I’m often asked how to get started with children’s book writing and what resources are available. Here’s the list I send out. It covers the basics and will guide you to more resources.
I find my status as “expert” pretty laughable, but expertise is relative. I might not be Jon Sciekza, but I have picked up a few things. I’m also very clear that I’m just starting out, and I know what I don’t know. Best of all, I’m not afraid to ask.
Groups
- Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and…
- Lean on your regional chapter for writing groups, local events and conferences. Here’s mine, New England SCBWI
Books
I picked up several books to help me learn the ropes and understand the basics of the business and the craft.
- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books, 3rd Edition by Harold D. Underdown
- Writing with Pictures: How to Write and Illustrate Children’s Books by Uri Shulevitz
- The Encyclopedia of Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books by Desdemona McCannon, Sue Thornton, Yadzia Williams
- 2009 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market by Alice Pope
There’s Always More
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but these are a good start. I’ll be back with more, especially online resources, soon.
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