The children’s book market is as crowded as a library shelf. [Photo] ProjectManhattan/Wikimedia Commons
I’ve never had a children’s book published, or even written one. That doesn’t stop writers who are looking for advice on getting their children’s books published from contacting me.
What I know about getting a children’s book published is that it’s not much different than getting any other book published, with one caveat: It’s a lot harder.
The reason it’s a lot harder is that people think it’s easy to write one. There are a couple hundred words in a children’s book, versus tens of thousands of words in an adult novel or work of nonfiction. Books written for adults require a lot of research, too.
Since people think children’s books are easy to write, a lot of people write them. This means that children’s book publishers are overwhelmed with submissions – letters of inquiry, book proposals, and manuscripts – and most of them are not good. It also means there are a lot of good ones, too, so there is a lot of competition.
Children’s books are hard to write because every single word counts.
That’s true for any book, but because there are so few words in a children’s book, it’s even more true. If one of my books has 85,000 words and 8,000 sentences, I can bury a few bad sentences here and there, and most people won’t notice. In a children’s book, if you have even one bad sentence, people will notice. If there are only ten sentences in the whole book and one of them is bad, then 10% of your book is bad.
If you see a children’s book written by someone who is not a writer, say, a famous actor or singer, do not assume the person – in addition to their celebrity – is a talented writer. People with that kind of money hire other people to help them write books, and get them published. They may have the original idea, and it may be a wonderful idea, but writing is harder than you think, and often times the easier a book is to read, the harder it was to write. Good writers know how to make writing that’s easy to read, and celebrities can afford to hire the best writers to help them write their books.
Publishers like to publish books “written” by famous people, because (a) the celebrity worked with a really good writer, and probably an illustrator, too, to get the words and illustrations just right, and (b) they don’t have to worry so much about marketing the book, because the celebrity will do it for them. I applaud anyone who writes a book, no matter how they got it done, but I think this practice gives the general public the impression that anyone can write a children’s book, when that is just not true. Sometimes it takes hours to write one sentence. This has nothing to do with “writer’s block,” which is a whole different thing. It just takes that long, sometimes, to get a sentence exactly right.
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When anyone asks me for advice, I am happy to provide it. I may not be an expert and I let them know that, but I am happy to provide them with the information I do have. So when I get an email or a letter from someone who wants advice about writing or getting published, I always reply.
It takes a while to write a letter, so from now on I’m going to post them here on my blog. That way, the next time someone asks me for advice on how to get their children’s book published, I can point them here. This will save me a lot of time, so I can get some writing done.
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Hi Andrew,
I read your letter of inquiry and book manuscripts. I really liked the books. The stories are fun and I can see how a kid would enjoy reading them. I also liked the fact that you included some information about yourself in the letter. Rather than edit them, I’m going to give you some advice. The reason I don’t want to edit them is because there is not enough to edit. A publisher is going to want a lot more information.
First, here are some things you should know about the publishing industry.
Here is my advice.
My first book proposal was 13 pages long and included a lot of information, because that’s what the publisher wanted to see before they would even look at a manuscript. I’m telling you all this because I know how hard it is to get a book contract. It took me a long time. I will tell you that if you send a generic letter of inquiry without “doing your homework” about the specific publisher you are targeting, your work will not get read. If you send them a bulleted list of the manuscript, they will not read it. That’s just how it is.
Start with the letter and manuscripts you have prepared, but then follow my directions. You can buy a Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market on Amazon for about $20. I have several of them (they have different versions) and they are invaluable! In addition to the listings, they include a lot of great information about the market, getting an agent, and getting published.
Also, think about joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. They have local chapters, and there’s one in your area.
I have a sister who has been trying to get a children’s book published for a couple of years, and she said the information she received from her local chapter has been very helpful. I don’t trust advertising for groups like this, but I trust my sister, and if she says it’s worthwhile I believe her.
After you do all of the above, and you have the right information for a specific publisher, written up in the proper format, and you would like me to look at it, feel free to send it on. I love to see new authors get published, but I also know how difficult it is. You have to do every single thing the publisher’s way, or your manuscript will not be read, no matter how good it is.
Good luck.
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Publishing a children’s book in today’s extremely competitive market can be tough.
And because most such books require four-color illustrations, they are also the most expensive to print — though most publishers have this done overseas.
You might think it’s easier to write children’s books because they’re shorter than adult novels. Well, they might not take quite as long to write, but they’re no easier.
You must limit your word count and your vocabulary without appearing to condescend, and you must engage both the adults who buy such books as well as the kids clamoring to hear or read them.
No easy task, but it CAN be done.
Book sales overall were strong in 2021, growing 8.9% over 2020.
The market for children’s books grew even faster.
Backlist sales — in other words, books from previous publishing seasons — are especially strong in children’s genres. Publishers look for series of such titles, because if parents and kids love one of your books, they’ll likely want more.
Children are loyal readers. Win a place in their hearts and minds, and fan mail will prove the best reward of all.
If you want to write for kids because you think it’s a quick way to make money, you may find yourself sorely disappointed.
But children’s book writing may be just the thing for you if you’re:
Skill in writing for adults doesn’t necessarily translate into the children’s market.
Besides limiting your vocabulary and sentence length, it’s challenging to tell a story in 200, 700, or even 1,000 words.
A great kid’s book will:
Still interested and wondering where you start?
For all types, protagonists are generally 1-2 years older than the readers. Young readers tend to enjoy reading “up” and imagining themselves as their heroes soon.
Board (heavy cardboard) books are read-to books for babies and toddlers. Illustrations do most of the work.
Board books: Ages 0 to 3, up to 200 words
Early picture books: Ages 3 to 5, 200 to 500 words
Examples
These contain fewer pictures and more words. Series are popular.
Picture books: Ages 5 to 7, 500 to 800 words
Older picture books: Ages 7 to 8, 600 to 2000 words
Examples
Written for kids ages 7 to 10, chapter books carry 3,000-10,000 words but are still quick reads. These have even fewer pictures, usually black-and-white sketches rather than four-color illustrations.
Examples
Kids ages 9 through 12 read books of from 30,000 to 50,000 words. There could still be some pictures, especially for the chapter headings.
Examples
Word counts are important in children’s books, unless you’re J.K. Rowling. Her Middle Grade Harry Potter novels range to over 150,000 words and have become the bestselling books in history.
You must know and understand kids of the age you’re writing to — no guessing.
You also need to know what their parents are looking for.
Get to know your readers and their parents by:
Become familiar with the conventions and expectations and learn what works and what doesn’t.
Remember that your primary goal is entertainment — the moral lesson is a bonus.
Talk to teachers, friends, and family. Kids are loyal and will be happy to tell you the books they love.
Notice the themes, authors, and publishers on the shelves. See what kids gravitate toward and why. Come to understand the market.
Have fun choosing your children’s book idea. Kids have great imaginations, so let yours soar.
Inspire them. Embrace silliness. Be outlandish.
Imagine your readers gasping, giggling, or even squealing.
Focus on universal themes both parents and kids love, including family, friendship, bravery, open-mindedness, and kindness.
Add your own twists to traditional stories, like:
You can also write or adapt nonfiction for younger readers:
Consider:
If you’re not sure, ask them!
A simple Google or Amazon search will show books similar to your ideas. How will your book be different or better because it’s uniquely yours?
Find a unique angle — a twist, a surprise ending, a different point of view.
The best stories feature an unforgettable character with an extraordinary arc.
Such characters aren’t perfect, but the most memorable characters develop skills, strength, and wisdom that change them and let them achieve their goals.
Your character’s arc is the transformation he experiences throughout the story. The more challenges he faces, the more memorable your story can be. Those challenges could be internal, for example, learning to be brave or confident, or external — sometimes even life and death.
Perhaps your main character believes, like Charles Dickens’s Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, that money is more valuable than love — then learns the truth. Or maybe he learns to become as confident as The Little Engine That Could.
Examples:
The right character development, in spite of challenges and flaws, can result in timeless role models.
Kids, parents, and publishers love series, so it’s to your benefit if you can write one.
Don’t skimp on plot just because your book is short. Build tension and excitement to keep readers turning pages (even if they’re made of cardboard).
Avoid patronizing or talking down to kids. You’ll lose readers if they can’t relate to your story or feel you don’t understand them.
Develop your own voice. Read your book out loud and listen carefully. Does the story flow? Does the dialogue ring true? Does it hold your interest?
Even books written for older children may be read aloud in libraries or classrooms.
Use a grammar checker like the Hemingway App to gauge reading level.
Picture books average 28 pages, so you’ll create a book dummy — a 32-page book in which you’ll sketch out your scenes, text, cover, copyright page, and end matter.
That way you’ll make sure the book works visually and that the story flows.
If you’re writing middle grade, your process will be closer to writing a full-length novel.
What’s the same?
You’ll still need to push through and finish.
You’ll still need to schedule writing time, become accountable, set a firm deadline, and eliminate distractions.
Poetry involves more than simply rhyming the ends of each line. You must not be derivative, and avoid lazy rhymes by also considering meter, rhythm, and pacing.
Children’s books are short, so skip the backstory. Notice how successful books in your category start. Make sure your story begins immediately.
Your main character needs a realistic external or internal challenge without a quick fix. Is he solving a mystery? Learning bravery or developing confidence?
Your hero needs to fail, get back up, and try again — and more than once. Have him face several obstacles and finally succeed at something that matters.
Repetition is critical in children’s books, especially for the youngest readers. It’s how they learn. That’s one of the reasons kids ask for the same book over and over.
You can repeat a word or phrase (like Dr. Seuss) or a situation. Repetition reinforces memorability.
Many aspiring authors never complete their first draft because they allow distractions or self-doubt to get in the way. On your first pass through, just get the story down. THEN polish it to your heart’s content.
Learn to self-edit. Subsequent run-throughs will polish your book, adding detail, humor, and fixing mistakes. Work at it until you’re happy with every word.
Successful children’s books rely on great visuals, so don’t limit your hero to one boring room. Put him in the great outdoors, take him to other planets, other landscapes.
Work toward a satisfying conclusion and tie up loose ends, giving it the time it deserves. Show your main character arc — how much he has grown or learned since the beginning of the story.
Your title will be a major marketing tool for your book and may go through several iterations. In the end, the title is the publisher’s responsibility, but you need the best one you can think of to get their attention in the first place. Brainstorm countless possibilities.
Get feedback from both kids and adults. Are kids curious and excited to read it? Would adults buy it?
Once you’ve completed your self-edit, you’ll want people’s reactions. Obviously, you want to test your book on people you trust to not broadcast your project or be tempted to claim it as their own. If you can get someone in the publishing business to take a quick peek, great, but otherwise you’re looking for typical buyers who have kids the right age to read it to and gauge their reactions.
Consider joining a critique group where you can bounce your work off fellow writers.
Research social media groups of children’s book authors you might want to join.
Once you’re published, professional organizations you may want to check out include the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Children’s Literature Association.
Finding an agent is your best chance of selling your manuscript to a publisher. Do your research so you’re querying ones who specialize in this genre.
Agents receive thousands of queries and proposals every year, so it can be tough to find one. But the time and effort can pay off if you impress one.
Start with a query letter.
Self-publishing, especially a four-color children’s book, can be a VERY expensive proposition. So first, exhaust all your efforts to traditionally publish — where they pay you and take ALL the financial risk, not the other way around.
You don’t need illustrations before you approach agents or publishers — simply explain the illustrations in brackets or sketch stick figures. Publishers hire their own illustrators.
If you’re also an artist, include illustrations for your book. Publishers love discovering strong writer/illustrators.
If you self-publish, finding an illustrator is the most important step and likely the most expensive.
Good illustrators can be booked out several months. Determine who will retain rights.
A good illustrator will help you choose the right type font and size and will know how to design and manage page breaks.
You can find illustrators on Fiverr, Upwork, The Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators, and Illustration Web.
Expect to spend thousands for illustrations.
What could be more rewarding than inspiring the next generation?
hat’s your big idea?
What’s your unique angle?
Strive to make your dream reality!
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