Secrets Of Successful Children’s Book Authors

Is it difficult to become a successful children’s book author? The answer used to be YES. While some do think this is the case, it’s actually easier than ever to jump into the world of children’s book publishing. Even though the market is getting more crowded by the year, anyone with a wish to write children’s books can get started as soon as they have an idea. However, there’s a catch. It’s not entirely easy to write a children’s book. There’s actually a lot of hard work that goes into creating a book that children could love and one their parents will want to read all over again. Not only does an author need to create a story that works for both kids and their parents, but they need to find an appropriate illustrator and handle all the other tasks that being an author in the 21st century entails.

Find Your Target Market

Contrary to most beliefs, successful children’s books aren’t just for all ages. The best of the bunch usually target specific age groups and then catch the attention of others outside the group if it becomes popular enough. Children’s book age groups usually range from Young Children (2-7 years), Middle Readers (8-11 years), or Young Adults (12+). Ultimately, you want to write a relatable story for your target age group, and not the other way around.

Go Through the Beginning, Middle, and End

Children like complete stories that travel from the beginning, and all the way to the end. In other words, the journey to the end, right from the start of the story, is what keeps kids on edge when their parents read to them. A good story runs through all three phases, and it’s all pretty easy to start writing. If you can write a rough outline of your story from start to finish, you’ve just accomplished that first step.

Don’t Overdo the Moral Of The Story

Even at a young age, kids don’t like preachy messages. Children have minds that are much sharper than they’re given credit for. So, you don’t want to include a message that they likely understand already, just by reading and listening to what’s there. Subtlety is king here. You want kids to understand your underlying message and theme. But don’t hit them over the head with it!

Choose A Relatable Theme and Stick With It

The best children’s stories take place from a point of view that children and young people understand. Whether a young child, an animal or even inanimate objects, as long as they understand where the point of view comes from, they’ll understand the story. For that reason, it’s also important to choose a theme that’s just as relatable. Relatable themes are themes that kids can understand from their point of view. For example, a common theme of many classic children’s books is the universal experience of growing up.

Want to learn what it takes to become a successful children’s author? Get writing tips, insider info, helpful tutorials and book promotion ideas to get your writing career started. The premise of all Full Cycle Publication works is to spark critical thinking while advocating a love of literature.