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 Paperback – January 1, 2000

The author of over fifteen picture books based on legends and folktales and a children's playwright as well, Aaron Shepard knows the business side of writing for children and he's shared some of his "tips of the trade" in this concise, useful guidebook (ISBN 0-938497-11-1).Shepard provides some unique advice about submitting manuscripts. Once again, the advice is simple and concise but offers the type of "out of the box" suggestions that only an experienced published author can present. He gives a quick run-down on the types of publishers to approach and guidance for how to negotiate your own contract. A clear explanation of the types of distribution channels for books is presented as well (one of the most confusing areas of the business for beginning writers). Another valuable tip appears later in the book as Shepard provides his template for how to submit what he calls the "picture book query." If you've decided to submit your first manuscripts without an agent, this book will get you started.But it's not all business. Shepard's love for his craft shows in the second section of the book as he describes how to script your story and the rhythm and rhyme that make for a strong picture book. He also discusses his specialty area of folktales, so if you want to write in this area this book will be particularly valuable to you.He wraps up the book with a section on ways for authors to promote their books and themselves. Shepard provides some great resources at the end of the book--a bibliography, list of online resources including his own website [...], and a list of organizations for children's writers.I thought this guidebook was a valuable introduction into the business side of children's writing for the newbie and I'd love for Shepard to add more to his next edition with articles from other children's writers about their experiences entering the world of children's publishing. --Annamaria Farbizio, Writing for Children, BellaOnline.com

I've bought several of Mr. Shepard's books, including "Aiming at Amazon" and "POD for Profit." He writes predominantly for the POD market and authors, although he got his start as a children's book author.He discusses the changing nature of children's book authorship and explores the truth that most authors--even the good ones-- don't get rich off writing children's books. He discusses the proper ways to market to children's book publishers as a writer and includes examples of his published work, his inspirations for writing, and examples of illustrations for those books. He also provides information on the technicalities of book formatting and insight into creative ways to market them.This book is not as recently published as some of Mr. Shepard's other books. He relates a great deal about how the publishing industry for children's books was over ten years ago. You know: when you queried a publisher, sent them your manuscript, and they put you in touch with an illustrator.In reality, children's books and the publishing industry in itself is far different from what it used to be. An update (next edition) might be nice, since many children's book writers and illustrators are reticent to accept the growing trend in technology toward ebooks, POD, and apps--even the SCBWI.All in all, it was a valuable, reasonably-priced POD book about writing for kids, which takes just an hour to read (and I'm a slow reader) and contained few, minor errors. My only wish is that I could find more up-to-date books on writing, illustrating, and publishing for children.But, alas, in another couple of months, even THAT would be outdated...

Author Aaron Shepard provides a useful primer for would-be children's authors. It's brief, basic, and useful for understanding key elements of shaping a manuscript for an editor's consideration. Shepard's discussions of such vital topics as theme, plot, story structure, and characters are basic in the extreme. His advice on submitting manuscripts and his explanation of the publishing business are broader and, therefore, more useful. Perhaps his most valuable chapter, one he explores with some detail, explains the use and important of language rhythm in children's books. From experience, however, I would suggest a first-time author who is offered a contract ignore Shepard's advice on negotiating with the publisher on his or her own. Hire an attorney knowledgeable about book contracts, or find a book agent who will negotiate a contract for a fee. The Business of Writing for Children consists of updated handouts that Shepard created for his classes and workshops, as well as some of his previously published articles. And therein lays its greatest weakness. The book is a disjointed read at times, and it contains several topics many readers will have little interest in pursuing, such as researching folktales. That said, the book introduces the craft of writing for children and the effort it requires, points out the obstacles facing published and unpublished writers, and lists other books on writing for children that readers can pursue. For an aspiring children's writer, Shepard's book it's a good start.

The information I found in this book is very helpful,

I have four Prepper Pete books on the market, but we all have room for improvement, right? And Shepard has never failed me! He didn't start now!Logical progression, easy wording... not technical mumbo jumbo. I could have used a bit more depth in places, but I think that's because I was looking for answers to questions Shepard doesn't ask... primarily because this isn't supposed be the end-all, be-all, but rather a good overview with some strong pointers.The bottom line is this:If you're thinking of writing a children's book... this would be an excellent start! (and it's a LOT better than much of the other trash out there I have read on the subject).

A BIT TOO PONDEROUS. I WANTED TO GET STUCK IN WITH GUIDANCE, BUT FIRST I HAD TO PLOUGH THROUGH LOTS OF TECHNICAL DETAIL ON SALES ETC. INSTEAD, I'VE SPOKEN TO PUBLISHED AUTHOR FRIENDS FOR ADVICE

This is a very expansive tool to help you turn simple text into a downloadable publishing document and at no cost to you,just a few hours of your time

This is the poorest "How to write for children books" that I've read. I'm sorry if the author doesn't like that but I'd expected so much more.

Helped with my knowledge of writing for children, with 4 grand children, they are experiencing my book writing and have given me a lot of feedback ( All good, so far.).

Gives a little insight into this world but only really breaks the surface.