Writing Nonfiction for Children

Eeman · Jul 21, 2007

I do a lot of nonfiction writing for adults, but I have never written for children. I've been thinking lately that I would like to take some of the topics I write about, modify the language (and content) so that they are suitable for a younger audience, and submit the pieces to magazines like Highlights and Learning through History.

The thing is that I am not sure how to effectively modify the language and level of vocabulary so that it would be appealing to children (most likely in the 8-10 year old range).

I hope my question is not insulting to people who regularly write for children as I know there is no magic technique for teaching someone to write in a particular style. My problem, though, is that I am so used to writing for adults that I am worried about sending adult-style pieces to editors. How do I "know" when something is suitable for children?

Tish Davidson · Jul 21, 2007

I write nonfiction for both adults and children. Whenever I start a children's book, I go to the library and take out a lot of books for that age group and read them, Then I go back and analyze them for sentence length, sentence structure and vocab. Then I read a few that I thought were really good again, and by that time, I have kind of internalized the correct approach.

Evaine · Jul 22, 2007

I'd look at the sort of books that are in school libraries, like the Dorling Kinnersley range, to see the sort of language they're using.
And I'd keep the information as clear and as simple as I could - like the old Ladybird books, which were immensely popular in their day (and still give useful information).

Stijn Hommes · Jul 23, 2007

Tish' approach is a good one, but I wouldn't forget to read the markets you want to submit to too. They're most important in deciding what language you're gonna use.

Lauri B · Jul 23, 2007

I write nonfiction for both kids and adults. I haven't ever found it a problem switching age groups; for me it's more a matter of keeping my sentences shorter, keeping the verbs active (which is good for adults, too), and choosing shorter, simpler vocabulary over more complicated. it's actually really easy once you get started.
Keep in mind that the audience for Highlights is very different from Learning through History, and you couldn't possibly submit the same article to both.

Writing Nonfiction for Children

Eeman

Tish Davidson

Evaine

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

Lauri B

I Heart Mac