Review
The Business of Writing for Children is a clear, concise, resourceful, often eye-opening guide that is filled with solid advice to help aspiring writers sell their manuscripts and to help published authors boost sales. I learned a good deal from this handy resource. I am sure anyone who is serious about the business of writing for children will profit from it. --
Robert D. San Souci, children's authorThe Business of Writing for Children is a clear, concise guide to the often misunderstood field of children's books. No matter what your level of experience -- from beginner to veteran -- there is much to learn from Aaron Shepard's nuts-and-bolts approach to surviving the bunny-eat-bunny world of writing for children. Read it and learn! --
Larry Dane Brimner, children's authorThe Business of Writing for Children is a one-stop shopping center, a complete how-to-do-it guide for the writer who wants a jump-start on looking professional even though he/she may be turning out a first book. Editors will love you if you do it Shepard's way. --
Audrey Baird, Editor, Once Upon A TimeAaron Shepard has written one of the most comprehensive guides available to anyone wishing to enter the competitive field of children's books. It's all here, from initial idea to successful sale, and then beyond to the essentials of contracts, promotion, and the ABCs of building a successful career. If you're starting out, start out here. --
Stephen Mooser, children's authorBRAVO! I thought it had pretty much all been said, but I was wrong. All the nuts and bolts are here as well as rules that bear repeating, PLUS insights not usually found in how-to books. Clearly and concisely written, this is an invaluable resource for both beginning and more accomplished writers. --
Susan Pearson, Editor-in-Chief, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard BooksFinally, a thorough, concise overview of the business end of writing for the children's market. This book is a wonderful gift to the budding authors of the world. Aaron has combined great talents for writing and storytelling with smart and informed business practices to create a great career. Now he shares what he has learned, to help others do the same. --
Kip Nead, co-owner, Seeds of Change Children's BookstoreFor aspiring writers of picture book fiction and folktales, this is a great introduction to the complicated world of children's book publishing. --
Harold Underdown, Senior Editor, Charlesbridge Publishing, and Webmaster, The Purple CrayonHere's clearly-written, no-nonsense help for children's writers by a craftsman. Every fledgling author should own this book. --
Stephen Fraser, Executive Editor, Aladdin PaperbacksWriters attempting to break into the children's book market will thank Aaron Shepard for graciously sharing his own hard-earned knowledge. I am adding this to my list of must-reads for newcomers to the field. --
Margaret Read MacDonald, author and librarianWritten by an experienced picture book author, this guide covers all the basics of writing for children in a realistic, practical manner. The fun -- as well as the work -- of writing, selling, and marketing books for young readers is evident in every step of Shepard's approach. --
Judith O'Malley, Editor, Book LinksThe best practical guide for anyone wanting to get books for children published. --Julie Cummins, former Coordinator of Children's Services, The New York Public Library
A tool every writer needs. --Carol Farley, children's author
Don't let the slimness of this book fool you. Shepard is direct and delivers nothing but meat and potatoes. --Bev Walton-Porter, Inkspot, May 25, 2000
Clear, concise, memorable and easily reference-able. Shepard has gotten the business down to an understandable science. --Lynne Remick, Author Showcase
From the Author
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Dangerous Myths and Terrible Truths
PART 1 -- THE BASICS
Writing Your Story | WriterSpeak #1: Book Categories | Submitting Your Manuscript | WriterSpeak #2: Book Publishers | Negotiating Your Contract | The Publishing Process | WriterSpeak #3: Booksellers | Building Your Career
PART 2 -- THE INSIDE STORY
Script Your Story! | Words That Make Pictures | Rhythm and the Readaloud | Researching the Folktale | In Praise of Post-its | The Picture Book Query | 10 Ways to Promote a First Book | Promo Pieces for the Children's Author | Info For Author Days
APPENDIX -- RESOURCES
Books and Periodicals | Organizations | Online Resources
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SAMPLE
Let me begin with a word of caution. If you're thinking of taking up children's writing as a lark or as an easy way to make money, my advice is: FORGET IT.
True, there are always those beginning writers who will whip out a children's story, sell it to a publisher on the first try, and wind up with a successful book. But for most of us, entering the profession takes years of practice, self-education, and not a little frustration. And there's more of that AFTER we're published.
But if you're serious about writing for children, this book should significantly speed and simplify your professional development. Though not at all meant to be comprehensive, it lays out the basics, points you toward additional resources, and most importantly, provides tips and strategies not commonly found elsewhere. Along with that, it offers detailed looks at some of my own specialties and gives notice of changes being brought by new technologies.
The material comes from several sources. Most of the Introduction, Part 1, and the Appendix is based on handouts created for my former classes and workshops on writing for children. Part 2 consists of articles first written for the "SCBWI Bulletin" and "Once Upon A Time." All materials have been updated as needed.
Reflecting my own expertise, the focus here is on writing picture book stories and selling them to major publishers. Much of the information, though, will apply to other areas of children's writing as well.
I hope this guide will help in your professional and/or personal growth. Good luck, and don't forget to have fun!
