How Long Have You Been Writing Children's Books?

I've been writing ever since I was little, but I decided to start writing children's MG last year. I never intended on trying to get it published or anything, but when I was 3/4 of the way through I thought, "Eh, why not?" And I got a publisher in 6 months (the story is a bit more involved than that, if you are interested I'm recording it in my blog [who doesn't have a blog these days?] - www.ididntchoosethis.blogspot.com). So it can be that quick. However I am also an actor, and that has been nothing but rejection after rejection. What keeps me going in that industry is faith in myself, and what I can do. And hope. Yes it does take luck, but the good thing is if you want it enough, and work hard at improving yourself, and don't give up, well the pool gets smaller and smaller as those who aren't as passionate give up the good fight. Believing in yourself is the biggest thing.

I'm sorry about the rejection, it always hurts. But while I got the deal relatively fast, I too received tons of no's. Only one agent wanted me. And only one publisher (no bidding war here!). But all it takes is one. Remember that. You may get a thousands no's, but all you need is one yes.

Good luck with everything!

I started writing for children properly about seven years ago (a correspondence course) and started sending out submissions shortly after starting the course. I got my first acceptance in 2002 - so I guess that's about three years of submissions before an acceptance. Mind you, my first lot of stories weren't very good. What I find so difficult to understand is the people who expect to get their very first story published. I look back now and can see quite clearly why my first one wasn't published! (or my second, or my third...) But I have lots of ideas and I just love sitting down to write, so I kept churning them out until someone said yes. Then I sat down and churned out a whole lot more!

Don't expect any feedback, then if there is any it'll be a pleasant surprise! If anyone does happen to say 'not for us, but we like your writing/do submit to us in the future' then take it as a compliment - that's not a standard response!

It took me about 18 months to get my first story into a state where I thought "This might actually be good enough to be published." Before that, I was writing purely for my own pleasure.
I've now been looking for an agent for about a year, but I have other stories either finished or well on the way to completion.

I was one of the fortunate writers. I submitted my first children's book to publisher A, and the editor responded by saying it was a nice little story but her editorial calendar was full so why don't I submit to Macmillan SA, which was currently accepting submissions. So I did, it was accepted, but it took two years before it was finally launched. In the meantime I wrote more stories and got the requisite rejections, but I was so high on the first acceptance I didn't care.

I've been writing for a long time, but I just started trying my hand at kids last year (writing for them, not having them-although I've been doing THAT for a while too )

I've been writing for many, many years, but I've only worked on two children's books in that time.

Fairly new myself...

I often tell people I started in 4th grade. That was the year I wrote 4 books in my "Archie The Ant" series, all 4 being illustrated by my friend Leo. I wrote them, bound them, and began reading them to the kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students. Eventually they were just added to the school library.

It was in 2003 when I finally sat down to seriously write a manuscript. I had been teaching 4th grade for a few years, I had just completed my graduate degree, and I had been saying for a long time "I want to write children's books someday". Finally, I was cleaning the basement with my father one day, stopped short, and wondered "What am I waiting for?". Thus, I began writing my first manuscript, inspired by my grandfather and written as a tribute to him. That was 3 years ago. After a series of rejections from publishers, I used a POD publisher so I could have it in print for my grandfather to enjoy while he had his health. Through the use of PODs, I have sold about 600 copies, but I am still waiting to be "published".

Okay... I am starting to rant again...

So, question #1, I would say I have been writing "seriously" for three years.
As to how I kept my hopes up through rejections, that is a mixed response. I really believed in the value of my novel and I was getting a lot of great comments and reviews from readers, so I let those good responses overpower the rejection letters. I also kept believing in my own work. In a way, however, I did let the rejections get to me. When the book's life with POD began to hit some real snags recently, I was not too motivated to try sending it to agents or more publishers. Why? I am guessing the rejections did something to thwart the enthusiasm and confidence. It has come back, though. I never actually sent my manuscript to an agent, so I plan to start providing some with my work, and maybe even go direct to a few more publishers, too.

I think what you will find is many of us are in the same boat... searching for ways to keep believing and keep hoping that the good news will come in. One reason I was so eager to join this group is because I think the community can help support each other. Even if someone in the group does not feel like they are in the same boat, it probably means their ship has landed and they have plenty of tips on a smooth journey.

Okay...Okay...I really need to stop ranting and get to sleep. Hopefully that at least answered your question, and maybe some of the extra stuff was helpful, too.

All the best to you and yours!