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How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Writing and for Children Kathleen Long Bostrom"

The Presbyterian Outlook " and" The Presbyterian Writers Guild" August 20, 2013"

Introduction"

 How did I get started and publishing for children?"

 What will you learn during this Webinar?"

 We write for children but it’s the adults who buy the !"

 We write for the child within us:"

“You write not for children but for yourself. And if by good fortune children enjoy what you enjoy, when then you are a writer of children’s books . . . No special credit to you, but simply thumping good luck!” (Arthur Ransome, quoted in Jane Yolen’s Guide to Writing for Children, pg. 2)"

1$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

SCBWI Society for Children’s Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

 scbwi.org"

 Only professional organization specifically for individuals writing/ illustrating for children and young adults"

 A network of writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people"

 Provides advice, information, advocacy, and counsel to members"

 Regional chapters offer networking among writers and illustrators, as well as a myriad of informational events throughout the year"

 Two annual conferences: winter weekend in New York and summer weekend in Los Angeles; bi-monthly bulletin/newsletter"

 Sponsors awards and grants for beginning and established writers and illustrators "

SCBWI - 2"

SCBWI membership ($70 annually) includes:"

 Information and support"

 Printable resources on all topics related to writing and illustrating for children (markets, agents, guidelines, all compiled into one book, The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, free download for members, or $6.00 for purchase of book)"

 Discussion boards"

 Bi-monthly bulletin that includes “the latest market reports, articles on issues in writing, illustrating, and publishing, information on contests and awards, reports of events in the field, news of SCBWI members, and information about ongoing SCBWI activities throughout the world.”"

2$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

In the Beginning"

1. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to write? And why do I want to write for "children?” "

2. Read books written for children: the classics as well as new releases."

3. Write. If you’ve been procrastinating, stop! A writer has to write."

4. Study the books on writing for children. My favorite: Barbara Seuling’s"

" How to Write a Children’s Book and Get it Published "

""" "

In the Beginning - 2" 5. Attend writer’s conferences or retreats."

6. Find or start a critique group of people whose input you value. " and Bookstores may have groups. "

7. Make contacts and keep them."

8. Learn about the various publishing houses and what they "publish. Beware of phonies."

9. Get reacquainted with the child within you."

10. Love writing for its own sake, not because you want to get "published."

11. Be willing to learn from others."

12. Go back to #1. Never lose sight of why you are writing. "

3$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Genres

Know your genre: age level, page number, format, style" Baby Book / " Non-Fiction"

Picture Book" Young Adult (YA)"

Concept Book" Poetry" Easy Reader" Historical "

Chapter Book" Fantasy"

Middle Grade Fiction" Hi-Lo"

Genres – Baby Book / Board Book"

BABY BOOK / BOARD BOOK!

 Baby/Toddler: 0-3 years old"

 Lullabies, nursery rhymes, simple words, lap books"

 Study construction"

 Geared for short attention span"

 Concepts “colors, objects”, or simple story lines"

 10-20 pages"

 Examples: " "Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton" !Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown" "Thank You, God! by Kathleen Long Bostrom"

4$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Genres - "  Ages 2-7"

 Keep it simple; single situation"

 Substantial story even without "

 Less description - illustrations will do some of this"

 A variety of settings for purposes"

 Story must have moments, page turners"

 32-page format (includes front pages); make a sample"

 No more than 10 double-spaced typed pages (900 words)"

Examples:"

"Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Rinker"

"Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino"

"The View at the Zoo by KLB"

Genres – Concept Book"

 An idea or concept (ex. “What do animals eat?”)"

 Find an original way to deal with a familiar topic"

 Must be fun and amusing and not like a “”"

 Don’t be too or ironic - this will be lost " "on young children"

Examples:"

"The Bugs Pop-Up Concept Books by David A. Carter"

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr."

5$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Genres – Easy Reader"

 First-Second Grades"

 Simple sentences, but don’t talk down"

 Single plot line"

 Dialogue and action"

 Broken down into short chapters or sections"

 Can be 32 - 48 pages, or even 64 pages; 1,500 word count"

Examples:"

"Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman"

"Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik"

Genres – Book"

 Between Easy Readers and Middle Grade"

 80 pages"

 More development in plot and characters than easy readers"

 Short chapters, simple plots, some pictures"

 Lots of action and suspense!"

 Emotions are okay " """"

Examples:"

"Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary"

"Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor"

6$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Genres – Middle Grade Fiction"

 3th - 6th Grade (ages 8-11)"

 150 pages"

 Features characters ages 8-14"

 Action, solid story, uncomplicated plot "

 Careful of facts or idioms that will date a book"

 Newbery Medal book category" Examples:" "A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck" "Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson"

Genres – Non-Fiction"

 Write on a topic that you care about"

 Find a new way to tell "

 Research and research some more"

 Make sure of the facts"

 Tell it clear and straightforward" Examples:" "Climbing Lincoln’s Steps by Suzanne Slade"

"Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart " ""by Candace Fleming" """

7$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Genres – Young Adult (YA)"

 12-18 years old"

 150-200 pages"

 Children like to read about characters a few years older than they are"

 Characters should be well defined and authentic"

 More complicated relationships; moving into adulthood"

 Write from one viewpoint"

 Must have a conflict that needs resolved"

 Dialogue keeps plot moving, should be genuine"

Examples:"

"After the Rain by Norma Fox Mazer"

"Divergent by Veronica Roth"

Genres - Poetry"

 Read a lot of poetry!"

 Have someone read your poetry aloud to see where the “catches” are"

 Keep a clear rhythm"

 Don’t assume that all poetry is good poetry"

 Avoid forcing rhymes"

 If writing an entire book in rhyme, ask yourself: Can you tell the story without verse?"

Example:"

"Poems to Learn by Heart by Caroline Kennedy and Jon Muth"

8$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Genres – Historical "

 Middle grade and YA"

 Straight historical novel - uses actual people and events " "in a fictional context"

 Period novel - imaginary people and adults, " "but place and time must correspond with an actual era"

 Is your dialogue authentic to the time? "

 Be careful not to use items that weren’t in existence " "at the time!"

Examples:" "Brooklyn Doesn’t Rhyme by Joan Blos"

Genres - Fantasy"

 Fantasy world has its own , and must follow them"

 Uses magic and supernatural elements"

 Imaginary worlds and creatures"

 Must have strong sense of place, character, style"

Examples: "

"The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis"

"The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins"

9$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Genres – Hi-Lo, Other"

 Upper grade students below grade level"

 High interest, low reading level"

 More illustrations"

 Contemporary stories" Examples: "" !Lucky Dogs, Lost Hats, and Dating Don’t’s " ""by Thomas Fish"

OTHER!"

""Novelty, Educational"

Alphabet Soup"

Query letter: "A letter sent to an agent or editor proposing an idea for a book/ """

SASE: " "Self Addressed Stamped Envelope – Sometimes included with your ""proposal for return of a "

Slush pile: "Unsolicited queries and manuscripts sent to editors/agents"

Dummy: "A mock-up of your book, especially good for laying out the text for a ""picture book for your own sake in seeing how the story flows"

Advance: "An amount paid upon signing a contract and submitting a completed ""manuscript to pay you while the book is in process. Usually " ""deducted from the ’s royalties until the amount is paid back to ""the publisher"

Royalty: " "The percentage amount you will receive on the sales of your book"

Flat fee: " "A one-time payment for an article/book in which the publisher holds ""the (the author does not receive royalties)"

10$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Alphabet Soup - 2"

Publisher: " "Broad oversight over the entire publishing process """including development of publishing plan, lists of """books for each season (Spring and Fall)"

Agent: " ""A writer’s advocate; makes connections between """ and editors, and negotiates contracts"

ms, mss" ""manuscript(s)"

Multiple submission: "Sending the same manuscript to more than one """publishing house at the same time"

Unsolicited manuscript: "A manuscript sent without being requested"

Simultaneous submission:""

Publishing Options"

 Traditional"

 Educational"

"

 Self-publishing"

 E-publishing"

 Apps"

 Plays"

 Anthologies"

 Articles"

11$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

To Market, To Market"

Find the right market"

 Know what each publisher wants "

 Check submission guidelines and follow precisely"

Promoting your book"

 You are your own best PR person!"

 Social media, book signings, giveaways"

To Market, to Market - Sample Entry" Harcourt Children’s Books (An Imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)" 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003. (212) 420-5889" VP & Editorial Director: Jeannette Larson; Executive Editor: Reka Simonsen" Senior Editor, Harcourt Children’s Books/Sandpiper/Graphia: Julie Tibbott" Contributing Editor: Karen Grove; Editor: Samantha McFerrin; Editorial Associate: Adah Nuchi" Art Director: Christine Kettner"

Description: picture books, chapter books, middle grade and teen fiction, and nonfiction"

Query letters: Accepting"

Multiple submissions: Yes"

Unsolicited manuscripts: Accepting, but replying only to those the staff is interested in pursuing. For picture books and novels, please send the entire manuscript. For nonfiction, submit a synopsis and sample chapters. Never fax or e-mail; send regular mail to Harcourt Children’s Books/Submissions at the New York office. Do not send SASE as manuscripts are recycled unless there is interest. Response time up to 12 weeks. "

Payment: Advance/royalty "

Artwork interest: Yes. Send color copies or tear sheets; do not send original artwork or slides. Please show a limited selection of your strongest work. Illustrations that feature children or animals are helpful, but accepting other subject matter. Samples will not be returned. Will contact you only if there is a potential illustration assignment. Send to Harcourt Children’s Books, Design Department/Art Samples at the Park Avenue South address. "

Artwork payment: Advance/royalty or flat fee. "

12$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

To Market, to Market - Sample Entry"

IDEALS "

535 Metroplex Drive ! !!"

Nashville, TN 37211 "

www.idealspublications.com "

Faith Affiliation: Judeo/Christian but nonsectarian "

Restrictions or taboos: Content should not be inappropriate in any way for young children. "

Books per year: 50-75 "

Types of Books: Board books and picture books, many with historical and biblical content; prayer books and books on religious holidays. "

Method of Submission "

http://www.idealsbooks.com/index. asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=10 "

Writers: submit board book manuscripts to CandyCane Press and picture book manuscripts to Acquisitions Editor, Ideals Publications, both with SASE at above address. Simultaneous submissions accepted if informed. "

Illustrators: submit color samples to Art Director at above address with SASE if reply expected. "

Payment: Both flat fee and negotiable royalty based on net, depending on project. "

??? Query Me This ???"

The purpose of a query letter is to get an editor or agent to want to read your manuscript or proposal. The reader of the query letter should want to know more about you and your writing."

A query letter is:

 A sales tool. It is your first contact with an editor or agent.

 A letter, and it should look like one. Know the format for a business letter. Be professional. Don’t try to make friends with the editor or agent. Act like you know what you’re doing! Don’t come across as an amateur. Don’t say, “This is the first query letter I’ve ever written!”

 Brief. It should never be longer than one page – and not a full page crammed with words.

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Sample Query – What Not to Do"

Hope Ful Rytr, 12345 S. Alphabet St., Somewhere, USA 12345

Dear Whomever:

I have writen a book for children tat I know wil be a bestseler! I have chosen you as a possible editr for tis book. I don’t want t tl you what te book is about in to much detail because I’m afaid tat someone might stal my idea. However, if you would like t see te manuscript, I wil send it t you. I have applied for a copyright of te manuscript t protct it fom teft.

My grandchildren love it when I tl tem stries, so I know tis stry wil be a hit wit oter children.

Please send me an advance payment of $5,000.00. Make te check out t “Hope Rytr.”

I am 60 years old, te moter of tree, I have two dogs who sleep in my bed wit me because my husband left a few years ago and I don’t like being by myself. I’m not a very good housekeeper but I do like t read romance novels, probably five books a week, so tat helps me t know about writng.

I wil cal you next week t see what kind of deal we can arrange. want t see my manuscript.

Toodle-ooo!

Hope

Query Me This - 2"

 See guidelines in Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market."

 Know the publisher/agent and what he/she is looking for. Don’t query an publisher of non- fiction only with a fiction idea."

 Different publishers require different information. Some may want a query only, some may want a partial or full manuscript, depending on the genre."

 Match the tone of your manuscript – if it is humorous, be humorous, but don’t overdo it."

 If you met the editor/agent, say so at the start, but don’t dwell on it."

 Have a good “hook” in the first sentence or two, a “teaser” that captures the reader’s attention."

 Summarize the manuscript in 3-4 sentences."

 Include brief biographical information, which includes any reason why you should write the book you’re suggesting."

 With the biography, add any publishing credits you have."

 Close the letter with a comment such as, “I look forward to your reply,” or “I would be happy to send you the rest of my manuscript.”"

 Be prepared to send your entire manuscript before writing the query. Don’t propose a 300- page non-fiction book if you’ve only written the first chapter."

14$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Getting Feedback" Find a critique group"

 SCBWI regions"

 Libraries"

 Bookstores"

 Word of mouth"

 Be open to suggestions and help!"

Don’ts and Dos"

DON’T... "Give up! "

DO... "Keep trying. Many wonderful writers are rejected by publishers time and time "again. Both Madeleine L’Engle and Dr. Seuss had over 20 rejections on their "manuscripts before finding an editor who would publish their book. Writing "demands perseverance as well as talent."

DON’T... !Ever talk down to kids, or be patronizing. Kids are smart. They can tell when "you’re being condescending or “preachy.”"

DO... "Write with strong images, interesting characters, snappy dialogue. Assume "the children who read your books are bright and curious. They are!"

DON’T..."Write stories with false optimism. Children know better than to assume "that everything in the world is rosy and that every story has a happy "ending."

DO... "Allow the children to be the ones who come up with the solutions to a "tough problem. Books can help children in tough situations find hope."

15$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Don’ts and Dos"

DON’T... Treat writing for children as a stepping stone to being a “real” writer."

DO... "Take your craft seriously. Writing for children is some of the most difficult "writing there is, but the rewards are priceless."

DON’T... Get defensive when an editor or fellow writer offers suggestions for "improvement of your manuscript."

DO... "Be willing to learn from the comments of others. Remember, the people who "critique your manuscript represent the people who "may be buying your book!"

DON’T... "Be shy about promoting yourself. If you don’t, who will?"

DO... "Make connections, network, keep in touch with your contacts."

DON’T... "Do all the talking."

DO... !Learn to listen to children and what they have to say. What are their dreams? "Their fears? Their plans? Their ideas?"

Don’ts and Dos"

DON’T...!Try to please everyone with your writing."

DO... "Try to please yourself. Write something you’d want to read."

DON’T..."Try to mimic someone else’s writing voice."

DO... "Discover and cultivate your own unique voice."

DON’T..."Set out to “teach a lesson.”"

DO... !Tell a story."

DON’T..."Tell."

DO... !Show"

16$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Getting Feedback" People and organizations that will critique your work for a fee:"

Writer’s Digest: "www.writersdigestshop.com/writing-critique-service" Editor’s Ink: "editorsink.org

Brenda Ferber: " http://www.brendaferber.com/writing.php"

Esther Hershenhorn: www.estherhershenhorn.com/coach"

Paula Morrow" paulamorrow.com/paulamorrow/Critiques.html" Patrick Waldron" "www.patrickwaldron14.blogspot.com/2013/08/picture-book-critiques.html """ Lisa Cinelli (illustrator and author) [email protected]/www.lisacinelli.com"

Margo L. Dill: www.wow-womenonwriting.com"

Secret Agent"

How do you tell a legitimate agent from a fraud?"

When do you need an agent?"

What do you look for in an agent?"

Literary Market Place (LMP): "

"Publishers and agents"

"Check your local "

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The Top Ten Myths about Writing for Children"

Writing for children is the easiest form of writing"

Writing for children is a quick way to get rich"

Anyone can write good poetry"

Authors of picture books choose their illustrators"

Once you get published, you’ll never face rejection again"

Writing for children is a step that leads to writing for adults"

If you’re a good writer, you won’t need to rewrite"

Having children of your own (or working with children) makes you qualified to write for children"

A picture book is easier to write than a novel because it has fewer pages"

Anybody can be a writer!"

Internet Resources AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION"

"www.bookweb.org"

"For booksellers, especially independent bookstores"

"Sponsors events such as BookExpo that are open to the public"

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION"

"www.ala.org"

"The ALA provides leadership and support to school, public, academic, and special "libraries across the U.S."

"Includes the Association for Library Service to Children, which awards the "Newbery and Caldecott Medals"

BOOK PAGE"

"www.bookpage.com"

"Book reviews – One of the only sources that provides connections between "publishers, booksellers, and libraries, and readers"

18$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Internet Resources - 2"

BOOK WIRE"

"www.bookwire.com"

"Information on the publishing markets as well as resources for authors."

BOOKLIST"

"www.booksonline.com"

"A magazine published by the ALA"

"Booklinks – a quarterly supplement to "

CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL"

"www.cbcbooks.org"

"CBC publishes guides for writers and illustrators, current publications, reviews, ", author/illustrator links, and the latest news in the world of children’s "literature."

Internet Resources - 3"

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE WEB GUIDE"

"www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/.html"

"Lists children’s and booksellers, and offers links to many other " ""related sites."

CHILDREN’S WRITING RESOURCE CENTER"

"www.write4kids.com"

"CWRC is sponsored by Children’s Book Insider, a newsletter for children’s writers. CWRC provides "updated information on writing, special reports, links to other sites, and market trends."

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION ""

"www.reading.org "

PRESBYTERIAN WRITERS GUILD ""

"www.presbyterianwritersguild.org"

"The Presbyterian Writers Guild seeks to support and enhance the art and " "craft of writing and publishing for Presbyterian writers."

19$ How$to$Write$for$Children$ Presented(by(Kathy(Bostrom((

Internet Resources - 4"

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ""

"www.publishersweekly.com"

"Publishers Weekly is the weekly periodical for publishers and booksellers. The "provides snippets of information from the current week’s news."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL"

"www.slj.com"

"For school librarians, but provides book reviews and other helpful info"

Bibliography – Writing for Children"

Aliki " "How a Book Is Made"

Aiken, Joan "The Way to Write for Children: An Introduction to the Craft of ! !!Writing Children’s Literature"

Giblin, James Cross The Giblin Guide to Writing Children’s Books"

Lamb, Nancy "The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories for Children"

Lerer, Seth" "Children’s Literature: A Reader’s History, from Aesop to Harry Potter"

Litowinksy, Olga "Writing and Publishing Books for Children in the 1990s: The ! !!Inside Story from the Editor’s Desk!

Mogilner, Alijandra "The Children’s Writer’s Word Book "

Sambuchino, Chuck "2013 Children’s Writers and Illustrator’s Market (Writer’s Digest Books)"

Seuling, Barbara "How to Write a Children’s Book and Get It Published"

Shulevitz, Uri "Writing With Pictures: How to Write and Illustrate Children’s Books"

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Bibliography - General"

Bauer, Marion Dane" "What’s Your Story? A Young Person’s Guide ! !!!to Writing Fiction"

Freeman, Marsha " "Building a Writing Community"

Goldberg, Natalie " "Wild Mind: Living the Writer’s Life"

!!!Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within"

Lamott, Anne " "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life"

Mandell, Judy " "Book Editors Talk to Writers"

Writer’s Digest Books "Formatting and Submitting Your Manuscript"

Bibliography - Periodicals"

The Horn Book Magazine "www.hbook.com" Publishers Weekly " "www.publishersweekly.com" """February and August- special issue on new """children’s books" The Writer " ""www.writermag.com" Writer’s Digest " "www.writersdigest.com"

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