you to fill in a query form before you send your manuscript to them.
Where do I find a professional editor?
You can contact individuals who privately work as an editor or freelancer. You can also get in touch with online editing service providers and have your manuscript edited professionally.
How does book illustration work?
Book illustration involves teamwork between the author and the illustrator (or art director, if it’s a published book). After the story is finished, it’s divided into parts called “spreads” or scenes. The illustrator then makes rough drawings, which are checked for how everything looks, the flow of the story, and the characters’ expressions. Once everything is approved, they create the final colored pictures.
