Writing Children's Books for Dummies

Buccieri and Economy begin by explaining the basics of the children`s book business, from the nuts and bolts of the various formats and genres?with helpful illustrations to aid you?to the intricacies of the book publishing market, a list of recent award-winning books, and a first peek into the particular mind set that writing children`s books requires. (Hint: Throw out the adult rules, and think like a kid!)

Then the authors dive into the actual writing process itself, with tips on setting up a workspace, brainstorming great book ideas, researching the subject you decide on, even speaking with the sorts of kids you hope will eventually read the book. They show you how to create compelling characters and develop them in the manuscript; how to outline and write a plot "arc" of conflict, change, and resolution; how to master the difficult art of writing dialogue; and how to use active (rather than passive) language to keep your story moving along and interesting to young minds.

Or, if you`re planning to write a creative nonfiction children`s book?on a topic such as science, nature, or a historical figure, for example?the authors include a chapter on this, too. Ready, set, go… it`s time to sit down and write!

Once you`ve finished your book, however, the process has only begun. Now you will refine, submit, and hopefully sell your manuscript. Here again, the authors of Writing Children`s Books For Dummies come through for you. They deliver solid advice on hiring an illustrator?or not; pa