Writing Children's Books For Dummies, 2nd Edition - Softcover

Learn to:

• Write great stories with memorable characters
• Pen a catchy query letter that sings
• Find an agent and use social media

Your guide to writing, publishing, and promoting a children's book

Written with straightforward advice and a plethora of up-to-date recommendations, including the scoop on writing e-books, Writing Children's Books For Dummies provides step-by-step information on everything aspiring children's book authors need to know. Topics include researching the current marketplace, developing great stories and characters, writing captivating plots with drama, intriguing editors and agents, submitting queries and manuscripts, and making the most of social media marketing.

• Children's books 101 ? take an in-depth look at the many different formats of children's books (including e-books), as well as who actually buys children's books and why
• Enter the writing zone ? get a jump on the writing process, discover how to set up your workspace, develop great story ideas, and build upon your great ideas with research
• The plot thickens ? create a spellbinding story with a workable plot, characters to care about and root for, real dialogue, and a setting to transport your reader to the world you've created
• Put on your editor's cap ? revise and edit your manuscript, decide whether to illustrate your story on your own, and discover where to look for helpful feedback on your work
• Get the word out ? consider the pros and cons of working with literary agents versus contacting publishers yourself; get the scoop on book deals, contracts, and self-publishing; and conquer the publishing world with social media marketing

Open the book and find:

• Explanations of children's book formats and genres
• Details on plot, character, and drama
• Trusted tips on writing believable dialogue
• Info on writing creative nonfiction children's books
• What you need to know about agents, publishers, self-publishing, and e-books
• The scoop on the illustration process
• How you can promote and publicize your book