Everyone thinks that he can write a children's book; unfortunately, few people actually can. But for those who are able to pull it off, there is plenty of opportunity, especially in the Christian children's book market.
Last year alone the children's book market exceeded $4 billion in sales. The key to breaking into this lucrative market is to learn what kids are interested in reading and to convince an editor that you're the best and only writer who can give it to them.
Instructions
Tips for Getting Published
1. Know Your Audience
Lots of things compete for kids' attention these days: video games, TV, computers and cell phones, to name a few. Unless you know kids --- really know kids --- the odds are you won't be able to write a single thing that they will be interested in reading. It doesn't matter whether you are writing for the Christian or secular book market; you have to be able to connect with your readers in a way that makes them believe what you have to say and want to turn the page.
2. Know the Needs
Christian publishers have a hard sell: they want to offer good quality and morally sound books that kids aren't just forced to read, but want to read. Just because you have a great BIble story in mind doesn't mean a publisher will rush to buy it. Know what today's Christian publishers are looking for: fiction, nonfiction, historical, Bible-based curriculum, home schooling materials, and so on. Take the time to study the publisher's catalogue and compare what they've been publishing with what you are able to write.
Sure, they're always on the lookout for something new, but the more different you are, the more risk they must assume. To be honest, most publishers simply can't afford to take much of a risk these days --- especially on someone who is a newcomer to the publishing scene.
3. Choose an Age Range and Genre
Not every writer can --- or should --- write for every age group or every area of interest. Some writers specialize in fiction, others in nonfiction. While one writer may be able to weave a wonderfully exciting story for a nine-year-old, he may simply have no idea craft a story for a two-year-old. Before setting pen to paper, figure out what type of writing you do best and for whom you want to write. Choosing to write what you believe will sell is a good way to fail. Instead, choose what age group and genre you're most interested in, and let your passion for your reader and the subject matter shine through your words. That's what sells books.
4. Write a Compelling Book Proposal
Professional writers know the No. 1 rule of publishing: don't write any book without first submitting a full book proposal for review. The reason is simple: writing a book takes a lot of time and energy. If no one is interested in this project, why waste your time, when you could move on to a more profitable one?
Running anywhere from a few pages for a picture book to a hundred or so pages for a full-length young-adult novel, a good book proposal must contain the following to be taken seriously by any acquisitions editor:
* A professional format that meets all of the publisher's guidelines. These can be found on most publisher websites.
* An overview, or sales pitch, that is designed to show the publisher the need for your book, any unique or interesting experiences you can offer, the book's slant or angle, its target audience, and its marketability factors.
* A short biography describing who you are, what experience you bring to the project, and why you are the best writer to handle the book.
* A chapter-by-chapter outline designed to show the editor how you will handle the project from beginning to end.
* Sample chapters to show off your writing. These can be any chapters in the book, but it's usually a good idea to include the first and last chapters, to show how you intend to start and finish the story, plus one or two others.
5. Play the Waiting Game
While it's okay to submit your book proposal to more than one editor at a time, most ask that you refrain from doing so. After all, if it's a great story, no one wants to be outbid by a competing publishing house. For best results, submit your proposal to one publishing house at a time. If you do not hear from them in four to six weeks, feel free to send a followup note to check on the status of your book. After another two weeks or so, if you have not heard back, send it on to the next publisher on your list.
Tags: book market, your book, able write, book proposal, chapters show