VPL Panel: Writing for Children cont’d online – Question #1

QUESTION #1 (asked by Lesley)

Like so many writers, yourself included from the sound of it, one of the biggest issues I face is the huge and ever-growing pile of ideas for books and writing projects that crowd into my head. I feel like I could get really into anything from a picture book to a Young Adult novel…and everything in between.

What area of writing for kids do you feel offers the best entry platform for a writer looking to get a foot in the door?

ANSWER #1: (answered by Crystal)

There are as many different ways to get a foot in the door as there are people writing, but below I’ll share some of my personal theories on the best ways to “break in” to the industry.

I’d recommend magazines, and early reader/middle grade/YA novels as the best starting places. Here is why…

#1 – Magazines are a great place to start - especially if you write stories that rhyme, or poetry for kids and also if your topic is seasonal (Eg. about any kind of holiday like Kwanza, Easter, Thanksgiving etc.).

The advantages to starting with magazines:

• they are usually shorter pieces
• you might get paid a lump sum for the use of your work (or maybe by word…but usually you get paid something!)
• it gives you practice submitting, working with editors etc.
• the rights to your work usually revert back to you after about 6 months – so you can “repackage” that work into different formats (After having it professionally edited on someone else’s dime…
• often, you will be able to submit to a magazine in multiple countries (Know Australia, Know USA etc.) and get paid by each country separately

#2 – Start with early reader/middle grade or YA before a picture book

Here’s why:

• they are FAR less expensive to produce (think roughly $5000 investment for a publisher instead of $20000-25000 for a picture book) so publishers will  be much more willing to take a chance on a new author at that level of investment
• much easier to sell in multiple formats (kindle, audio, e-reader etc.) because it’s not in colour, and also because it’s quite easy to setup on existing sales platforms (kindle, itunes etc.)
• readers at those ages tend to be very loyal readers and love books that come in a series.  If you’re looking to develop a career, and a loyal audience then this is the way to go!

***SPECIAL THANKS to Laura Hana, wedding photographer who was on hand to take pictures at the event.  She has generously given her permission for us to use her photos in our VPL blogging adventure to help keep the spirit of the event alive!