How to Write a Children's Book and Get It Published (Hardcover)

by Barbara Seuling (Author) "Can you define your goals as a children's writer?..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, Little Bear, Sue Alexander (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
An Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild Here is everything the aspiring children's author needs to know about the five essential steps to publication: researching the current marketplace, developing story ideas, strengthening writing skills and improving work habits, submitting proposals and manuscripts to agents and publishers, and becoming part of the writing community. What's more, this revised and expanded edition contains updated reading lists and organizational references, as well as the latest information on word processing and illustrating with computers. There's also a new chapter on writing plays for children, and innovative suggestions for handling difficult contemporary issues such as AIDS. From character sketches to bound books, author/editor Barbara Seuling shows how to get involved and work toward success in today's world of children's literature.

From the Back Cover
An Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild Here is everything the aspiring children's author needs to know about the five essential steps to publication: researching the current marketplace, developing story ideas, strengthening writing skills and improving work habits, submitting proposals and manuscripts to agents and publishers, and becoming part of the writing community. What's more, this revised and expanded edition contains updated reading lists and organizational references, as well as the latest information on word processing and illustrating with computers. There's also a new chapter on writing plays for children, and innovative suggestions for handling difficult contemporary issues such as AIDS. From character sketches to bound books, author/editor Barbara Seuling shows how to get involved and work toward success in today's world of children's literature.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; Rev&Expand edition (January 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684193434
• ISBN-13: 978-0684193434
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #486,651 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good resource, December 31, 2001

By	Jeffrey Leeper "kem2070" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book is divided into five parts. Each part is designed to help you in progressing towards the publishing of a book/play/poem/story for children. This is not a quick process. The key ingredient to this book being successful is that the book shows you what is involved.

In the first section of the book, Seuling discusses the world of children's books. This will give you an idea of the history of children's books and help you become familiar with the lingo.

In the second and third sections (Developing Your Ideas and Writing Your Book, respectively), she talks about some of the pitfalls (she calls sabotage) and talks about what is required for different kinds of books (for instance, what is needed for an Easy Reader versus a Chapter Book). To help you, the author includes the titles of books that best exemplify the kind of book she is discussing. Now, you can check out the book and see the example for yourself.

In the fourth and fifth sections (Selling Your Book and A Publisher in Your Future), she explains how the publishing field works. With this information in hand, you can make your submission more professional and increase your chances of getting a contract.

For each chapter in the book, she summarizes the key points and gives you "assignments" which will help you internalize the material and become an expert. The only problem with the assignments is that there is no right or wrong answer. You will need to assume that you are doing it correctly. If you follow the assignments, however, you will learn a lot.

Most importantly, Seuling has appendices that list a wealth of information on helping you become a successful writer for children. If nothing else, the book is worth it for those lists (things like marketing information, editorial services, references, and reviews of children's books). I would recommend this book for anyone thinking of writing for children.

110 of 118 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The information in this book is out-of-date., July 30, 1999

By A Customer

Even though this is the revised edition, I have been told by professionals in the children's book industry that the information I got from this book is out-of-date and incorrect.

57 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A confusing book filled with conflicting advice, October 21, 1997

By A Customer

It may not have been the author's explicit intent to discourage new authors form entering the field of children's literature but, it is certainly one of the likely effects that this book will have on its readers. Its hard to believe that this book which is filled with ambiguous and conflicting advice was written by a former editor. The author seems to be interested in showing off erudite sentence structure at the expense of clarity throughout the book. In addition her credibility is drawn into question has she frequently offers conflicting advice regarding format and lay out for submissions. Beyond problems of readability and consistency, the tone of the book is so discouraging that it seems to be the product of an embittered experienced professional out on a crusade to "fix" all of the errors hat she had to endure over the years. Also note that although the book was first published in 1984 and revised in 1991 all of the technical submission advice is geared towards a typewriter. This is to me further evidence of either the author's lack of attention to relevant information or, evidence of an antediluvian attitude. I recommend that you avoid this bitter and confusing advice manual.