Writing For Children
It's harder to write for children than you might think. Just because the language and ideas are simple doesn't mean the writing is. The rules are more strict and the language used must be appropriate for the age group.
For example, If you are writing a picture book, it needs to be exactly 32 pages including the title page. Early reader, middle grade, young adult (YA), and older young adult each have their requirements based on what that age group child is doing every day and their reading level, among other things.
Tip: Unless you are an accomplished artist, you should not illustrate your own book. The publisher will find a qualified artist for your book. If you include your own illustrations, you are giving the acquisitions editor one more reason to say no to your book. Even if they like the writing, if they don't like the illustrations, they will still say no.
Tip: Use the Children's Writer's Word Book by Alijandra Mogilner for appropriate language level for your book.
Tip: If you are serious about making a career as a children's book author, The Business of Writing for Children by Aaron Shepard will be helpful.
Margot Finke has a handy list of resources for children's writers. It is hosted by a helpful website, The Purple Crayon. Write4Kids.com offers links, helpful advice, and writing news from the publishing trenches, including a newsletter, the "Children's Book Insider". Yellapalooza.com is specifically for authors who write and illustrate children's books.
A children's book editor, Sharyn November, has a very interesting and helpful resource page for children's writers.
About Words Agency's main children's book literary agent is Darinda Teeling. She is looking for edgy young adult fiction right now, particularly sf/f.
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