WRITING FOR CHILDREN
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
What do you need to make the best possible job of your writing? Amy Sparkes fills you in on the knowledge you need
When you want to push ahead with a project, it’s really helpful to have amassed all the knowledge you need in order to do the best job in the quickest time. Gaining understanding saves time, saves energy, and saves you falling into potential confidence-rocking, soul-destroying holes. So, if you’re setting out to write for children this year, what are those important things you need to know? Here are some suggestions.
1) Know your readers
The most helpful starting point is working out who the majority of your readers are. Although any book can be read and enjoyed by anyone of any age, having a rough idea of who your book is primarily aimed at will help hugely.
For example. word count is a big factor. There’s no point writing a 3,000-word picture book. Or a lower-middle grade with 60,000 words. Or a chapter book with 2,500-wordlong chapters. Do your research and make an educated guess about where your book sits. What kind of other books will your readers be enjoying?
2) Know the market
You don’t need to write to trends as such, because publishing trends are as fickle as they come. However, it does help to keep tabs on what is or isn’t selling well at the moment.