The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author's Tips on Writing and Publishing Children's Books, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids

Susan Pearson, Editor-in-Chief, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books
BRAVO! I thought it had pretty much all been said, but I was wrong. All the nuts and bolts are here as well as rules that bear repeating, PLUS insights not usually found in how-to books. Clearly and concisely written, this is an invaluable resource for both beginning and more accomplished writers.


Stephen Mooser, children's author
Aaron Shepard has written one of the most comprehensive guides available to anyone wishing to enter the competitive field of children's books. It's all here, from initial idea to successful sale, and then beyond to the essentials of contracts, promotion, and the ABCs of building a successful career. If you're starting out, start out here.


Stephen Fraser, Executive Editor, Aladdin Paperbacks
Here's clearly-written, no-nonsense help for children's writers by a craftsman. Every fledgling author should own this book.


Audrey Baird, Editor, Once Upon A Time
The Business of Writing for Children is a one-stop shopping center, a complete how-to-do-it guide for the writer who wants a jump-start on looking professional even though he/she may be turning out a first book. Editors will love you if you do it Shepard's way.


Larry Dane Brimner, children's author
The Business of Writing for Children is a clear, concise guide to the often misunderstood field of children's books. No matter what your level of experience -- from beginner to veteran -- there is much to learn from Aaron Shepard's nuts-and-bolts approach to surviving the bunny-eat-bunny world of writing for children. Read it and learn!


Margaret Read MacDonald, author and librarian
Writers attempting to break into the children's book market will thank Aaron Shepard for graciously sharing his own hard-earned knowledge. I am adding this to my list of must-reads for newcomers to the field.


Kip Nead, co-owner, Seeds of Change Children's Bookstore
Finally, a thorough, concise overview of the business end of writing for the children's market. This book is a wonderful gift to the budding authors of the world. Aaron has combined great talents for writing and storytelling with smart and informed business practices to create a great career. Now he shares what he has learned, to help others do the same.


Harold Underdown, Senior Editor, Charlesbridge Publishing, and Webmaster, The Purple Crayon
For aspiring writers of picture book fiction and folktales, this is a great introduction to the complicated world of children's book publishing.


Robert D. San Souci, children's author
The Business of Writing for Children is a clear, concise, resourceful, often eye-opening guide that is filled with solid advice to help aspiring writers sell their manuscripts and to help published authors boost sales. I learned a good deal from this handy resource. I am sure anyone who is serious about the business of writing for children will profit from it.


Judith O'Malley, Editor, Book Links
Written by an experienced picture book author, this guide covers all the basics of writing for children in a realistic, practical manner. The fun -- as well as the work -- of writing, selling, and marketing books for young readers is evident in every step of Shepard's approach.


Book Description
Writing books for children is both art and business. If you dream of becoming a children's author -- or even if you're well on your way -- this handbook can help you in writing sellable stories, getting them published, and promoting your books. Topics include common myths about children's writing, children's book categories, elements of successful stories, manuscript format, submission strategies, contract negotiation, the publishing process, career building, and children's writer resources. Also included are specialized subjects such as querying for multiple manuscripts, promoting a first book, and designing a Web page. Read The Business of Writing for Children to learn the secrets you might spend years discovering for yourself.


About the Author
Aaron Shepard is the author of Master Man, The Sea King's Daughter, The Legend of Lightning Larry, and sixteen other published and forthcoming picture books. His publishers have included Atheneum, Scribners, Clarion, Lothrop, Dial, and HarperCollins, as well as Cricket and Australia's School Magazine. Aaron's work has been honored by the American Library Association, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society, and he has been a judge for the Golden Kite Awards of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.


Excerpted from The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author's Tips on How to Write, Sell, and Promote Your Children's Books by Aaron Shepard. Copyright © 2000. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THIS BOOK Let me begin with a word of caution. 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 will 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 writing for children, this book should significantly speed and simplify your professional development. Though not at all meant to be comprehensive, it lays out the basics, points you toward additional resources, and most importantly, provides tips and strategies not commonly found elsewhere. Along with that, it offers detailed looks at some of my own specialties and gives notice of changes being brought by new technologies. The material comes from several sources. Most of the Introduction, Part 1, and the Appendix is based on handouts created for my former classes and workshops on writing for children. Part 2 consists of articles first written for the SCBWI Bulletin and Once Upon A Time. All materials have been updated as needed. Reflecting my own expertise, the focus here is on writing picture book stories and selling them to major publishers. Much of the information, though, will apply to other areas of children's writing as well. I hope this guide will help in your professional and/or personal growth. Good luck, and don't forget to have fun! Aaron Shepard


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Susan Salzman Raab, author, An Author's Guide to Children's Book Promotion, and children's book publicist, Raab Associates

The Business of Writing for Children provides both helpful advice and welcome reassurance to authors trying to navigate the complexities of the children's book industry. It is the next best thing to having an experienced author friend in the business. — Susan Salzman Raab


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