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Getting Started

© Sue Reichard

What does it take to get started writing for children? The first answer to this question is obvious. You must like children! Writing for children is a tremendous responsibility. Young minds are very impressionable. What children read may affect their lives.

When writing for children you also need to know your intended audience. You must know how children talk, think, dress and how they act. Spend time with the age group you want to write for. If you have no children of your own to observe you could volunteer at your local school.

Along with studying your audience you must read, read, read. Read and study the types of children's books you want to write. The local library should be your home away from home. As you read, carefully study the books. Take notes as you read. Ask yourself questions as you read, such as what did you like about the book, how did the author handle dialogue, why would a child want to read this book? Become an expert on the types of books you want to write.

Study children's books that are already in print. This will help you discover the different types of books that are being published. You will also discover what topics and writing styles are appropriate for different age groups.

If you want to write articles for the vast children's magazine market you must carefully study the past issues. Check the topics of articles that have been previously published. Editors will not repeat a topic for several years. Write to the editor's of these magazines and ask for sample issues and writer's guidelines. Always enclose a SASE and the cost of the sample issue.

Getting started writing for children means having a place where you can work. This can be as simple as the kitchen table or a desk of your own. The public library can also be good place to think and write if working at home is not an option. You will need a typewriter, word processor or a computer.

You will want to have a good dictionary, thesaurus, a book on grammar and punctuation and perhaps a how-to book on writing for children. If you need to brush up on your grammar skills consider taking a course at your local community college. It is also very helpful if you know how to type. There are now many long-distance learning classes you can take if you have a computer and access to the Internet.

The copyright of the article Getting Started in Writing for Children is owned by Sue Reichard. Permission to republish Getting Started in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.