No matter how great your writing is, it is crucial to know who you are writing for and why they should be interested in your work.
Familiarise yourself with the different age ranges and requirements of children’s books before you approach any agent or potential publisher.
While many people think writing for younger children is easy, picture books will be read over and over again and creating one is a very particular skill. If you are writing for young adults, knowledge of current tastes is essential, as are original ideas and strong storytelling skills. For instance, the 2015 Costa Book of the Year, The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge, tapped into current fantasy trends. But what made this the first children’s book to win the top Costa award since 2001 was that her story captivated young and old readers alike.
So knowing what your target audience wants from a book is key to its success. So don’t let the rejection letters put your off. With the right idea, dedication and a bit of luck, you too could be a successful children’s author.
