How to Write A Children’s Book: Tips From a Children’s Publisher

Are you dreaming of writing a children’s book? Get top tips from a children’s publisher to help you get started right away! 

In this modern era, parents, educators, and authors know the significant impact of children's books on a kid's cognitive well-being. They acknowledge that reading books enhances children's imagination, learning, and emotional growth. As a result, this is creating a surge in popularity for children’s books. 

Many studies show that children's books play an essential role in the child's early development and literacy. As reading improves language, cognitive, and social skills, encouraging children to read books is to build a foundation for lifelong learning and develop a love for reading. 

At Austin Macauley Publishers we have published many children’s books and have a vast collection available on our website. Children’s books are one of the most prominent genres in the publishing industry. As a renowned publisher, we have assisted numerous authors in sharing countless stories with children worldwide. 

If you are thinking about writing a children’s book, here are some crucial things to consider before you begin. This guide provides tips to help you write a children’s book and offers insights on how to publish it. 

Tips to Write Your First Children’s Book 

1. Define Your Target Age Group 

Before writing a children’s book, you must define the target age group because different age groups require various writing styles, themes, and word counts. 

Examples: 

• Board books (0-3 years): Simple words, repeated patterns and interactive elements that grasp the child’s attention. 

• Picture books (3-7 years): Rhyming or simple prose with engaging illustrations. 

• Early readers (5-9 years): Shorter chapters and simple vocabulary are good fits for them. 

• Junior fiction (8-12 years): More complex and longer storytelling with relatable characters and deeper themes are suitable for this age group. 

Make sure to research about the children’s books for your chosen age group and keep language easy-to-understand and age-appropriate. 

2. Choose a Theme That Relates 

Children’s books teach important lessons such as friendship, bravery, and kindness. If you’re planning to write one, it’s essential to understand what resonates with today’s kids. 

A catchy start and a meaningful lesson will always do best in a children’s book. For instance, the most popular children's books feature stories about animals or kids with the vision of changing the world around them.  

3. Write with Flow and Clarity 

Rhyme and repetition work well in books for children, and it also helps with memorability. Once you are done writing, read aloud to test flow and engagement and address whether the question flows well when spoken. Try not to use complex sentences, as they can lose a child's attention. 

Create engaging plots with clear language that can make stories more attractive. Keep the language simple and readable and develop relatable characters as kids love to imagine themselves in the story. 

4. Illustrations Matter 

In picture books, illustrations drive the story. If you're not an illustrator, publishers often find one for you. You can also submit a manuscript with illustration notes. Connect your story to the visuals as they attract and engage kids. Don't overly describe things; leave room for kids to imagine—the illustrations will tell the story. Studying classic and modern picture books for visual inspiration can be very helpful. 

5. Tap Into Current Trends 

Consider what children are currently obsessed with, is it unicorns, dinosaurs, robots, or something new? Write a story on current trends and include themes such as adventure, family, and self-discovery, as these are the most loved themes by kids. When writing your story, try balancing new trends with timeless messages. 

6. Share a Strong Message 

Write a story that shares a strong lesson and inspires kids. The lesson can be related to kindness, bravery, or safeguarding the environment. Avoid exaggerating the plot and show the lesson through the story. Include the themes of kindness, courage, and perseverance because they are always relevant and timeless. 

7. Edit Thoroughly 

The pro tip when writing children’s books is to stay concise. Avoid the common mistakes of over-exaggerating or complex words. Before submitting your manuscript or publishing it, test the book with the kids around you. 

8. Explore the Publishing Process 

Research which publishing process meets your requirements. Is it traditional, partnership or self-publishing?  

The benefits of working with a children’s book publishing company like Austin Macauley Publishers is that we specialise in nurturing new talent and will make your publishing journey less stressful and more enjoyable. 

Conclusion 

Writing a children’s book requires creativity, clarity, and understanding of children’s needs and what they attract more towards. If you are a new and aspiring author, Austin Macauley Publishers always looks for new and fresh voices in children’s literature. Ready to share your story? Submit your manuscript today.