Writing books for children can be very rewarding. With simpler plots and characters, and less demanding language, children’s books give writers a chance to focus on shorter, tighter structures, less ambiguous writing, and simpler dialog.
How to Write a Children’s Book
If you have young children, or remember when you did – or when you were one yourself – you know how much children love books, from the earliest board books to more complex chapter books. You can get children’s book ideas from your own kids (observe them and note what interests them), or from your memories, and you can even try out your books on your children to see if your plots work.
If you have ideas for children’s books, it’s time to flesh them out.
Age ranges and word counts for children’s books
The first thing you need to consider when writing children’s books is the age you want to write for. This affects the type of language used, the number of words in a book, and whether it has illustrations. If you are an illustrator, or know one you want to work with, then it might be a good idea to start with picture books. If you feel more comfortable writing for older children, then pick an age range.
– Picture books are for the youngest readers, around ages 3–8. These generally have 32 pages, and around 500 words; you can have more or less, depending on the illustrations, but books for this age rarely exceed 1,000 words.
– Books for early readers, ages 5–9, can be from about 1,000 to 2,500 words.
– First chapter books, for ages 7–10, can range from around 4,000 to 15,000 words.
– Middle-grade books, for ages 8-12, have a wider range, from 15,000 to 25,000 for young middle-grade books to as much as 60,000 words for upper middle grade.
– Young adult novels, for ages 12 and up, can be as long as many adult novels. More than 60,000 words is common, and as many as 90,000 is possible.
How To Use Language When Writing A Children’s Book
Children’s books should speak to readers in a voice they understand, but should not talk down to them. It’s important to match your choice of vocabulary to the intended age group for the book, but it’s also fine to add some words that the children might not know. Keep it simple, but also keep it lively. Short, active sentences are best for younger readers, and, as the age of the reader increases, you can step it up and use more complex syntax.
When writing children’s books for the youngest audiences, think that the story and language should be fun. Early readers are just discovering language, and using rhymes and other playful language helps them get into the story. Young children want to read books over and over, and the language you use should allow that to be possible without boring them.
Ideas For Children’s Book Stories
Plots of children’s books need to be simple, and they should also present ideas that are positive, such as love, sharing, kindness, friendship, or acceptance. Even the youngest children already understand these concepts, and presenting them in simple stories helps them internalise the ideas.
Children want stories where they can identify with the characters, where they become the hero of the story. The characters need to seem real, but when writing children’s books for the youngest readers, animals are great choices. Even if the reader doesn’t know the animal, and may never encounter it, using animals as characters makes the book seem a bit more magical.
If you use children as characters, it can help to make them a bit older than the target reader’s age. Readers look up to older siblings, and having characters slightly older can help make them seem realistic.
You should use situations that the children can understand, but that doesn’t mean that good children’s book ideas have to take place in the real world. Fantasy and magic are part of childhood, and if a book is set in Whoville, or if the story is about going on a bear hunt, the children will feel just as comfortable as if it was set at their school. As children get older, it’s best to have more realistic situations, focusing on school, summer camp, or sports, so the children can place themselves into the story.
Choosing the Right Genre
Children’s books span various genres, from adventure and fantasy to educational and moral stories. Selecting the right genre for your book will help focus your narrative and appeal to your target audience. Whether you’re crafting a magical world or a heartwarming tale of friendship, choosing a genre that resonates with young readers is key.
Developing Your Story Idea
Generating ideas for children’s books can be one of the most exciting parts of the writing process. Start with a simple concept and build upon it. Consider what messages you want to convey and how they can be incorporated into a compelling story. Observe children’s interests and use them as inspiration for your book.
Start with a Simple, Fun Idea
The best ideas for children’s books often begin with a simple, fun concept that speaks to young readers. Consider what excites or interests children in your target age group, such as an adventurous journey through a magical forest or a story about a child discovering hidden talents. Your idea should be engaging and easily relatable. Remember, simplicity is key. A straightforward, fun idea can make your story more appealing and easier for young readers to follow.
Cast a Relatable Main Character
A relatable main character is crucial in children’s books. This character should embody qualities that children admire or can identify with. Whether it’s bravery, curiosity, or kindness, these traits make the protagonist endearing. Define protagonist and antagonist to create a clear distinction between the hero and their challenges. This clarity helps children better understand and connect with the story—making it more impactful. Understanding the character motivation definition is also important when learning how to write good characters, as it drives their actions and makes them believable.
Structure Your Plot Like a Fairy Tale
Fairy tales have a timeless appeal and a clear structure, which is very effective in children’s books. Start with a problem or a quest, introduce characters who help or hinder the protagonist, and build up to a climactic resolution. This structure is familiar to children and helps them stay engaged. Incorporate elements of magic and wonder to captivate their imagination and make the story memorable.
Consider Repetition and Rhyme
Repetition and rhyme can make your children’s book more enjoyable and easier to read. These elements add a rhythmic quality to the text, making it more fun to read aloud. They also help with language development and memory retention in young readers. Use repetitive phrases or rhyming words to emphasise key points in your story, and ensure the language flows smoothly. This technique not only enhances the reading experience but also makes the story memorable.
Structuring Your Children’s Book
A well-structured children’s book is crucial for maintaining young readers’ interest. Begin with a clear outline, detailing the beginning, middle, and end of your story. Ensure each chapter or section flows seamlessly into the next, keeping the narrative engaging and easy to follow.
Writing the First Draft
When writing a children’s book, don’t worry about perfection in the first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down and letting the story flow naturally. You can refine and polish your writing during the editing process. Use this stage to experiment with different narrative styles and voices.
Editing and Revising Your Book
Editing is a critical part of writing a children’s book. Review your manuscript multiple times, focusing on different aspects such as grammar, pacing, and character development. Consider seeking feedback from others, especially those experienced in writing children’s books, to gain valuable insights.
Illustrations and Design
Illustrations play a significant role in children’s books, especially for younger readers. Collaborate with an illustrator to create visuals that complement and enhance your story. Ensure the illustrations are colourful, engaging, and accurately reflect the text. Use gig platforms like Upwork or Fivver to access talent.
Publishing Your Children’s Book
There are various routes to publishing a children’s book, including traditional publishing, self-publishing, and digital publishing. Major publishing houses like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster offer traditional publishing opportunities. Research each option to determine the best fit for your book. Consider factors such as budget, timeline, and distribution channels.
Marketing Your Children’s Book
Effective marketing is essential for reaching your target audience. Use social media, author websites, and book fairs to promote your book. Engage with readers through interactive content and events to build a loyal following and community. Highlight unique aspects of your book to differentiate it from competitors.
Using Scrivener for Writing Children’s Books
Wondering how to write a children’s book? Scrivener is the best app for writing children’s books, whether they are short or long. With its innovative Binder, where you store files and folders, its integrated outliner, and its corkboard, you can plan and write any type of book. Children’s books generally have short chapters, and each chapter can be a file in the Binder that you can work on independently. Scrivener’s character sheets allow you to sketch out your characters, and the app’s name generator helps you find names for characters. You can use Scrivener’s advanced statistics to ensure that you meet your word count, and the app’s word frequency tool lets you see which words you use, and how often. If you have ideas for children’s books, Scrivener may be the best tool for you.
By understanding your audience, choosing the right genre, and developing compelling characters and storylines, you can create engaging and memorable children’s books. Use tools like Scrivener to streamline your writing process and bring your stories to life.
Scrivener is writing software designed for you to get writing – and keep writing. Scrivener is the go-to program for writers of all genres, with best-selling novels, screenplays, nonfiction books, student essays, academic papers and more being written with it every day. Scrivener won’t tell you how to write; instead, it will give you everything you need to get started and keep writing, letting you mould the app to how you work best. Why not take a look?