Children get the world thrown at them from every direction in recent years. We want to give children books that are positive, books that entertain and inspire children of all ages. Most of all, we want them to read books to help them know how much God loves and cares for them. We have a great mix of Christian children’s authors who write for this blog. Some are leaders in this profession while others are still getting their feet wet so to speak.

We often receive requests to review books written by new authors. When we agree to consider reviewing one, we let the author know that we only review books we feel would score 4 out of 5 stars or smileys. Sadly, many hopeful authors have to accept our critiques instead of the review they had hoped for.

What is it about writing books that many people fail to realize? Here are a few myths about writing for children followed by some suggestions for hopeful children’s authors.

What are the myths?

1. Writing for Children is easy.

Because good children’s books are quick and easy to read, many say to themselves, “I could write that.” What these people don’t realize is the difficulty of writing simply and getting the maximum amount of story in the least amount of words. Most children’s books today have less than 500 words in them. Incorporating a full story line in 500 words does not come easy.

Another mistake first time authors often make is to try to write the story in rhyme. Most publishers won’t even consider a book written in rhyme because it is so difficult to write well. It takes much time, effort, and skill to learn to write in rhyme. A qualified writing coach is highly recommended.

2. Bookstores will sell my books.

It is a mistake to assume your books will appear on the shelves in bookstores. You may have to do the legwork to approach the stores, and even if they accept your book, there is no guarantee that they will sell. Will your book stand out among all the others already on the shelves? Many bookstores have closed as online sales have become more convenient for both the buyer and the seller.

3. Anybody can self-publish books today.

This isn’t exactly a myth. There are many options available for publishing one’s own book today. But these aren’t always wise. Good publishers have an eye what books will sell. A book that is self-published before it is truly ready is not likely to reach many readers or to turn a profit.

4. When my books sell, I will make a lot of money.

Established authors can make a living off their writing. But that takes time. It is usually a different picture for first-time authors. Write because you love to write and be persistent if you are serious about becoming an author. It doesn’t happen overnight.

Best steps for new children’s authors:

1. Study writing for children.

That is a sentence with two parts. Study the craft of writing – grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, active verbs, the list is long with things good authors know. The second part is writing specifically for children. To write for children, you have to see through the child’s eyes and speak their language. Say it the way a child would say it. Writing for children is very different from any other kind of writing.

2. Join a writing critique group.

Good writers get valuable feedback from other writers. Find other authors who are willing to share feedback with you about your manuscripts. Friends and relatives usually give you encouragement, but what you need is the critical eye from someone who understands your intended audience. An English teacher can help you with grammar, but that may still fall short of understanding what appeals to children.

There are two online organizations that can help you get into a critique group. Write2Ignite is an organization that keeps a few critique groups going. WordWeavers Int. also offers critique groups.

3. Attend Writing Conferences

Many Christian writing conferences are held across the country. Writing conferences give you opportunities to meet with agents and publishers. You can listen to many helpful speakers about writing and the many other hats authors have to wear. Conferences also give you opportunities to meet and network with other authors. Many Christian conferences can be found on the WordWeavers Int. link. Write2Ignite offers several great online Master Classes. These are well worth the small investment and you can attend them from your own home.

4. Do your homework before submitting your manuscript to a publisher

Use a current Writers Market or Christian Writers Market to locate publishers interested in books like yours. Don’t waste your time or the editors’ time submitting material that doesn’t fit their criteria. This information can also be found online.

Beware if you are tempted to use a publisher that charges you money to publish your book. If they are charging you, they may be planning to make a profit off of you because they don’t think your book will sell. Children’s books haven’t been as profitable for publishers as a whole. You may not get an advance on your book, and you may have to commit to purchasing a quantity of books, but at least you have something concrete for the money you spend.

5. Expect to have to market your book.

Publishers expect you to help sell your book. You may need to take copies to stores that may or may not accept them. Be prepared to contact newspapers, look for opportunities to share your book on blogs and through podcasts. Perhaps you can make presentations about your book in schools and libraries.

Conclusion

If I didn’t think writing for children was a worthwhile venture, I wouldn’t be writing posts for this Christian Children’s Authors blog. Our children need quality books that inspire them to love the Lord Jesus. There are rewards. They may or may not be monitary, but we never know how many children might be reached by what we write. And the results might not be in great numbers. Your book might plant a seed that inspires a future missionary, pastor, or evangelist.

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