Writing children's books...

[Cath!]

Has anyone ever done this? I can write erotica but is it possible to turn that skill into writing something good? I mean, there are SO many kids' books out there...

would you go for nonfiction? or fiction?
aim for the board book age or older?
how do you come up with ideas that haven't been used and re-used?

 

[daughter]

exceptional writers

Cath--

In my opinion, stiff competiton. Children writers are some of the most gifted writers I have ever read and I have read and studied a few. My daughter has several coveted award winners in her library(of course, the kid doesn't care about the significance of their status).

I'd seriously look into the publishing industry generally first and then if you're still interested, you'll need to do some serious homework.

Publishing houses are fewer these days and actual published works by new authors are as daunting as becoming a NBA player.

Children's work require a particular knack, and there is the question about collaborating with a reputable illustrator. Cost of children's works are prohibitive. Several reasons why. Many are illustrated(considerable costs) and they are typically hardbacks(more expensive as well).

Getting back to skill, not every writer can write in every genre. In fact, most writers excel in few, often one particular area of writing. Some writers should never even think about penning a poem. Thomas Hardy, a celebrated author wrote that after an exceptional career as an author, he discovered he had to learn to write poetry. It did not come naturally, and his established skillset did not automatically render fine verse.

If it is purely artistic expression, dabble, explore, enjoy it. If you are considering professional writing, do your homework, be humble and realistic about your skillset and commit.

Good luck.

Peace,

daughter

p.s. I have met a few children authors. I have not written any work for this audience.

 

[Scabbers]

There's writing and then . . .

I once saw the children's book team of Arthur Yorinks (words) and Richard Egielski (illustrations) speaking on a panel; Yorinks said one of the weird things is that he would submit a manuscript to the publisher of a single typed page, and then the illustrator spent the next six months creating all those beautifully rendered drawings.

 

[JazzManJim]

You want to do some research. The kids' book market is hot, like many others.

Get a copy of Writers' Market 2002, available at pretty much any bookstore and find the section for childrens' books. Read who is accepting proposals, books "over the transom", and such, and what they want, then just start writing.

Don't worry about the niche. If you write a good story, it'll fit.

 

[p_p_man]

Read who is accepting proposals, books "over the transom", and such, and what they want, then just start writing.

What's "over the transom"?