Frequently Asked Questions
about Writing Books for Children
Do you need a college degree to write for children?
Absolutely, not! But it sure is a good idea to learn as much about writing and publishing as you can.
How did you find the illustrators for your books? |
I didn't. Finding the illustrators for books is the editor's job. Publishing companies have art directors that assist them with this.
But I'm an illustrator as well as a writer and want to illustrate my own book. Isn't that ok?
Sure if you're professional. If you understand layout, gutters, and other stuff that I only know a little bit about. However, I have friends who are writers and illustrators. They don't illustrate everything they write. They don't do illustrations for the whole book before it is accepted. They might submit one finished illustration, sketches for the rest, or a dummy. However, they usually indicate they are willing to sell the text alone. Most publishers want to match up a new author with an experienced illustrator.
Can you recommend a publisher for my book?
No, sorry. I have enough work to do finding homes for my own material. ;-)
But how then do I find a publisher?
Get a children's writer's market book. Look at the books you like (this means you're reading children's books--recent children's books) and see who publishes them. Attend conferences and workshops. Participate in a writer's group for children.
Can you look at my book and tell me what you think?
Sure, for a fee. Looking at your material, giving you a critique takes time away from my writing. I charge $20 per hour with a $20 minimum charge. If you're interested, contact me at my email: sue@susanuhlig.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Writing for Children's Magazines
Why do you write for children's magazines? They don't last as long as books.
I write for magazines for a number of reasons: I like reading magazine pieces; magazines reach many different audiences--some very specialized; I like how quickly a short story can be finished; magazines publish a variety of types of material: activities, poems, sidebars, articles, etc. It's true they don't last as long, but it is also true they reach many many more people than your average book does. Did you know that Highlights for Children has over 3 million subscriptions? Also, though magazines need lots and lots of material and so there are more opportunities.
What magazines have you written for?
I sold my first story to Jack and Jill. I've also written for Child Life, Cricket, Highlights, Ladybug, Brio, Encounter, The Friend, Guide, My Friend, Real Time, Soccer Jr. and more.
How many short stories and articles have you sold?
Over 130.
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So You Wanna Write or Illustrate for Children?
Don't choose to do so, because you thinking it is easier than writing for adults, or because you think it is an easy way to make money. People who write or illustrate for children do so because they love children's literature.
If that description fits you, here are a few tips to get you started.
You might take a basic class on writing or illustrating for children:
* some are offered through local Universities, Community Colleges, Art Schools, and even Parks and Recreation classes.
* attend a regional Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference or workshop. Click on Regions at www.SCBWI.org to find out what programs are available in your area.
* attend one of the International SCBWI conferences (twice yearly). Check the website for dates: www.SCBWI.org.
* there's also a good correspondence course through the Institute of Children's Literature: www.institutechildrenslit.com.
Meanwhile...
...get a handy resource by going to the SCBWI Western Washington website: www.scbwi-washington.org and consider ordering the resource: "Nuts and Bolts for Writers and Illustrators." This folder has all kinds of suggestions, such as good books to read, good organizations who can help you, terminology, classes, etc. Last time I checked cost is only $7 including postage.
...go to a bookstore and get the Children's Writers Market Book. The book has information on how to submit and what markets to submit to.
...go to the library and study...
* books like you'd like to write or illustrate. See who published them. Find out more about those publishers. The above market book will tell you how to get writer's guidelines and catalogs.
* magazines you'd like to write for or illustrate. Many magazines won't be there, but some will be available in bookstores. Others you may have to request directly from the publisher. The above market book will tell you how to get a sample copy, request guidelines and theme lists or editorial calendars.
In addition, you may want to...
...join the international organization of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, www.scbwi.org. It's a great place to learn lots of information, network with other writers, be encouraged, find out about classes, etc. Check out your local chapter of SCBWI (contacts for your region will be listed on the website).
...join a critique group--it sure made a difference in my writing. Critique groups are offered through SCBWI regions and other writing organizations. There are even on-line groups.
Learn all you can. Take the advice that works for you. And enjoy creating children's literature.
SM Ford |
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