Complete Writing For Children Course: Develop your children’s writing from idea to publication

Description

Designed to take you from the moment you first put pen to paper to the point at which you are ready to start contacting publishers (or uploading an ebook file), this is the most important book on writing children's books you'll ever read. It introduces you to the craft of writing for children, the art of words - and pictures - and the way in which to use them. It gives you inspiration, ideas and practical advice. It gives you the background to each different area of children's writing, and the skills you'll need to succeed. Unlike any other book on the market, however, it also helps you begin to critique your own work, meaning that at every step of the writing process you'll be producing the best art you can. There are plenty of other essential writing tools in this book, as well, including techniques for overcoming writer's block; with nearly a quarter of the book focussing on how to get published, how to publish yourself, which courses you do - and don't - need, the nuts and bolts of competitions and festivals and the importance of social media, this really is the most comprehensive companion to the subject available. About the author Acknowledgements Introduction Part One: Finding a voice   1    Once upon a time … and other beginnings   2    What’s it about? Theme and thesis   3    Crafting a plot and sticking to it   4    Perspective and tense: who speaks, and when?   5    Children, adults, animals, monsters: characters in children’s literature   6    Playing with language   7    Stand-alone or series?   8    Research   9    Writing, writing, writing, writing Part Two: Finding a format 10    Picturebooks: for the love of words and pictures 11    Chapter books: action! 12    Tween and young teenage literature: negotiating the high-school turn 13    Young Adult literature: the good, the dark and the broody 14    Poetry for children: rhyme and reason 15    Fairy tales – between tradition and renewal 16    Drama-free editing and polishing Part Three: Finding a publisher 17    Almost there! Proposal, pitch and planning the next stage 18    Shopping time: from agent to editor 19    You’re in! Working with an editor and a publishing house 20    Self-publishing Part Four: Finding readers 21    Promoting your book: the basics 22    Building an Internet presence 23    Talking to kids: the real child readers and you 24    Networking and getting stronger Conclusion Bibliography