Becoming a published children’s writer doesn’t happen over night. Of course, for some lucky writers, all it takes is a good manuscript and a little bit of luck to get published. But that scenario is rare. Writing for children, like any writing genre, usually requires much more work to become successful – and it’s not just about writing.
In fact, most published children’s writers have spent plenty of time and effort doing non-writing tasks, right from the start. And many of those tasks actually helped them get published, which is one reason writers keep doing them. Plus, they’re a great way to learn and stay informed about writing for children.
Ready to start not writing? Below are five non-writing must dos for any aspiring children’s writer:
Read Stories and Articles for Kids
Not surprisingly, most good writers are also avid readers. That goes for children’s writers, too. Whether you choose the path of picture book writing or writing nonfiction articles for kids, it’s important to read similar published material – lots of it. Doing so helps give aspiring children’s writers a better grasp of what editors want.
More specifically, reading books and articles for kids helps writers learn the style of writing required for children. Word choices, rhythm, and sentence structure all matter to children’s editors. Through reading, writers can also gain insight into the types of topics kids like, proper book and article lengths, and other publishing trends.
Enroll in Formal Training for Children’s Writing
While it’s great to have a good story to tell, it’s another thing to be able to tell it properly. That’s where formal training comes in. Enrolling in a children’s writing class, online or on-site, is one way to get that training. Books on how to write for kids can be useful learning tools as well. So is attending a writer’s workshop or conference.
Classes, books, and conferences all provide writers with important information on what goes into becoming a children’s writer – from dealing with rejection to handling contracts to marketing. And while formal training may also involve some writing, it’s the non-writing part – listening, learning, asking questions, and getting feedback – that often benefits children’s writers the most.
Spend time in the Company of Kids
If you’re going to write for children, you must get to know your audience. The best way to do that is to spend time with kids. Many children’s writers have a built-in audience, with kids of their own. But for those who don’t, there are plenty of ways to spend time with children.
Volunteering is a good way to get to know kids. Many organizations look for adult volunteers to help with children’s activities, including schools, libraries, churches, museums, zoos, hospitals, and camps. Observing children in different settings, like at a playground or birthday party, is another way to get to know a young audience.
Network with Other Children’s Writers
Networking is work, but it’s also fun – and a good way to make contacts and even get published. Today’s social media makes networking easier than ever. Get a Facebook page if you don’t have one already and start making writing friends. Or, follow your favorite children’s authors on Twitter.
Not a fan of Facebook or Twitter? There are many other ways to network. Online, you can join a writing for children critique group, like Critique Café. You can also find a writer's group that meets in person (check with your local library for guidance) or start your own critique group. Finally, get a membership to a writing organization, such as SCBWI, and get involved with the local chapter.
Act the Part of a Children’s Writer
Many writers believe that they can’t call themselves writers until they’re published. Truth is, a writer becomes a writer once he or she starts writing. Giving yourself the title of children’s writer is empowering and will help validate your role. But along with a title, children’s writers must act the part. How?
Get into the mindset of a children’s writer. Set up an office, collect children’s writing reference books, plan out a writing schedule, set goals, subscribe to children’s writing newsletters, tell people about your craft, and do the other non-writing tasks listed above. Act like a children’s writer, and the writing will follow – and flow more naturally.
Becoming a children’s writer doesn’t just involve writing stories or articles for kids. The above non-writing tasks can help children’s writers get established, get noticed, and get published.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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