Editor and Agent Tips for Writing Children's Books/Call for Submissions

This week I’m focusing on tips from editors and agents for writers of children’s books.

Of all the genres, the picture book market is the hardest for new writers to break into.

Use concise text and fluent words

Lyrical voice should not be too “adult” and should be authentic

The character should make things happen for him/herself

The main character should be a kid

Vary the sentence length

Revise by reading the story through the eyes of a 4 yr old

Holiday stories are difficult to sell because of the shorter selling time

Remember the age of your audience

The subject is not as important as the writer’s voice

Take young readers on a journey with the characters

Read other authors to be inspired, but don’t copy

Read aloud the text during and after revision

Write rhythmic text to catch the attention of the audience

Tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end

Make your picture book manuscript stand out. Make it sparkle through revision followed by a round of critiques from other writers.

Make it a fun read aloud.

The Louisville Review announces that they are publishing a special, all-Kentucky issue this winter to honor Kentucky Poet Laureate Maureen Morehead. They are now accepting submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction by writers who live in or are from Kentucky. To submit, visit http://www.louisvillereview.org/submissions. Use the comments section to let them know you are a Kentucky Writer. The reading period ends November 1, 2011. Email any questions to louisvillereview@spalding.edu.


Beginning next week and continuing throughout the school year, I’ll include contests and calls for submissions for student writers.