Everything aspiring authors need to write, publish, and sell a
children’s book
Everyone loves a children’s book–and many dream about
writing one. But is it actually possible for an unpublished
writer–armed with a good story idea and a love of
kids–to write, sell, publish, and promote a book? Yes, it
is!
Clearly and concisely written with straightforward advice and a
plethora of specific up-to-date recommendations, Writing
Children’s Books For Dummies provides step-by-step information
on everything aspiring children’s book authors need to
know–from researching the current marketplace to developing
story ideas, strengthening writing skills, dealing with editors,
and submitting proposals and manuscripts to agents and
publishers.
* Updated and improved writing exercises
* All new content on social media and establishing an online
presence as an author
* Fresh, updated content on publishing via hard copy and all the
e- platforms
From setting down that first word on paper to doing a successful
publicity tour, Writing Children’s Books For Dummies gives
you the confidence and the insiders’ know-how to write and sell the
story you’ve always wanted to write.
Jadual kandungan
Introduction 1
Part I: The ABCs of Writing for Children 5
Chapter 1: Exploring the Basics of Writing Children’s Books 7
Chapter 2: Delving into Children’s Book Formats and Genres13
Chapter 3: Understanding the Children’s Book Market 49
Part II: Immersing Yourself in the Writing Process 65
Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Workspace 67
Chapter 5: Starting with a Great Idea 73
Chapter 6: Researching Your Audience and Subject 89
Part III: Creating a Spellbinding Story 107
Chapter 7: Creating Compelling Characters 109
Chapter 8: The Plot Thickens: Confl ict, Climax, and Resolution131
Chapter 9: Can We Talk? Writing Dialogue 143
Chapter 10: Setting the Scene 157
Chapter 11: Finding Your Voice: Point of View and Tone 169
Chapter 12: Writing Creative Nonfi ction Books 189
Part IV: Making Your Story Sparkle 205
Chapter 13: Editing and Formatting Your Way to a Happy Ending207
Chapter 14: Creating Pictures from Your Words: The World of Illustrations 233
Chapter 15: Finding Feedback and Encouragement 249
Part V: Getting Published and Promoting Your Book 265
Chapter 16: Getting an Agent to Represent You 267
Chapter 17: Finding the Perfect Publisher and Signing a Contract283
Chapter 18: So You Want to Self-Publish? 299
Chapter 19: Donning Your Publicity Cap 313
Chapter 20: Getting Savvy with Social Media 327
Part VI: The Part of Tens 341
Chapter 21: More Than Ten Great Sources for Storylines 343
Chapter 22: Ten Recognitions Children’s Authors Dream of Receiving 351
Index 353
Mengenai Pengarang
Lisa Rojany Buccieri has written and ghostwritten more than 100 children’s and grown-up’s books, both fiction and nonfiction, including board books, picture books, and young adult series.
Peter Economy is a bestselling author, coauthor, and ghostwriter of more than 55 books, including several For Dummies titles.