When you snuggle on the couch reading those lovely new Christmas books to the children in your care, does it ever cross your mind that you could write a book yourself? A common mistake of childcarers is to think that because a story is easy to read, it must have been easy to write; or that because you have a knack for thinking up great ideas for stories and children love to hear them, you could transfer your thoughts successfully to paper.
Two things that successful children's authors tend to have in common is that they have always wanted to write and have been doing so since they were children themselves, and that they are extremely well-read and love both adult and children's literature. As a market, children's publishing is extremely competitive. It is not something you can dabble in as a hobby or approach half-heartedly.
Still determined to give it a try? You need to know your market, and this means being aware of what has been published recently for the age group you plan to write for. Make a note of companies that publish books you really like and contact their marketing department to ask for a current brochure, or look on the internet for their current list. In this way you will become familiar with the types of books that are popular with different publishers and it will be easier to decide where to send your manuscript when you are ready.
Make sure, before you commit too many words to paper, that you are writing to the correct length and in the right format. Children's publishers are especially cost-conscious - the longer the book, the more expensive it is to print. It is very rare indeed for a children's book to be longer than 30,000 or 40,000 words. Unless your name is J K Rowling you should stick to the usual format for the age range you are aiming at, and try to avoid scenarios and characters that have been 'done to death'. Of course, illustrated books for younger children may amount to no more than a few sentences, but they still need orginal ideas.
The desks of all children's book publishers are piled high with unsuitable manuscripts gathering dust. There are several reasons for this: not all publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts, so don't waste your time and theirs by sending your book to the wrong place. You can find out which publishers will read your writing by looking in the Writers' & Artists'
Yearbook (published by A & C Black, priced 12.99 and in the reference section of public libraries). There is also no point in sending a story book suitable for seven-year-olds to a publisher that specialises in non-fiction for teens, so again you need to do some research before you take the plunge.
Another very basic point, and yet one that a surprising number of would-be writers ignore, concerns presentation. A hand-written, barely readable manuscript is unlikely to entice a publisher. Always send a typed script, with double-line spacing, on one side of the paper only, and on good quality paper. Always keep a copy on disk and on paper. If your book is aimed at younger children you should indicate where illustrations need to be, without fulfilling the task yourself (unless, of course, you are also a talented illustrator). If you do want to include your own illustrations, you should send a small sample by registered post. The only other thing that needs to accompany your manuscript, besides a stamped self-addressed envelope, is a brief letter to say why you chose to send it to that particular publisher, letting them know you are aware of their 'list'.
There is no point in telling a publisher that all your friends love your book or that a teacher once said you write like Roald Dahl.
And do not expect a quick reply; most publishers of children's books receive around 50 manuscripts per week. But if you haven't heard from them within two months you are entitled to phone them. Given how many manuscripts publishers have to read, it is not surprising that most return material that is unsuitable for them with a compliment slip and little more.
If you are serious about writing, you should resist the urge to give up at this point. Very few children's authors are accepted immediately. If you are lucky enough to receive some constructive comments from a publisher, then it is worth taking their advice, even if it means casting your work aside and beginning all over again.
Exploring other avenues
If you find the idea of writing a whole book daunting but are brimming with ideas for short stories, you might want to consider children's magazines.
Obviously, the criteria for being published in a monthly or fortnightly magazine are somewhat different to book publishing, but some of the same rules still apply. Before you put pen to paper you should take time to browse through the shelves of a large newsagent to see what's on offer and invest in copies of some magazines you think might be suitable. You then need to pay close attention to the length and format of their published stories. Before you send off a story you should scour the pages to ensure that the magazine does accept outsiders' work. Many editorial departments are happy to read stories but cannot promise to return them, so always keep a copy. If possible, you should send more than one story, and a couple of ideas for more, to show that you are a regular writer. If there is no indication in the magazine as to who you should send your work to, phone their office to ask who the fiction or features editor is. Accompany your work with a covering letter, and never send it addressed 'to whom it may concern' or to 'Dear sir'. It is not fair to send the same story off to lots of magazines to see if anyone will 'bite'. Wait until you have been refused by one magazine before trying another.
Regarding payment, most magazines pay on publication. Well-known journalists and writers usually receive more than 'non-professional'
writers, but once you have established yourself as a serious writer you will be able to renegotiate your rates of pay. When you submit your work for publication you should mark it 'First British Serial Rights' so you can sell your story in other countries, rather than allowing the magazine to keep all rights and pocket all subsequent profits.
FROM NANNY TO BEST SELLER
Ex-nanny turned successful author Jill Murphy began writing and illustrating the first 'Worst Witch' book when she was still in her teens.
It was rejected by three publishers in turn. Jill then chose to work as a nanny, having first gained experience in a children's home. She carried on nannying until she was 27. Throughout the time she spent caring for children, this highly successful author continued writing whenever she found any spare time - although never, she is at pains to point out, when she was caring for a child. The idea for her first picture book, Peace at Last , came to Jill while she was walking the little boy in her care to playgroup. In fact, when he came out of playgroup he insisted on hearing the whole story again and brought his friends along to hear it as well.
That was six, highly acclaimed picture books ago. The latest published story from the pen of Jill Murphy is All for One (priced 10.99 hardback, Walker Books), which is a sequel to The Last Noo Noo. There is also another 'Worst Witch' book planned for next year. A quick look at any of this author's work shows that her experience in childcare has endowed her with a real insight into how children think and behave. Jill Murphy has hit upon a lasting, winning formula.
DOS & DON'TS
Do be prepared to revise and rewrite your book as much as you feel is necessary.
Don't try to copy published authors - find your own style and stick to it.
Do join a writer's group or a local evening class to help you get started.
Don't imagine you'll become a millionaire - most children's authors have day jobs as well!
Do believe in your characters (even if they are grumpy badgers or naughty monsters). Spend time thinking what they would do, how they speak, what they look like.
Don't give up - there are hundreds of tales of authors who were rejected countless times before becoming successful.
