Writing Children's Books For Dummies (ePub)

Everyone loves a children's book. And many dream about writing one.
But is it actually possible for an unpublished writer--armed
with a good story idea and a love of kids--to write, sell,
publish, and promote a book? Yes, it is! Veteran children's book
publishing executive and author Lisa Rojany Buccieri and author
Peter Economy show you how, in their incredibly useful 2005 first
edition of Writing Children's Books For
Dummies®.

Buccieri and Economy begin by explaining the basics of the
children's book business, from the nuts and bolts of the various
formats and genres--with helpful illustrations to aid
you--to the intricacies of the book publishing market, a list
of recent award-winning books, and a first peek into the particular
mind set that writing children's books requires. (Hint: Throw out
the adult rules, and think like a kid!)

Then the authors dive into the actual writing process itself,
with tips on setting up a workspace, brainstorming great book
ideas, researching the subject you decide on, even speaking with
the sorts of kids you hope will eventually read the book. They show
you how to create compelling characters and develop them in the
manuscript; how to outline and write a plot "arc" of conflict,
change, and resolution; how to master the difficult art of writing
dialogue; and how to use active (rather than passive) language to
keep your story moving along and interesting to young minds.

Or, if you're planning to write a creative nonfiction children's
book--on a topic such as science, nature, or a historical
figure, for example--the authors include a chapter on this,
too. Ready, set, go... it's time to sit down and write!

Once you've finished your book, however, the process has only
begun. Now you will refine, submit, and hopefully sell your
manuscript. Here again, the authors of Writing Children's
Books For Dummies come through for you. They deliver solid
advice on hiring an illustrator--or not; participating in
workshops and conferences to learn the business and hone a story;
finding an agent; and, finally, submitting the manuscript to
publishers and--if you are successful--signing a
contract.

Along the way, the authors also include tips on handling
rejection; a quick primer on the various editors in publishing
houses (and how they work to make your book its best); and making a
plan to publicize the book, including hiring a publicist if
necessary.

Like all For Dummies® books, Writing
Children's Books For Dummies highlights "The Part of Tens,"
which includes the Ten Best Ways to Promote Your Story and More
Than Ten Great Sources for Storylines. And the ever-helpful Cheat
Sheet includes Tips for Editing your Children's Book Manuscript,
Children's Book No-No's, Twelve Commandments for Writing Younger
Children's Books, and Tips on Promotion.

From setting down that first word on paper to doing a successful
publicity tour, Writing Children's Books For Dummies
gives you the confidence and the insiders' know-how to write and
sell the story you've always wanted to write.