Then let's begin ...
A beginner's guide Part 1
Welcome to the first instalment of our blog series designed specifically for those embarking on a journey creating children's books.
If you're starting out, you may be brimming with excitement and creative ideas, yet feeling uncertain about how to take the first steps. Perhaps you've already begun writing with a clear goal in mind—whether it's to achieve publication or to craft a story for someone special. If you can relate to my early experiences, you might find yourself equipped with 'all the gear,' yet still feeling like you have 'no idea'!
No matter where you fall on the spectrum of aspiring children's writers, I hope you'll discover valuable insights in this blog and the others available on my site. If you have specific questions or can't find the information you're seeking, please feel free to reach out!
Whenever I embark on a new project, my fingers itch to get started and I have to stop myself and curb some of that enthusiasm … not completely, but just long enough to ask a very important question.
Perhaps you’ve already taken a moment to reflect on this, but if not, I encourage you to pause and consider why you want to write for children. The answers to this question can be numerous and varied (and hopefully not simply “for the money”—as that will likely lead to disappointment!). They may range from altruistic motivations to deeply personal reasons. Whatever your answer may be, hold on to it as it may be useful to drive you forward in the days (and thousands of words and edits and drafts) to come!
"I write for the reader but ... I also write for me. I write to learn. I write to do something in this increasingly challenging world." ~ Rashmi Sirdeshpande
You might turn it into a mission statement, stick it on a Post-it note or write it at the beginning of a notebook or document.
Because it’s important.
Katherine Rundell tells us: "Children’s fiction, from picture books to middle grade books to young adult novels, offers to help us re-find things we may not even know we have lost."
It’s nothing less crucial than that. It’s a responsibility, a privilege… and it’s also enormous fun.
So, now you know why … how?
Remember what I said about all the gear, no idea … Us children’s writers need our tools. I’m not talking about a pretty notebook, a special pen, or a large mug of your favourite hot beverage (although those are important). I’m talking about equipping ourselves with what Stephen King describes as the writer's toolbox. Our toolbox should be just as full and varied as that of any other writer. Children’s literature is no less sophisticated than other books and demands just as much dedication and effort. But those tools do need to be well-suited for the task at hand.
The most essential tool to embark on your writing journey is access to a diverse collection of books. It is widely acknowledged that to be a writer, one must also be a reader (regardless of format) and it's important to read, where possible, not only within your chosen field but also more broadly, where 'chosen field' specifically refers to current children's literature.
Because, whilst the classics—perhaps those from your own childhood—are certainly valuable, they are best considered within a wider reading context. They serve as excellent sources of inspiration and can reignite your passion for stories centred around children. However, pop them in your toolbox alongside other, broader influences such as poetry, Netflix Originals, narrative non-fiction, or adult fiction. It's important to remember that these classics should not replace the reading you undertake in order to understand what children are engaging with now, and what publishers are seeking now.
If you’re not sure where to look for new books here are some wonderful resources:
OK, so reading is step one. What's next?
Understanding kids is also a must. You don’t need to have them, but you should learn about their interests, activities, and conversations.
Obviously, if you have kids, or work with them it’s easier – you can engage them directly. Hang out with family kids, eavesdrop on conversations (I think all writers do this whatever their field!) but always be mindful of safeguarding.
Another way to tap into children's current interests is by watching children's TV shows, exploring children's magazines, and as already mentioned, reading comics, graphic novels, and non-fiction.
Essentially, we want to adopt a mindset where children are the focus. So when you start writing, even, if it's for your own enjoyment, you have a childlike perspective in mind.
With this approach, you can begin to create worlds, characters, and events that will resonate with them.
Hopefully, this introduction has given you some food for thought (or if nothing else a good excuse to pick up a book!) Before I finish, let's just take a quick look at how we categorise our readers:
Category | Age | Word Count |
Board and cloth books | 0 to 3 | 0 to 100 |
Picture books | 0 to 6 | 0 to 600 |
Early readers | 3 to 6 | up to 1,500 |
Illustrated Young Middle Grade | 5 to 8 | 4,000 to 6,000 |
Chapter books or Young Middle Grade | 7 to 10 | 10,000 to 30,000 |
Middle Grade | 9 to 12 | 25,000 to 50,000 |
Upper Middle Grade | 10 to 13 | 25,000 to 50,000 * |
Teen | 12 to 15 | up to 60,000 * |
Young Adult | 14 to 18 | up to 70,000 * |
* More for fantasy/speculative novels that may require extra world-building
These are all a) open to interpretation, b) dependant on reader ability, and c) subjective – categorising like this can be difficult and sometimes problematic (picture books are for everyone!) However, that said, it's important to understand approximately what age you want to write for and at what stage in their development and understanding they might be.
Take a moment to consider which age group you want to write for, and why. What is drawing you to that category? Is it your style, is it inspiration from other books/authors or is it something personal?
Then, if you're ready for the next steps, join me in part 2
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