-
Step 1
In the planning process, you should have a solid plot on a level that a child can follow.
This is not the same as dumbing down a story because it's for children. Like adult readers, many children want something that is both entertaining and with age-appropriate conflict. Character development is very important--you want your characters to be solid, or readers of any age will lose interest. -
Step 2
While writing a story, keep in mind vocabulary and language levels.
Young children enjoy stories with onomatopoeia--using words that imitate sounds such as animal noises (quack, bark, meow) or sound effects (splash, boom, etc.).
In general, you don't want to throw in so many words above a child's reading level that a story is not enjoyable, but don't be afraid to throw in a new word on occasion to help children build their vocabulary. -
Step 3
Consider illustrating the book or teaming up with an illustrator if you want to publish.
This is often more of an issue with books for younger children, but it can be helpful to have visuals of certain scenes in your story.
Writer's Digest has a special edition just on children's books, and self-publishing is a viable option as well. Just be sure to avoid scams (companies who ask you for huge sums of money for the right to publish your work) and read and understand any agreement before you enter into it.
Comments
sha4852 said
on 7/29/2009 Great ideas here for how to go about writing for the younger generation.