Writing Children’s Books
From board books to young adult: write stories kids ask for again.
A practical course on writing for young readers. You'll learn how the children's categories differ, how a 32-page picture book is built spread by spread, how to write text that leaves room for pictures, how to create characters kids love without preaching at them, when rhyme helps and when it hurts, how voice and theme change in middle grade and young adult, and how to get your book illustrated and ready for print.
You’ll learn to
- Pick the right category for your idea and know the rough length and age band it implies.
- Plan a 32-page picture book spread by spread, using page turns as story beats.
- Write lean text with art notes that leaves the illustrations room to tell part of the story.
- Build a child protagonist who solves their own problem, and hear when a draft turns preachy.
- Brief an illustrator or an AI image tool so characters stay consistent and the files are ready for print.
Lesson 1 is open to everyone. A free account unlocks the rest.
Syllabus
- 1
Children's Book Categories: Board Books to Young Adult
Board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade and young adult each have their own reader, length and rules. Here is how to tell them apart and pick the right one for your idea.
4 min readFree - 2
How to Write a Picture Book: Spreads, Page Turns and Read-Aloud
A picture book is 32 pages, about 14 spreads and usually a few hundred words. Learn how to plan the spreads, use the page turn as a story beat and write text that sounds good out loud.
4 min read Free account - 3
Writing for Illustration: Leave Room for the Art
In a picture book, words and pictures each tell part of the story. Learn what your text should leave out, how to write art notes sparingly, and how to test a book with a dummy.
4 min read Free account - 4
Creating Characters Kids Love (Without Preaching)
Children connect with heroes who want something badly and solve their own problems. Learn how to build a child protagonist with a clear want, a distinct voice and real flaws, and how to keep the lesson from swallowing the story.
4 min read Free account - 5
Rhyme, Meter and Read-Aloud: When Verse Works
Rhyme can make a picture book irresistible or unreadable. Learn the basics of meter, how to spot a forced rhyme, and how repetition and refrains give you musical text without the risk.
4 min read Free account - 6
Writing Middle Grade and Young Adult
Middle grade and young adult are both novels for young readers, but they differ in voice, themes, content and the way the hero relates to the world. Learn how to write each, what is age-appropriate, and how to plan for a series.
4 min read Free account - 7
Illustrating Your Children’s Book: Illustrators, AI and Print
Choose between hiring an illustrator and using AI illustration, keep your characters consistent on every page, pick a style that fits the story, and understand the print basics of trim size and bleed.
4 min read Free account
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