So You Want To Write for Children...

How wonderful that you want to write for kids! I will support you in this endeavor, but first I must share the hard truth. The last thing I’d like to do is mislead you to think that this path is easy! I started working on children’s books in 2010. My first book deal was in 2018. My story is not an outlier - there are so many writers, incredible writers with brilliant ideas, that haven’t found their first “yes” yet, after years and years of trying.

Still interested? Great!

Here’s what worked for me:

• READ! It is important to read what is currently selling, trends, etc.

• I joined SCBWI and 12X12. I’ve learned so much about writing and this industry through these organizations.

• Schedule a time of the day/week/month and sit down and write. I like to set timers.

• Find a critique partner/group: find someone that believes in your work and “gets it.” You need support in this business. I owe so much of my growth and success to my writing partners and groups.

• I attended in-person/online classes at The Writing Barn. Bethany and the Writing Barn community are awesome!

• Embrace rejection. This industry is so competitive!

Here’s another great article for beginning writers. Cynsations is a wonderful resource.

At some point, shortly before I found my agent, I decided that if publishing never happened for me, I would still write. I write because it fulfills me creatively.

I sincerely hope this information is helpful! Ask me any questions below. The best of luck to you, my friend!

Writer friends: What advice would you give to yourself as a beginning writer? What are your favorite resources?