Every month or so I receive an email, usually from a friend of a friend, wanting to introduce me to someone they know who is interested in writing books for children. And that's great. I am always happy to provide information about writing and the children's book industry.
What's not so great? Nine times out of ten the people who contact me aren't really interested in children's books or the children's book industry. They just want me to tell them how to get a manuscript they wrote, sometimes as long as thirty years ago, published. Whatever information I provide about children's books is secondary to their desire.
Just as you would in any profession, you have to study, learn and practice. Children books are unique in that format and word count matters. The principles of writing, characterization, plotting, voice take time to master. As in any art form, the market evolves and changes. In children's book there are wonderful classics and brilliant new material and new voices. It's important to read widely and to keep aware of events in the publishing industry too. It's difficult and competitive. To quote from the baseball movie, "A League of Their Own" -
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."
Am I often frustrated by how hard it is? Of course. The bar is set very high, because so many talented people work in this industry.
So please contact me if you are serious about writing or having your manuscript critiqued. But I have no secret formulas, no ins, no recipe, to tell you how to be published except for one. Work hard, learn, present your best work.
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