How Do I Get Started Writing Children’s Books?
“I want to write/publish a children’s book, but where do I even start?”
As a children’s book author, professor of children’s literature, and freelance editor, I get this question a lot, so it occurred to me that a blog post on the subject might be helpful… or at the very least, give me something to point people toward instead of long, drawn-out email replies!
Let me start with some straight talk. Children’s publishing is a beautiful, rewarding field. Writing for young readers is a noble calling—and a big responsibility. But it’s also a selective and competitive branch of publishing. Here’s why:
The Unique Nature of the Children’s Market
Unlike most genres, children’s books (with the exception of YA) are not typically purchased by the actual readers. Instead, parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians, and caregivers serve as the gatekeepers, selecting books on children’s behalf. On top of that, librarians, educators, and booksellers often act as tastemakers—determining which books make it into schools, libraries, bookstores, and homes.
Because of this, children’s publishing has high standards for what gets accepted. Books must fit into one of the specific children’s lit formats with respect to page and word count (picture book, leveled reader, chapter book, middle grade, YA) and must resonate with both the gatekeepers and the intended audience. That’s why self-publishing is rarely a viable route for picture books, chapter books, or middle grade novels. Without the backing of professional editors, art directors, and marketing teams, self-published children’s books almost never make it past those gatekeepers—and therefore struggle to gain shelf space in libraries or stores.
What Publishers and Agents Are Looking For
Agents and publishers typically want to work with writers who are committed to a long-term career—not just a one-book deal. That means having multiple submission-ready manuscripts, and a clear understanding of where your work fits in the market.
It’s also important to know: a pass from one agent or editor usually means a pass from the entire agency or publishing house. So it pays to do your homework and target your submissions carefully. Be cautious, too—anyone can call themselves an agent these days, and there are many “pay-to-play” publishers making empty promises. The wrong agent or publisher can be worse than none at all.
If you’re serious about writing for children, you’ll need to do the legwork to educate yourself on how the industry works and who the best submission targets are for your particular work.
Where to Start
A great place to begin is the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). For a modest annual fee, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, including their Essential Guide to Children’s Publishing (updated annually). SCBWI also offers outstanding conferences and has local chapters around the world.
Another invaluable resource is Kidlit411, a website packed with free information and a vibrant Facebook group.
If you write or illustrate picture books, check out Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge. This membership-based community helps creators write one new picture book draft each month (or at least more than you would on your own!). There are three levels of membership, and registration is only open during January and February each year—so sign up for their mailing list if you’re interested.
Workshops and Conferences
Conferences and workshops are another great way to learn the ropes and get feedback on your work. In addition to SCBWI’s, I recommend:
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- Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshops
- The Highlights Foundation – offering in-person and online workshops
- Inked Voices
- Kindling Words
- Kweli Color of Literature Conference
- Picture Book Summit – the online conference I co-founded with Katie Davis and Julie Hedlund, held annually on the first Saturday of October
- The Southampton Children’s Literature Conference – which I direct, held every July at Stony Brook Southampton, NY
- The Writing Barn
Advanced Degrees
If you’re interested in deep study, both Hamline University and Vermont College of Fine Arts offer prestigious MFA programs in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Learn with Me
I offer a selection of self-paced, independent study courses on writing picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. You can learn more here.
Recommended Reading
Here are a few outstanding books to guide your craft:
Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul
Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole
Writing Irresistible Picture Books by Mary Kole
The Magic Words by Cheryl B. Klein
Podcasts
Here are some podcasts that focus exclusively on writing and publishing children’s books:
- Literaticast (hosted by agent Jennifer Laughran)
- Picture Book Look
- The Manuscript Academy
- 88 Cups of Tea
- Book Friends Forever
- The Children’s Book Podcast
- Picture Book Summit Podcast
- The Yarn Podcast
Submitting Your Work
The submission process begins with researching literary agents who might be a good fit. One helpful tool is QueryTracker, which lets you search agents by genre, track your submissions, and more.
Do a deep dive into each potential agent: read interviews, follow them on social media, and check out ManuscriptWishlist.com or the #mswishlist hashtag to see what they’re actively seeking.
Once you’ve curated your list, you’ll need to write a compelling query letter—a short pitch of your manuscript with basic bio information. This is how agents decide whether to request your full manuscript. And remember: if an agent expresses interest, the first thing they’ll ask is what else you have.
For picture book creators looking to master the submissions process, Julie Hedlund and I created The Complete Picture Book Submissions System, a comprehensive, step-by-step guide.
I hope this information helps! New generations of readers are born every year, and the world of children’s literature is a joyful, meaningful place to contribute your voice.
Just be sure to start with education—and let your passion lead the way.
