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The Basics of Writing for Children

By Aaron Shepard

Excerpted and adapted from the booklet The Business of Writing for Children, Second Edition, by Aaron Shepard, Shepard Publications, 1997. Copyright (c) 1991-2003 by Aaron Shepard. May be freely copied and shared for any educational, noncommercial purpose. This and other children's writer materials can be found on the World Wide Web on Aaron Shepard's Kidwriter Page.

Aaron Shepard
AS@aaronshep.com
www.aaronshep.com

About This Guide

Let me begin with a word of caution to the reader. If you're thinking of taking up children's writing as a lark or as an easy way to make money, my advice is: Forget it.

True, there are always those beginning writers who whip out a children's story, sell it to a publisher on the first try, and wind up with a successful book. But for most of us, entering the profession takes years of practice, self-education, and not a little frustration. And there's more of that after we're published.

But if you're serious about the field, this guide should significantly shorten and simplify your professional development. Though not intended as comprehensive, it lays out the basics and provides tips and strategies not commonly found elsewhere.

The guide is based on handouts developed for my workshops and classes on writing for children. Reflecting my main area of expertise, the emphasis is on writing texts for fiction picture books and on marketing them to major U.S. book publishers. Much of the information, though, will apply to other areas of children's writing as well.

I hope this guide helps in your professional and/or personal growth. Good luck, and don't forget to have fun!

Aaron Shepard

 
Aaron Shepard
AS@aaronshep.com
www.aaronshep.com
 

Contents

  1. Categories
  2. Successful Story Elements
  3. Submitting Your Manuscript
  4. Negotiating Your Contract
  5. The Publishing Process
  6. Your Writing Career

 

 

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