Step #1: Find out HOW to get started
We have several workshops aimed especially at giving you an overview of the children’s book industry. One for serious beginners is our Crash Course: Everything You Need to Know About Children’s Publishing.
Step #2: Explore the world of children’s books
The kidlit community is large, warm and welcoming. If you’re going to write for children, you should get involved:
- Join the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
- Befriend a children’s librarian, or haunt a children’s bookstore, and read, read, read. Find the books that you love, the stories that call to you.
- Attend an SCBWI conference.
- Follow your favorite authors, illustrators and publishers on social media. Follow us, too! @HighlightsFound on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Step #3: Work on the CRAFT of writing for children
- Sign up for one of our signature workshops: Summer Camp In Writing Fiction for Children & Teens, Summer Camp In Writing Nonfiction for Children & Teens and Summer Camp Intensive in Illustration. You’ll find keynotes, breakout sessions, camaraderie and a creative mentor to provide one-on-one support.
- Read some of the wonderful books about writing for children. There’s a great list here.
- Join a critique group.
- Learn how to revise! We offer several revision workshops each year.
- Bring your manuscript to one of our workshops and get a hands-on session with one of our mentors. We offer workshops for all levels on many subjects.
Step #4: Study the BUSINESS of getting published
- Follow some kidlit editors and agents on social media, to understand what they are looking for.
- Learn how to write an impressive query letter.
- Find out what the best submission practices are.
- Study the publishers who publish books for children.
Step #5: Send your stories out into the world
- Don’t send your work to a publisher before it’s ready–but don’t wait forever, either.
- Brace yourself for rejection–but keep writing, revising and submitting.
- Don’t forget to stay inspired and to keep the faith.
Ready? Go back to Step #1: Find out how to get started!
