Does anyone write children's books?

[CoffeeCat]

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone here has written children's books?

I have a few ideas that I've been kicking around, and some unorganized story lines on paper--but nothing too organized.

Also, I'm in research mode--learning how to submit stories to publishers.

I'd love to hear from children's book authors--for what ages do you write and how did you get started? Did you quickly hit pay dirt, or did you experience a great deal of rejection?

I would love to hear anything and everything about the process and others' experiences, if anyone would like to share.

[7th_Sephiroth]

1. i wrote a childrens book

Mr. Bear and the mean monkey (jabs at bush like no ones buisness)

[n2mark]

2. Children's books

Not me, but I have a friend who had a child's book published and is working on more. If you want perhaps I could get you connected.

[rzemanfl]

3. Why do you ask? Does * need something to read during the

next terrorist attack?

[CoffeeCat]

5. He'll probably read "My Pet Goat" again...

...word on the street is that he didn't understand it the first time.

;)

[evolvenow]

4. Write children's books because you LOVE it! Take some classes and read

book about publishing children's books. There is a real specific format for submitting, and the business is sooo structured now, it is very important to know what they are looking for. Spend time at your favorite bookstores and then look at Borders, to see what books they carry. If you love it, absolutely put everything in to creating a magical book, but do not think of the money, unless you are a marketing master at licensing or have the next Harry Potter, most Children's authors create for the love of it and it is wonderful when you have success. You experience may be fantastic, my experience as an author/illustrator is that you spend much time creating, and marketing. Good Luck and if you can get a children's literary agent, once you have a manuscript, that is the best way to up your chances of being published and paid:)
Let me know when you get a deal if you need an illustrator.

[CoffeeCat]

6. Thanks evolvenow...

...you articulated very well the passion a children's write should have. I agree, it has to be about the process, and not the money!

The little that I've read about submission guidelines mirrors what you've said. There guidelines are incredibly specific. If you stray from those guidelines, it sounds like they toss your manuscript!

I've spent a lot of time in the Barnes and Noble children's section. I could spend hours up there. It's fascinating--all of the "how to" books tell you to avoid submitting stories about animals. However, 95 percent of the children's picture books I've seen, involve animals.

One of my loosely organized ideas is a book titled, "Barney the Hitchhiking Barnacle". It's about the life lessons and adventures and of a barnacle who attaches himself to various sea creatures. He starts out as kind of a mooch, but slowly learns to value his talents and reciprocate. We'll see.

I plan to have fun putting my stories together. If anything happens, it will be fantastic, but if not, that's ok too. I know I'll enjoy writing and creating. There's no downside to trying, right?

You mentioned that you are an illustrator. How wonderful that you can write AND illustrate. Can a writer specify an illustrator with whom they'd like to work? Or does the publisher assign an illustrator? It sounds like you really love what you do, and I'm sure it shines through in your work.

Thanks for your perspective! I appreciate what you had to say. I'll keep you posted on my progress, if you like.

:)

[evolvenow]

7. Your idea sounds wonderful. Follow your own creative sense, it is

just the format that needs to be followed when trying to get published. As I heard an agent say, she is always looking for any reason not to say yes, so the age/type of book needs to be defined in the presentation of your story, have a few people check the final version for typos, make it professional, and keep in mind, that it will most likely change...a lot..during the publishing...so it is just getting it to enough people until someone says yes. I had many no's before getting published. I actually gave up on publishing, I had won several national illustrators awards one year and the next, nothing, no work, it was so odd, but I did an article and illustration for a little, but beautiful magazine and a publisher called me! You might want to try that too. No one ever knows what will capture the imaginations of children, but if it is compelling, and the story is good, that is what they are all looking for. Yes, find a book that describes the formats, I cannot find the title right now, but search on amazon, I am sure there are several. Usually the publisher hires the illustrator, but if the writer has an illustrator in mind, that can happen too. Please stay in touch, I would love to know your progress.
Good for you for following your dreams.

I think this could be a good book to read: By Nancy Lamb
The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children

[Straight Shooter]

10. I love the idea of your book. Very imaginative!

I've had a book in the works for years, but keep putting it off. However I've lately gotten a little bit more focused on researching the specifics of writing a novel.

One web site I found had some excellent pointers:
http://www.writingforchildren.com/F3544/writing_tips.htm

============

Don't forget legitimate writing contests that you can submit short stories to. Maybe Barney the Barnacle could be condensed to a very clever short story and then expanded from that point. (Umm, how about Bailey or another "B" name so as not to cause inadvertent reference to the famous Barney?)

http://www.freelancewriting.com/contests.html (Also they give tips for grants, fellowships and competition)

Bestest of luckest to you :thumbsup:

[Mutley]

8. I'm not published

but i've written a few children's books.

[Lautremont]

9. I wrote one, but haven't yet submitted it for publication.

I've had a couple of other books published, but they were of the non-fiction variety. I hear that children's literature is a cut-throat, take-no-prisoners game that only a masochist would wade into. Still, someday I'd like to see "The Old Man" finally published and traumatizing youths aged 3-6 from coast to coast.

All this is by way of saying I have no useful advice for you. Sorry. But I do wish you luck.