Lesley Bolton - The Everything Guide To Writing Childrens Books: From Cultivating an Idea to Finding the Right Publisher All You Need to Launch a Successful Career

THE EVERYTHING GUIDE TO WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS

From cultivating an idea to finding the right publisher all you need to launch a successful career

Lesley Bolton

Copyright 2003, F+W Publications, Inc.

All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book. Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Publications, Inc.

Published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company 57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A. www.adamsmedia.com

ISBN 13: 978-1-58062-785-6 (paperback)

ISBN 13: 978-1-60550-562-6 (EPUB)

ISBN 10: 1-58062-785-4

Printed in the United States of America.

J I H G F E

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Bolton, Lesley.

The everything guide to writing children's books / Lesley Bolton.

p. cm. (An everything series book.) Includes index.

ISBN 1-58062-785-4

ISBN 13: 978-1-60550-562-6 (EPUB)

1. Children's literature Authorship. I. Title. II. Everything series.

PN147.5 B65 2002

808.068 dc21

2002010122

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

Illustrations by Barry Littmann.

This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases. For information, call 1-800-289-0963.

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THE Series

Dear Reader,

My enthusiasm for children's writing began with a misconception Like many people, I mistakenly assumed that writing for children would be easider than writing for adults. In college, I signed up for a children's writing course, thinking it would be the easy class I needed to counteract the difficult classes I was taking that semester. Needless to say, that semester was the most challenging of my college career. But, it was also the most rewarding: I had stumbled upon a new passion.

My experience with writing for children has been filled with obstacles and struggles; however, this has been overshadowed by the love, satisfaction, and excitement I derive from the craft. I won't pretend that you have an easy path in front of you, but I will say that if you take yourself seriously and work hard, the rewards will far outweigh the struggles.

Arm yourself with knowledge, take pride in your work, and love the craft. Above all else, never allow your confidence to be shaken. Regardless of what others may say, you can and will succeed if you are willing to work at making your dreams come true.

Happy writing!