Many newcomers to the field of children’s writing begin their careers without much guidance. They write a story or article that they think kids will love, submit it, and – in most cases – receive a rejection slip in the mail a few months later, often without explanation.
That’s when the serious newbies decide to seek help. Although there are many courses on how to write for children, taking a class doesn't fit into everyone's schedule or budget. Books on writing for kids, on the other hand, are convenient learning tools and available at a fraction of the cost of a class.
Plus, books are filled with all kinds of information on everything from how to write a short story for the earliest ages to producing a series of teen novels. But can you really learn the craft of writing for kids by reading a book? It all depends on the writer – and the book.
What Books on Writing for Children Will and Won't Provide
If you’re planning to begin your learning experience with a book, keep your expectations in perspective. Books that teach children’s writing serve as guides. They offer tips on writing technique and style, how to get published, and what it takes to become a successful children’s writer.
But while children’s writing books can be a good starting point for learning the craft of writing for kids, books won’t provide everything an aspiring writer needs, like feedback from an instructor or critique group. And even those titles that cover all aspects of children's writing might not answer every question a new writer has. Further, much of learning how to write for kids - like getting to know children, reading published children's books, and submitting and resubmitting material - comes from experience.
Still, books on writing for children can be invaluable to new writers who use them to gather advice, learn the business, and, most importantly, get started writing. Fortunately, there are some excellent books available that deliver the goods. Below is a list of books on writing for kids that continue to earn high accolades:
Recommended Books on How to Write for Kids
- Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books, 3rd Edition, by Harold Underdown (Alpha, ISBN 978-1-59257-750-7). Specifically designed for beginners, Underdown's book offers more than tips on learning to write books for kids. Topics like self-publishing, illustrating children's books, the role of agents, and do-it-yourself publicity are all discussed here - and by a well-respected children's book editor. Kindle edition available.
- You Can Write Children’s Books, 2nd Edition, by Tracy Dils (Writer's Digest Books, ISBN 978-1-58297-573-3). In this recently updated edition, children's book author Dils gives clear advice and useful exercises for beginning children's writers. There are separate chapters for the different categories of children's books plus chapters devoted to polishing a manuscript and finding a publisher. Kindle edition available.
- Writing Children’s Books for Dummies, by Lisa Rojany Buccieri and Peter Economy (For Dummies/John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-7645-3728-8). Divided into seven parts, this book covers everything from the basics of writing for children, including descriptions of children's writing genres and book formats, to promoting a children's book. The book is written in an easy-to-read style and answers questions that both beginning and seasoned writers might have. Kindle edition available.
- Writing for Children and Teenagers, 3rd Edition, by Lee Wyndham (Writer's Digest Books, ISBN 0-89879-347-5). Wyndham give practical guidance on all aspects of children's writing, including writing for children's magazines, creating good book characters, understanding contracts, handling rejection, and writing plays for kids. A well-organized book that serves as a good learning tool and reference for children's writers.
- Picture Writing: A New Approach to Writing for Kids and Teens, by Anastasia Suen (Writer's Digest Books, ISBN 1-58297-072-6). A useful guide for anyone interested in writing picture-oriented material for kids - fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The book includes many helpful appendices, like market resources, preparing a manuscript, and children's book review magazines. Suen is a picture book writing teacher and author of over 100 books for children and adults.
- Writing Fiction for Children: Stories Only You Can Tell, by Judy Morris (University of Illinois Press, ISBN 0-252-02686-1). The book gives practical advice on how to write stories for kids, with an emphasis on structure, characters, setting, theme, and storytelling technique. The best part about the book, according to Newbery Honor Book winner Jane Leslie Conly, is its exercises: "They will help both novices and seasoned authors gain insight and move forward with their writing."
- Nonfiction for Children: How to Write It, How to Sell It, by Ellen E.M Roberts (Writer's Digest Books, ISBN 0-898-79238-X). An oldie but goodie, Roberts' book gives readers tips on writing nonfiction for five distinct age groups. Other topics include gathering ideas, research, organizing thoughts, choosing illustrations, and finding a publisher. A useful guide for anyone pursuing the nonfiction side of children's writing.
Although there are many ways to learn how to write for children, finding a helpful instructional book is a good way to begin. Any of the above books will make a valuable addition to a children’s writer’s bookshelf.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
Join the Conversation