Book Review: Writing Bestselling Children's Books

Writing children's books is an art form. A picture book takes a huge amount of time and effort, belied by the low word count. Writing Bestselling Children's Books, by Alexander Gordon Smith, can help children's writers of picture books and novels navigate the process. And right now, it's free for the Kindle.

In fifty-two concise chapters, novelist Smith details the journey of a children's book writer. He covers basics like finding a place to write and establishing the age range of readers. But he also delves into topics like how to use humor, whether to tackle a 'gross' topic, and how to introduce animal characters.

Though Smith spends a lot of time on ideas, and how to express them, he doesn't forget about marketing and promotion. He also covers the seven cardinal sins of children's writers. Each chapter ends with a list of ideas for writers to consider.

For more information, check out Alexander Gordon Smith's website. You may also be interested in his other craft book, Inspired Creative Writing: 52 brilliant ideas from the master wordsmiths.

Do you write for children or young adults? Have you ever considered it?

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for this tip. I received my Kindle Fire this week. I'm keeping this one! And, snagged this book. It's much nicer reading books on the Kindle than the computer.

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  2. You'll have to let me know what you think of the Fire. I'm afraid if I got one that I'd spend more time web browsing than reading. Keep me posted!

    ~Debbie

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  3. Sounds great... Just downloaded it. Thanks for the tip.
    Xx

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  4. Thanks so much for this. I just downloaded it to my computer...don't yet have a Kindle (I'm a paper hold-out).

    Diane

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  5. You're welcome, Diane. That's the way it started for me. I downloaded to my computer, and ended up with so many books that I wanted the convenience of carrying them around. Watch out, or it might happen to you! :)

    ~Debbie

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  6. I write for children and am always interested in how other authors share the craft with others. This book looks like a good one, especially for those just launching into the field.

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  7. I hope it's helpful to you, Penny!

    ~Debbie

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