Writing Children’s Books For Dummies

Everything aspiring authors need to write, publish, and sell a children's book 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 But is it actually possible for an unpublished writer armed with a good story idea and a love of kids to write, sell, publish, and promote a book?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! Clearly and concisely written with straightforward advice and a plethora of specific up-to-date recommendations, Writing Children's Books For Dummies provides step-by-step information on everything aspiring children's book authors need to know from researching the current marketplace to developing story ideas, strengthening writing skills, dealing with editors, and submitting proposals and manuscripts to agents and publishers. Updated and improved writing exercises All new content on social media and establishing an online presence as an author Fresh, updated content on publishing via hard copy and all the e- platforms 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.

Everything aspiring authors need to write, publish, and sell achildren's bookEveryone loves a children's book--and many dream aboutwriting one. But is it actually possible for an unpublishedwriter--armed with a good story idea and a love ofkids--to write, sell, publish, and promote a book? Yes, itis!Clearly and concisely written with straightforward advice and aplethora of specific up-to-date recommendations, WritingChildren's Books For Dummies provides step-by-step informationon everything aspiring children's book authors need toknow--from researching the current marketplace to developingstory ideas, strengthening writing skills, dealing with editorsand submitting proposals and manuscripts to agents andpublishers.* Updated and improved writing exercises* All new content on social media and establishing an onlinepresence as an author* Fresh, updated content on publishing via hard copy and all thee- platformsFrom setting down that first word on paper to doing a successfulpublicity tour, Writing Children's Books For Dummies givesyou the confidence and the insiders' know-how to write and sell thestory you've always wanted to write.

Introduction 1Part I: The ABCs of Writing for Children 5Chapter 1: Exploring the Basics of Writing Children'sBooks 7Chapter 2: Delving into Children's Book Formats and Genres13Chapter 3: Understanding the Children's Book Market 49Part II: Immersing Yourself in the Writing Process 65Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Workspace 67Chapter 5: Starting with a Great Idea 73Chapter 6: Researching Your Audience and Subject 89Part III: Creating a Spellbinding Story 107Chapter 7: Creating Compelling Characters 109Chapter 8: The Plot Thickens: Confl ict, Climax, and Resolution131Chapter 9: Can We Talk? Writing Dialogue 143Chapter 10: Setting the Scene 157Chapter 11: Finding Your Voice: Point of View and Tone 169Chapter 12: Writing Creative Nonfi ction Books 189Part IV: Making Your Story Sparkle 205Chapter 13: Editing and Formatting Your Way to a Happy Ending207Chapter 14: Creating Pictures from Your Words: The World ofIllustrations 233Chapter 15: Finding Feedback and Encouragement 249Part V: Getting Published and Promoting Your Book 265Chapter 16: Getting an Agent to Represent You 267Chapter 17: Finding the Perfect Publisher and Signing a Contract283Chapter 18: So You Want to Self-Publish? 299Chapter 19: Donning Your Publicity Cap 313Chapter 20: Getting Savvy with Social Media 327Part VI: The Part of Tens 341Chapter 21: More Than Ten Great Sources for Storylines 343Chapter 22: Ten Recognitions Children's Authors Dream ofReceiving 351Index 353