- Write! Most people like the idea of being writers. I successfully avoided actually writing for years by reading about it. What's stopping you?
- Join SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). They'll teach you everything you need to know through their handouts, newsletters, and conferences.
- Get a copy of the most current Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market. It's updated each year by its editor Alice Pope. Note other resources below.
- Go to conferences, sign up for manuscript critiques, but have a thick skin about it. You don't really want to hear it's perfect, do you?
- Join or start a writing group. I've been writing with my group for seven years.
- Expect Rejection. Celebrate those rejection letters!
About agents. It's often harder to get an agent than it is to get published - at least a good children's writer's agent. They only represent books they think are exceptional. Finding an agent is not one of your first steps.
About illustrators. You don't find your own. That's the editor's job. You probably won't get published if you send in a manuscript that your sister-in-law illustrated for you. Editors have contacts. It's a process that works.
Good luck, and
keep writing!
RESOURCES FOR WRITING FOR CHILDREN
I collect writing books. I'm anxious to learn all I can. The books listed below
are a fraction of what you'd find on my shelves. These may or may not be the "best" of
my collection, but they're ones that have had a tangible effect on my writing
life.
Allen, Roberta. The Playful Way to Serious Writing. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, 2002. Definitely playful. My students love this book, but if you need a boost to get going, this one may help.
Baldwin, Christina. One to One: Self-Understanding Through Journal Writing. M. Evans & Co, 1992. Christina Baldwin was my mentor long before I knew her. The first edition of this book got me writing.
Bang, Molly. Picture This: How Pictures Work. Sea Star Books, New York, 2000. For picture book writers and readers of all ages.
Cameron, Julie. The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. J.P. Tarcher, 2002. You've probably heard someone talk about this book. It has changed many lives.
Goldberg, Natalie. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within. Shambhala, 1986. Does the blank page frighten you? This book was a pivotal influence in my teaching and writing.
Karl, Jean E. How to Write and Sell Children's Picture Books. Karl was an icon in the world of children's books. Her information is thorough and accurate.
Lamb, Nancy. The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children. Writer's Digest Books, F&W Publications, Cincinnati, 2001. This one has just the right amount of general information and sophistication to make it right for almost everyone.
Lamott, Ann. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Anchor Books, Doubleday, New York, 1995. Clever, fun, and instructive. This one will get you writing.
Oliver, Mary. A Poetry Handbook. Harcourt Brace and Company, New York, 1994. Though not written specifically for children's writers, this one is for those of you who are poets at heart.
Shulevitz, Uri. Writing With Pictures. 1997. I've heard many illustrators call this their bible, but there's plenty for authors to learn here, too.
Suen, Anastasia. Picture Writing. Writer's Digest Books, 2003. This book resonated with me from the first chapter.
Underdown, Harold D. and Lynne Rominger. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books. Alpha Books, 2001. This guide has it all - children's book industry information, writing tips, publishing advice.
