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The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author's Tips on Writing Children's Books and Publishing Them, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids
Book by Shepard, Aaron
116 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2000
109 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Shepard
71 books41 followersAaron Shepard is the author of many books, stories, and scripts for young people, as well as professional books and resources for writers and educators. He has also worked professionally in both storytelling and reader's theater, as a performer, director, and teacher trainer. Aaron's lively and meticulous retellings of folktales and other traditional literature have found homes with more than a dozen children's book publishers, large and small, and with the world's top children's literary magazines, winning him honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. His extensive Web site, visited by thousands of teachers and librarians each week, is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater, while his stories and scripts have been featured in textbooks from publishers worldwide, including Scholastic, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, SRA, The College Board, Pearson Education, National Geographic, Oxford University Press, Barron's, Hodder Education, and McGraw-Hill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 30, 2019
I'd forgotten I'd purchased this book on my Kindle. When I stumbled upon it again, I decided to read it since I'm writing some children's stories.
I love the crisp, clear writing style. Nothing wasted here.
Includes some valuable tips I hadn't considered.
Also seems to be slightly outdated. Although there are references to the Amazon Kindle and some other modern developments, so I'm guessing this book has been revised at least once already.
Anyway, a good quick read for anybody interested in the business side of writing children's books.
I love the crisp, clear writing style. Nothing wasted here.
Includes some valuable tips I hadn't considered.
Also seems to be slightly outdated. Although there are references to the Amazon Kindle and some other modern developments, so I'm guessing this book has been revised at least once already.
Anyway, a good quick read for anybody interested in the business side of writing children's books.
April 26, 2020
This is a great book. I am glad that I finally found a look with practical advice
March 24, 2017
This book covers publishing as a whole, with tidbits specific to the children’s market.
If you’ve new to publishing or know very little of the publishing process, this book is simple to understand, thorough and informative. I highly recommend it to help get you started well.
If you’ve already published a few books, you’ll be able to skim through some of the information. Still I picked up a bit here and there that explained some of the behind-the-scenes stuff I didn’t know, gave me names for things I did know but didn’t know the proper terminology for, and covered a few of things specific to writing for children that were helpful.
If you’ve new to publishing or know very little of the publishing process, this book is simple to understand, thorough and informative. I highly recommend it to help get you started well.
If you’ve already published a few books, you’ll be able to skim through some of the information. Still I picked up a bit here and there that explained some of the behind-the-scenes stuff I didn’t know, gave me names for things I did know but didn’t know the proper terminology for, and covered a few of things specific to writing for children that were helpful.
February 7, 2015
Short but packed with insights. Aaron Shepard knows his subject. Would have scored 4 stars but for its age. Some topical reference just isn't any more. For example, I am sure Alta Vista may have been the go-to search tool in 2000 but not now. Other technical stuff has dated. Maybe its time for an updated version. I thought that his advice on the rhythm of language could have benefited from a few more examples. A valuable Saturday morning read nonetheless.
October 1, 2019
The Business of
Writing for
Children An Award-Winning Author’s Tips on How to
Write, Sell, and Promote Your Children’s Books by Aaron Shepard is an indispensible tool if you want to start to write children's books.
You musn't never think that it is ssimple to write good children's books
Personally, when I pick up a children's book I am very selective. As also said Isaac Bashevis Singer in a famous quote: "In our time, when the literature for adults is deteriorating, good books for children are the only hope, the only refuge."
This book will help you to understand tips and tricks that, differently you would learn after a lot of years of experience in this field.
The first that should be understood is that it is not simple to make some money with children's books, if not after a lot of years of practice.
If in the chapter Thruths and Myths we will see what it is real and what it is just a myth in the editorial field of children's books, in the second chapter, The Basics, the author will define the field of your work. Are you interested to work for beginning readers or for teenagers? For everyone tips and tricks, for creating a good and captivating story.
Then the submission of the story and what it is now a publishing house, with all the possible differences existing in the sector; a big one, an independent, an epublisher etc treating alsocontract and rights, royalties.
Shepard will also write down several pages about the distribution of the book once published. The second part start with the suggestion of scripting the story, where there are not too many dialogues,in particular when the children's writer writes mainly for toddlers and so he lacks some fantasy.
Dialogue and action must become two words close together. I also found interesting and funny the ways for promoting a first children's book.
Beautiful and interesting for sure, highly recommended to all the future children'swriters of this world.
Good Luck!
I thank NetGalley for this ebook.
Writing for
Children An Award-Winning Author’s Tips on How to
Write, Sell, and Promote Your Children’s Books by Aaron Shepard is an indispensible tool if you want to start to write children's books.
You musn't never think that it is ssimple to write good children's books
Personally, when I pick up a children's book I am very selective. As also said Isaac Bashevis Singer in a famous quote: "In our time, when the literature for adults is deteriorating, good books for children are the only hope, the only refuge."
This book will help you to understand tips and tricks that, differently you would learn after a lot of years of experience in this field.
The first that should be understood is that it is not simple to make some money with children's books, if not after a lot of years of practice.
If in the chapter Thruths and Myths we will see what it is real and what it is just a myth in the editorial field of children's books, in the second chapter, The Basics, the author will define the field of your work. Are you interested to work for beginning readers or for teenagers? For everyone tips and tricks, for creating a good and captivating story.
Then the submission of the story and what it is now a publishing house, with all the possible differences existing in the sector; a big one, an independent, an epublisher etc treating alsocontract and rights, royalties.
Shepard will also write down several pages about the distribution of the book once published. The second part start with the suggestion of scripting the story, where there are not too many dialogues,in particular when the children's writer writes mainly for toddlers and so he lacks some fantasy.
Dialogue and action must become two words close together. I also found interesting and funny the ways for promoting a first children's book.
Beautiful and interesting for sure, highly recommended to all the future children'swriters of this world.
Good Luck!
I thank NetGalley for this ebook.
March 27, 2025
In one of the many, many boxes of books I’ve been sorting at work I found a very brief manual called The Business of Writing for Children. Since I’ve always wondered what that was all about, I took it home. Written in 2000 by Aaron Shepard, it is painfully out of date (it references SASE - Self Addressed Stamped Envelopes - rather than email) but has interesting insights into the world of publishing. I’ve always wondered just how long a children book manuscript should be and it had solid writing advice for all genres - show not tell, etc. His website is updated and he supports youth authors, teachers, and storytellers. So he seems like a good guy.
April 15, 2018
Invaluable Read for the Aspiring Writers on the Scene!
The Business of Writing for Children exceeded my expectations! I wish I'd purchased sooner, but I have now learned the error of my ways. I can't say enough about this guide. The author's delivery is captivating and the visual aids are utmost helpful. There are also notable resources provided, too!
The Business of Writing for Children exceeded my expectations! I wish I'd purchased sooner, but I have now learned the error of my ways. I can't say enough about this guide. The author's delivery is captivating and the visual aids are utmost helpful. There are also notable resources provided, too!
October 27, 2017
Fantastic. This book has the answers for all of your questions and even more. Uncomplicated and straight to the point. If you are wanting to write a children's book for publication, this book, will save you time, money and heartache.
September 19, 2019
A useful book with lots of in-depth information for the beginning or seasoned writer. Shepard seems to have lots of background and imparts the information in a succinct and flowing style. I particularly liked the information on beats and how it informs the effectiveness of sentences and paragraphs.
December 28, 2021
Concise & Helpful
The first part of the book really gives the best info on creating a successful children's book. While specifically for authors of children's books, his tips could easily apply to any genre. Thanks for the insight and encouragement.
The first part of the book really gives the best info on creating a successful children's book. While specifically for authors of children's books, his tips could easily apply to any genre. Thanks for the insight and encouragement.
October 11, 2016
The Business of Writing for Children, An Award-Winning Author's Tips on Writing Children's Books and Publishing Them, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids by Aaron Shepard is a reference book or children's fiction. I gave it two stars. I tried several times to read this book. I just couldn't finish it. It was documentary dry and I didn't like it.
It did give some helpful information on what makes a successful story. "The strongest children's stories have well-developed themes, engaging plots, suitable structure, memorable characters, well-chosen settings, and attractive style. For best results, build strengths in all areas."
I received a complimentary e-copy from Shepard Publications and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Business-Writi...
It did give some helpful information on what makes a successful story. "The strongest children's stories have well-developed themes, engaging plots, suitable structure, memorable characters, well-chosen settings, and attractive style. For best results, build strengths in all areas."
I received a complimentary e-copy from Shepard Publications and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Business-Writi...
June 23, 2016
Have you always wanted to write a children's book? Do you already have a few drafts sitting in a desk drawer or on your computer?
Award winning children's author Aaron Shepard will help you edit, publish, and market those stories with his now updated The Business of Writing for Children.
Shepard dispels myths of children's writing and takes you through some of the basics of crafting a story, formatting, submitting, querying, publishing, and marketing while also giving specific tips and examples along the way.
The Business of Writing for Children is a great resource for any writer hoping to break into the children's book market.
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
Award winning children's author Aaron Shepard will help you edit, publish, and market those stories with his now updated The Business of Writing for Children.
Shepard dispels myths of children's writing and takes you through some of the basics of crafting a story, formatting, submitting, querying, publishing, and marketing while also giving specific tips and examples along the way.
The Business of Writing for Children is a great resource for any writer hoping to break into the children's book market.
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
November 30, 2009
The Business of Writing for Children, by Aaron Shepherd. YAY! I finished another new book! As the year draws to a close, I am conscious of all the different books I am in the middle of reading—all at once.
This is a short book, 110 pages. But it is jam-packed full of helpful information for writers or would-be writers of children’s books. I am a writer, but not a published writer, of a number of children’s book who hopes to become published. I found the book interesting and useful with lots of good examples of manuscripts, query letters, promotional materials and so, and good references. It’s a quick and easy read, but worth it.
This is a short book, 110 pages. But it is jam-packed full of helpful information for writers or would-be writers of children’s books. I am a writer, but not a published writer, of a number of children’s book who hopes to become published. I found the book interesting and useful with lots of good examples of manuscripts, query letters, promotional materials and so, and good references. It’s a quick and easy read, but worth it.
July 11, 2016
So much has changed in the last 16 years that this book needs to be updated. Publishers and agents don't accept hard copy unsolicited manuscripts any more, they request email versions. The number of independent bookstores has greatly declined and so would the tactics described in this book. The good stuff, though, involves thinking through the story preparation and especially writing the dramatic version of the story. If only the author would update the book, he'd have a sweet one on his hands, again.
February 17, 2009
Rather than make me feel defeated with all of the things I need to know, this made me feel inspired. Sooooo much to learn and practice but he makes it a positive experience for you instead of something unattainable. I'm so glad I found this book and shall keep it to reference time and time again throughout this process. Wish me luck!!
March 10, 2013
Aaron Shephard offers information in bite-sized pieces that make it easy to digest. He also untangles many of the insider mysteries of publishing for children, school visits, etc. The only criticism I have is that the book was written in 2000 and has not been updated. He mentions websites that no longer exist, and much of this advice does not work as well for the 2013 audience.
March 19, 2014
A nice little book on the business of writing and publishing children's books. The book being 14 years old, some of the content is quite outdated (e.g. on publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts, to the future of ebooks), but most of it is still relevant and timeless. A good read if you're looking into entering this business and need a little guidance.
February 7, 2017
Lots of practical advice
For those with dreams of becoming a children's book author, this book is a very good ressource. It provides a lot of practical advice, however, I wish that the advice would have be covered in more detail. Sometimes things that seem important are quickly done away with and we are rushed on to the next topic.
For those with dreams of becoming a children's book author, this book is a very good ressource. It provides a lot of practical advice, however, I wish that the advice would have be covered in more detail. Sometimes things that seem important are quickly done away with and we are rushed on to the next topic.
December 17, 2013
This should be in every writers library. Plain spoken, without ego, it was one of the more helpful books to guide newbies into the writing and publishing world. If you are a writer, read it and then put in on an easy to reach shelf.
July 26, 2016
This book is helpful for persons starting to write children's picture books...in regard to the writing process itself.
However, it was published back in the day when queries were mailed rather than sent electronically so some of the information is no longer current.
However, it was published back in the day when queries were mailed rather than sent electronically so some of the information is no longer current.
September 20, 2016
A good intro/quick overview of the children's literature sector for someone just getting started in the field.
*the version I read was updated in 2015 so I wasn't worried about it being outdated, as some of the reviews mentioned.
*the version I read was updated in 2015 so I wasn't worried about it being outdated, as some of the reviews mentioned.
May 1, 2010
it's a bit older, so I'm sure it could use some updating, but there's great basic info for getting started.
October 2, 2010
Awesome! Practical simple advice that is useful today and will continue to be useful as I get published in the future. Inspiring.
June 8, 2011
This little books is an easy read packed with practical and useful information. I refer to it often. and he has a web page for more resources.
August 2, 2011
I enjoyed reading this and found it particularly helpful in creating a manuscript as well as many other great tips.
Currently reading
November 1, 2011I am enjoying this book just fine. The quotes from the people who read it before me have said it is a promising read.
November 9, 2012
This was one of the most helpful books regarding publishing I've read in a long time. This will be a book I will buy!
October 5, 2015
#117
Just an introduction to the art of writing for children. Nothing special. It's mostly about what are the rules and regulations and also how the publications work especially in US. Just OK.
Just an introduction to the art of writing for children. Nothing special. It's mostly about what are the rules and regulations and also how the publications work especially in US. Just OK.
October 7, 2015
Title is self-explanatory. Author shared great information, but straddled the fence more often than not.
January 12, 2016
This book is more geared towards traditional publishing than self-publishing. It doesn't really offer much information that most writers wouldn't already know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews