Writers' & Artists' Guide to Writing for Children and YA

The W&A Guide to Writing for Children and YA offers practical advice from a successful writer, covering picture books to young adult fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on managing and beginning a writing career. It has been revised and expanded to reflect changes in digital publishing, self-publishing, and the growth of YA and childrens writing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The W&A Guide to Writing for Children and YA is a comprehensive and practical guide for aspiring and experienced writers of children's books across all ages. It covers a wide range of genres, including picture books, middle grade, young adult, fiction, non-fiction, books for reluctant readers, and books for the education market. Written by a successful and experienced writer, the guide offers valuable insights and advice based on the author's lifetime of experience.

The new edition of the guide has been heavily revised and expanded, reflecting changes in digital publishing, self-publishing, and the growing popularity of YA and children's writing. It includes more advice and experience to help writers navigate the changing landscape of the publishing industry and achieve their writing goals.

One of the key strengths of the guide is its practical approach. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to manage, kickstart, or begin a writing career. It covers topics such as writing for different age groups, developing characters, creating compelling storylines, and editing and revising your work. The guide also includes helpful tips on marketing and promoting your books, including social media and book signings.

The guide is organized into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of writing for children and YA. The first section covers the basics of writing for children, including understanding the age group and developing age-appropriate content. The second section covers the different genres of children's books, including picture books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. The third section covers the writing process, including brainstorming, outlining, and writing. The fourth section covers editing and revising your work, including tips on finding a good editor and working with a critique group.

The guide also includes a wealth of resources, including a list of recommended books, websites, and conferences. It also includes a section on self-publishing, which provides information on how to publish your own books and how to market them effectively.

One of the most valuable aspects of the guide is its emphasis on storytelling. The author believes that storytelling is the heart of any good book, and she provides numerous examples of successful stories to inspire writers. She also provides tips on how to develop your own storytelling skills, including using descriptive language, creating memorable characters, and building suspense.

Another important aspect of the guide is its focus on diversity and inclusion. The author recognizes that children's books should reflect the diversity of the world and that writers should be aware of the issues that affect different groups of people. She provides tips on how to write diverse characters and how to avoid stereotypes.

The guide also includes a section on marketing and promoting your books. The author provides tips on how to create a marketing plan, how to use social media to promote your books, and how to attend book signings and other events. She also provides information on how to work with bookstores and libraries to increase your visibility.

In conclusion, the W&A Guide to Writing for Children and YA is a comprehensive and practical guide for aspiring and experienced writers of children's books across all ages. It provides valuable insights and advice based on the author's lifetime of experience and is organized into several sections that cover the basics of writing, the different genres of children's books, the writing process, editing and revising your work, and marketing and promoting your books. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, this guide will help you achieve your writing goals and create books that children will love.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 206 x 147 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472970053