SYNOPSIS

br>Writing books for children is both art and business. If you dream of becoming a children's author—or even if you're well on your way—this handbook can help you in writing sellable stories, getting them published, and promoting your books.

Topics include common myths about children's writing, children's book categories, elements of successful stories, manuscript format, submission strategies, contract negotiation, the publishing process, career building, and children's writer resources. Also included are specialized subjects such as querying for multiple manuscripts, promoting a first book, and designing a Web page.

Read The Business of Writing for Children to learn the secrets you might spend years discovering for yourself.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Childrens Literature

Aaron Shepard has published a terrific guide for aspiring writers of children's books. The subtitle explains it all. How to script your story for readers theatre, design a web page, make flyers, use words that make pictures, and the publishing process, as well as helpful resources make this book a treasure. His e-mail address is SP@aaronship.com. 2000, Shepard Publications, Ages Adult, $12.00. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman

Internet Book Watch

Aaron Shepard is an experienced and award-winning author of books for young readers who in The Business Of Writing For Children brings to bear his considerable expertise in providing the aspiring children's book author a wealth of tips on how to write, sell, and promote their books. Shepard addresses common myths about children's writings, children's book categories, elements of successful stories, manuscript format, submission strategies, contract negotiation, the publishing process, career building, and children's writer resources. he also offers invaluable commentary on querying for multiple manuscripts, promoting a first book, and making arrangements for school appearances. The Business Of Writing For Children is a superbly presented, highly recommended, basic introduction for all aspiring and novice writers of books for young readers — preschool through young adult.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Robert D. San Souci, children's author

The Business of Writing for Children is a clear, concise, resourceful, often eye-opening guide that is filled with solid advice to help aspiring writers sell their manuscripts and to help published authors boost sales. I learned a good deal from this handy resource. I am sure anyone who is serious about the business of writing for children will profit from it.  — Robert D. San Souci

Susan Pearson, Editor-in-Chief, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books

BRAVO! I thought it had pretty much all been said, but I was wrong. All the nuts and bolts are here as well as rules that bear repeating, PLUS insights not usually found in how-to books. Clearly and concisely written, this is an invaluable resource for both beginning and more accomplished writers. — Susan Pearson

Margaret Read MacDonald, author and librarian

Writers attempting to break into the children's book market will thank Aaron Shepard for graciously sharing his own hard-earned knowledge. I am adding this to my list of must-reads for newcomers to the field. — Margaret Read MacDonald

Larry Dane Brimner, children's author

The Business of Writing for Children is a clear, concise guide to the often misunderstood field of children's books. No matter what your level of experience -- from beginner to veteran -- there is much to learn from Aaron Shepard's nuts-and-bolts approach to surviving the bunny-eat-bunny world of writing for children. Read it and learn!  — Larry Dane Brimmer

Stephen Mooser, children's author

Aaron Shepard has written one of the most comprehensive guides available to anyone wishing to enter the competitive field of children's books. It's all here, from initial idea to successful sale, and then beyond to the essentials of contracts, promotion, and the ABCs of building a successful career. If you're starting out, start out here.  — Stephen Mooser

David K. Brown, librarian and Webmaster, Children's Literature Web Guide

This is a book that I would like to gently place into the hands of every aspiring children's book writer. It answers the questions they most often ask, and the questions they really ought to ask. It is realistic without being discouraging, and practical without being cynical. — David K. Brown

Carol Farley, children's author

The Business of Writing for Children is a tool every writer needs.  — Carol Farley

Kathleen Duey, children's author

Aaron Shepard's The Business of Writing for Children is a wonderful resource. His experience-based insights into the art and business of children's writing will save beginning writers years of wasted effort -- and help published writers achieve long-term success.  — Kathleen Duey

Stephen Fraser, Executive Editor, Aladdin Paperbacks

Here's clearly-written, no-nonsense help for children's writers by a craftsman. Every fledgling author should own this book. — Stephen Fraser

Harold Underdown, Senior Editor, Charlesbridge Publishing, and Webmaster, The Purple Crayon

For aspiring writers of picture book fiction and folktales, this is a great introduction to the complicated world of children's book publishing.  — Harold Underdown

Audrey Baird, Editor, Once Upon A Time

The Business of Writing for Children is a one-stop shopping center, a complete how-to-do-it guide for the writer who wants a jump-start on looking professional even though he/she may be turning out a first book. Editors will love you if you do it Shepard's way.  — Audrey Baird

Kip Nead, co-owner, Seeds of Change Children's Bookstore

Finally, a thorough, concise overview of the business end of writing for the children's market. This book is a wonderful gift to the budding authors of the world. Aaron has combined great talents for writing and storytelling with smart and informed business practices to create a great career. Now he shares what he has learned, to help others do the same. — Kip Nead

Barbara Kouts, agent

There is a great deal of good information in these pages. A valuable resource!  — Barbara Kouts

Jonathan Shaw, Editor, School Magazine

I've been a fan of Aaron Shepard's writing for years. This is a generous book -- not so much a primer for the would-be writer as an attempt to pass on everything he has learned about writing for children. Full of useful information and tips, it's also a personal and personable account of the joys of scholarship, the fostering of genuine relationships with people like me (editors, publishers, publicists), the love of story. — Johnathan Shaw

Susan Salzman Raab, author, An Author's Guide to Children's Book Promotion, and children's book publicist, Raab Associates

The Business of Writing for Children provides both helpful advice and welcome reassurance to authors trying to navigate the complexities of the children's book industry. It is the next best thing to having an experienced author friend in the business. — Susan Salzman Raab