Writing for Children

Lesson 1
Are you a beginning writer with a story to tell or a published writer who wishes to build on your successes? Do you dream of creating books that children will love? In our first lesson, we're going to revisit your childhood in order to help you move forward in your writing career. We'll spend time with a children's media consultant to learn about her childhood, her love for books, and the changing face of children's publishing. You'll discover that the best way to write well is to read well-written books. And, we'll discuss that Harry character and the impact he has on your future.

Lesson 2
In this lesson, we'll focus specifically on children's picture books. We'll start by defining the category of picture books and dissect a few samplings on the shelves--board books, cloth books, picture books, and picture storybooks. We'll spend some time with noted children's picture book author and illustrator Ian Falconer, creator of the "Olivia" books. And you'll discover a magic number.

Lesson 3
In today's lesson, we'll explore books for beginning readers and discover resources available to writers to assist them in their creation of books that children will love to read (and read because they love them). We'll visit with an editor of children's educational materials and a relatively new writer who's made his introduction into children's writing through the educational market. And we'll uncover opportunities for you in this category of children's literature.

Lesson 4
Today, we'll explore the world of literature designed for the middle school and high school readers. We'll uncover the reasons why these books are demanding a larger amount of shelf space in libraries and bookstores. We'll spend time with an expert on young adult literature and learn more about this relatively new area of children's literature.

Lesson 5
In today's lesson, we'll embark on a nonfiction book tour. Because good fiction is rooted in accurate facts, there's wonderful information in today's sampling for fiction writers, too, especially in the area of research. Travel along with an expert in nonfiction research, and discover how you can improve your writing by uncovering facts through primary and secondary sources. We've come a long way from bland biographies!

Lesson 6
Today, you'll join a group of eleven writers who between them have penned almost 200 books and magazine articles! Some of the writers are relatively new to the craft. Others have been doing it for many years. All of them are growing in their profession, and all will openly share what's worked (and what hasn't worked) for them. You'll learn about their typical writing day, their sources of inspiration, and the passion behind their creative endeavors.

Lesson 7
In this lesson, our guest writers will share information about the research that goes into a book idea. We'll discuss the energy devoted to fine-tuning that first page in order to grab an editor's attention. Our guest writers will share tricks that help them think visually throughout the writing process, and they'll offer some of their successes in creating pages that readers want to turn.

Lesson 8
Grab your red pens--it's time to edit! Our guest writers know that writing is all about rewriting. Today, you'll journey with them as they share some of the methods they use to turn their first drafts into contracted manuscripts. You'll discover how to read like an editor and improve your publishing opportunities. They'll tell you why you should surround yourself with a circle of like-minded writers--your critique group--to gather fresh input, perspective, and suggestions regarding your writing. And you'll get started with your critique group right away--as part of your class assignment, you'll be invited to submit part of a working manuscript for your fellow students to critique.

Lesson 9
In this lesson, we're going to explore the needs of publishing houses to help guide you in your search for finding a home for your book manuscript or magazine article. You'll discover how to improve your odds through market research. You'll uncover the resources that our guest writers use to target publishers and how they know the right time to send out their manuscripts. And we'll spend a few moments with an editorial director from an educational publishing house to learn more about the growing needs in this specialty market.

Lesson 10
Today, you'll learn how to align yourself with published authors by appearing professional through the submission process. We'll spend time with a noted author discussing query and cover letters, and you'll learn how to craft correspondence to gain the attention of editors. You'll find out how to get your submission out of the slush pile and onto the desks of editors. You'll learn the correct way to format your manuscript, and laugh along with our guest writers as they share some of their favorite rejection stories (and the lessons they learned in the process).

Lesson 11
In today's lesson, we'll explore the business side of children's publishing. We'll move beyond the writing and submission components and into the world of contracts and promotion. You'll learn all about it through the words of a seasoned marketing pro who specializes in the children's publishing world. You'll learn how to get your books off of bookshelves and into the hands of your readers. And you'll have fun with us as our writer guides share some of their favorite promotional tricks too.

Lesson 12
As we wrap up our course on writing for children, we'll look for ways to continue to grow ourselves as writers. Journey with us one more time as we learn how professional writers continue to develop in their craft each and every day. You'll discover organizations and online communities that offer support to writers. You'll meet the president of the largest association of children's writers and illustrators. And you'll hear final words of advice from our guest writers as they welcome you into the world of children's publishing. Dream big, and write well!