Quick Start
Have a fast go at the attention of both parents and children alike. Don’t go starting like a snail= If the kids don’t see anything exciting happen fast, then they are going to be disinterested in reading or listening more. No backstory in the beginning. No setting the scene. Lights, camera, action right away, preferably on page one or two.
We already saw that just a tiny space is allowed for children’s books for they are still too young to be willing or ready to have a try at larger stories. Yet, in this short space, you have to put in every single matter that is bound to happen. The quick pace is the answer.
See What the Main Problem Is
Books need problems – and characters do, too. They must overcome some sort of a crisis, deal with a person, etc. to drive the story forwards. Remember, you cannot allow your character to wunderkind-only come up with a solution too quickly. Make them face some failures, endure hardships. A good rule of thumb is for your character to fail no less than 3 times before they succeed. Also, they need to face obstacles whilst combating the problem. Don’t just put in a single obstacle to magically make them accomplish the solution. Also, have them be interested in actually solving whatever the problem is. The kid in the story needs to feel like that problem is of huge importance so that the reader can feel that too.
Repetition. I Repeat Repetitions.
No, not like that, true. But kids are in favor of repetitions. Parents, too. Plus, shush, but publishers do love them, as well. Repetitions you should use are of three main kinds:
- A word/phrase repeats on the same page
- A word/phrase repeats across the book
- Some structure of the story repeats itself
Consider the Illustrations
Whilst setting a children’s story, consider how the illustrators are going to craft the illustrations about that story. You need to give them good material to work with later on. If, for example, you are describing a house, make it interesting in words and then the illustrator shall have something good to build upon. Choose a fun or entertaining buildings, interesting main characters, and set your story to be happening outside quite frequently.
Quickly End the Story
Right after you resolve whatever your character’s main problem is, write the end of the story then and there. Offer your readers (and their parents) a satisfying conclusion and make the storylines come to the finish. For example, you can use something from the beginning for a reference.
Title
Sure, you need to have a title now. But we are certain you will revise it. Especially once your story is now finished. So, remember that it is a marketing tool, not just a name. So, choose it wisely. Use alliteration via similar first letters, don’t go with descriptions but with action titles. Use mystery in it and test it with kids and adults to see how they respond to it.
Conclusion
To conclude on the question of “how to write a children’s book“, these are the top nine steps you should follow when you are planning on crafting out a book for kids. They are beneficial for all writers who wish to try targeting their books towards the younger audience. As a final word, we want to encourage you to also do at least a couple of revision sessions. Such will be of great help for your story for they shall let you get the last go at tying loose ends, clearing the language, smoothening the word flow. Last, but not least, keep in mind – writing should be a fun and entertaining ordeal that allows your imagination to fly. Then you’ll have a much better time and you’ll craft much better children’s books.