What's next?

[eelyak]

My mom is an aspiring children's author and has written several short stories, and poems. Her stuff is really good, and I'm trying to help her in the right direction. So, what do we do next? We're both new to this and we aren't sure what to do about getting interest in her work.

[underthecity]

What kinds of children's stories has she written? For what age group, like 5-8, 8-10, 10-14? How long? 500 words? 1,500? 30,000?

You're going to have to educate yourselves on the children's book business. I recommend you check out The Purple Crayon (http://www.underdown.org/) website, which has a ton of great information. Read all of it. Learn what and what not to do. Follow the links and read those too.

Visit the bookstore. Compare what you've written to similar titles on the shelves. Talk to a children's bookseller to see what's popular these days. Remember: what was popular ten years ago, what sold five years ago, is different today. Make sure to understand current trends.

Read this book: How to Write a Children's Book and Get it Published (http://www.amazon.com/Write-Childrens-Book-Get-Published/dp/0471676195/) (or any similar book), available at your bookstore and library. While you're there, check out all the other books about writing children's books.

Writing for children and getting the work commercially published is not easy. I know. I tried. My book is still unpublished, and will probably be rewritten sometime in the near future.

Ask all the questions you can think of; it's why we're all here.

Welcome to AW, by the way!

allen

[eelyak]

I think she says her stories are Pre-K, although I know one that she wrote many many years ago that would probably be in the 5-8 range. But, a lot of her writing rhymes, so maybe things like that should be in a collection. I certainly think that several of them would make great books, but I don't think either one of us know what's best.

[Soccer Mom]

There are some excellent websites in the "Toolbox" sticky at the top of the page. Another good book I can recommend would be the Children's Writer's and Illustrators Market by Writer's Digest. It's an invaluable tool, in my opinion.

[RhinoMom]

Your mom should also consider joining a children's writers critique group for feedback and information.
If she joins SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writer's & Illustrators), they have discussion boards for writers looking for critique groups. SCBWI regional chapters also usually have a critique group coordinator who helps connect local writers.

Debbie

[sammyig]

I second the motion for joining a critique group. Also, it helps sometimes to read as much as you can in terms of the age group she is writing for.