Full Description
Everything aspiring authors need to write, publish, and sell a children's book Everyone loves a children's book and many dream about writing one. But is it actually possible for an unpublished writer armed with a good story idea and a love of kids to write, sell, publish, and promote a book? Yes, it is! Clearly and concisely written with straightforward advice and a plethora of specific up-to-date recommendations, Writing Children's Books For Dummies provides step-by-step information on everything aspiring children's book authors need to know from researching the current marketplace to developing story ideas, strengthening writing skills, dealing with editors, and submitting proposals and manuscripts to agents and publishers. * Updated and improved writing exercises * All new content on social media and establishing an online presence as an author * Fresh, updated content on publishing via hard copy and all the e- platforms From setting down that first word on paper to doing a successful publicity tour, Writing Children's Books For Dummies gives you the confidence and the insiders' know-how to write and sell the story you've always wanted to write.
Contents
Introduction 1 Part I: The ABCs of Writing for Children 5 Chapter 1: Exploring the Basics of Writing Children s Books 7 Chapter 2: Delving into Children s Book Formats and Genres 13 Chapter 3: Understanding the Children s Book Market 49 Part II: Immersing Yourself in the Writing Process 65 Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Workspace 67 Chapter 5: Starting with a Great Idea 73 Chapter 6: Researching Your Audience and Subject 89 Part III: Creating a Spellbinding Story 107 Chapter 7: Creating Compelling Characters 109 Chapter 8: The Plot Thickens: Confl ict, Climax, and Resolution 131 Chapter 9: Can We Talk? Writing Dialogue 143 Chapter 10: Setting the Scene 157 Chapter 11: Finding Your Voice: Point of View and Tone 169 Chapter 12: Writing Creative Nonfi ction Books 189 Part IV: Making Your Story Sparkle 205 Chapter 13: Editing and Formatting Your Way to a Happy Ending 207 Chapter 14: Creating Pictures from Your Words: The World of Illustrations 233 Chapter 15: Finding Feedback and Encouragement 249 Part V: Getting Published and Promoting Your Book 265 Chapter 16: Getting an Agent to Represent You 267 Chapter 17: Finding the Perfect Publisher and Signing a Contract 283 Chapter 18: So You Want to Self-Publish? 299 Chapter 19: Donning Your Publicity Cap 313 Chapter 20: Getting Savvy with Social Media 327 Part VI: The Part of Tens 341 Chapter 21: More Than Ten Great Sources for Storylines 343 Chapter 22: Ten Recognitions Children s Authors Dream of Receiving 351 Index 353
