Writing a children’s book is the best you can creatively connect with your children and help them grow into educated adults. Things can get difficult if you have never written anything for kids before. However, the twelve tips mentioned below will make it easier to write an amazing children’s book that kids love reading – let’s explore.
1. Get Help from Professionals
Trying to hit the bullseye when writing a children’s book for the first time is a superficial goal. Remember that you cannot write a book that kids love to read simply by putting your heart into it.
You will need help from established writers, editors, and publishing professionals who have proven experience developing children’s books. For example, you can get help from children’s book proofreaders to resolve the mistakes in your manuscript.
You don’t need to spend hours and hours in your local library hoping to find writing professionals. It’s better to find reliable professionals if you turn to digital channels.
2. Identify Your Target Audience
Kids can be divided into three age groups:
- Young children who are between 2 and 6 years of age.
- Middle-grade children who are between 8 and 11 years of age.
- Young adults who are 12 years of age or older.
You need to identify the age group of kids you are writing for before you write a single word on paper or type your first sentence on your laptop. Keep in mind that the comprehension levels of children’s different age groups are completely different.
Instead of writing a book that simultaneously appeals to all age groups of kids, you should try being specific and focusing on one group as a writer.
3. Invest More Time in Reading
Becoming a good children’s writer isn’t something that can occur overnight. If you want to write a book that resonates with kids and wants recognition as a good children’s writer, you need to read critically-acclaimed children’s books.
Being mindful of the writing strategies that help other writers produce amazing children’s books will allow you to be more creative and save time.
You don’t need to read children’s books 24/7 to learn how to write a good book for children. It’s better to set some time aside from your daily routine, which you will invest only in reading.
4. Pick the Underlying Theme
You don’t necessarily have to write fairy tales when writing a book for children. Instead of relying on the myths and supernatural, you need to explore the topics that intrigue young minds. Building a connection with young readers will allow you to write a book that speaks for itself.
Ensure that your story’s protagonist is relevant to the young readers. The theme you choose should be intriguing and exciting for kids and convince them to read your book from start to end. Avoid choosing mundane themes that will not resonate with your readers.
5. Keep Your Story Engaging and Fun
You don’t have to showcase your vast vocabulary and understanding of English when writing a book for kids. Instead of being a “showoff,” you must keep your story simple yet engaging for young readers.
Developing a sweet, persuasive story will ensure that kids love to read every single word you have jotted down in your book. As mentioned above, you can read famous children’s books to understand how you should weave a story for kids.
6. Don’t Ignore Your Writer’s Voice
Reading famous books for kids doesn’t mean you have to impersonate other writers. Trying to mimic the writer’s voice and delivery of some other writer will limit your creativity and force you to write something you don’t want to.
You need to be specific about your writing voice and let your creativity flow during the writing process.
7. Develop Unforgettable Characters
Your story will only interest kids if you come up with characters they’ve never met before. As a writer, you need to put all your time and effort into developing characters that are new for kids and leave them amazed.
You need to be a keen observer of how kids interact with stories and what piques their interest. If possible, you can explore kids’ psychology to better understand them and develop interesting characters.
8. Get Rid Of All the Distractions
Being distracted with things that don’t matter the most will not allow you to focus on writing an amazing children’s book. Whenever you sit down to research or start writing, you need to ensure that unwanted things don’t make you forget about your dream – the desire to write a book kids love to read.
9. Write Your First Draft
As a newbie writer, it will not be fruitful to think that you can write an amazing children’s book on the first go. You need to accept your flaws and try letting your creativity flow so you can write more creatively.
Your first draft is hardly going to be according to your expectations. Instead of stopping midway, you should convince yourself to finish your first draft so you can keep writing.
10. Find a Great Illustrator
Visual elements can make children’s books more engaging. Instead of forcing kids to read blocks of text, you must divide different chapters by persuasive artwork. You don’t have to draw illustrations; try coming up with the book cover yourself. It’s better to get help from an illustrator who can help you with all the illustrations.
11. Don’t Forget About Your Health
Thinking about writing a great children’s book 24/7 is not going to help you write a book faster. Instead of feeling stressed and agitated all the time, you should set some time aside for yourself, so you can focus on your health and keep your body in check.
12. Understand the Publication Process
The publication process is not as simple as many writers think. To ensure that you can get your children’s book published easily, you must spend some time understanding the publication process. It’s better to check guides about the publication process online if you don’t have a publication professional in your network.