Lisa Rojany & Peter Economy 
Writing Children’s Books For Dummies 

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 But is it actually possible for an unpublished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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

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

Über den Autor

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.