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The Writing Life

Improve Your Chances
10 Ways to Help Yourself Become
a Successful Children’s Writer

10. Join SCBWI
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is the leading organization in the field. Take advantage of contests, awards, grants, and discounts on health insurance, office supplies and other services. www.scbwi.org

9. Join a local writers group
Whether it’s an SCBWI chapter or something at your local bookstore, get involved with other writers and illustrators. Creators of children’s stories are typically friendly and willing to offer advice. Take advantage of others’ knowledge.

8. Join a critique group
You need feedback, and not kind words that come from your spouse or 5-year-old. Writing requires revision after revision, and you need someone who also does what you do, someone who can honestly offer constructive criticism. It’s the only way you’ll grow as a writer.

7. Read
Read hundreds of books, particularly in the genre you write in. Keep a list so you can see how much you’ve accomplished, knowing it will translate into better writing. Ask your librarian to suggest classics and new releases. Make reading a priority, a part of the effort you make to become a successful children’s writer. I find it sad when someone who proclaims they want to be a writer says they don’t have time to read. It can only benefit your work.

6. Enter contests
Many web sites for children’s writers have opportunities every month or two. Check out the Children’s Writer Newsletter. www.childrenswriter.com. Use the contests as a chance to try something you may not have attempted before – a concept book, a mystery, a nonfiction article. They offer a challenge, and can improve your writing skills and broaden your horizons. You may surprise yourself and win, which could get you published online or in hard copy. Win or lose, it’s a win-win.

5. Go to conferences
Large, small, in-between. Just attend. Even if you can budget for only one each year, it is worth it. You meet writers, illustrators and editors, and have access to some of the most creative minds in the business. I learn so much from every experience, and the atmosphere energizes me. Check out www.scbwi.org for some events in your region.

4. Sign up for critiques
If you can afford it, pay an additional fee at the conference for a critique with an editor. It is incredibly valuable. You have the full attention of an editor (OK, for maybe 15 minutes, but when else will you get that chance), and worst case, s/he offers constructive criticism that may help get the piece published somewhere after polishing. Best case, s/he really likes the piece and it gets your foot in the door.

3. Take notice and take notes
Have a pen and paper at the ready, in your car or in the beach bag or in your backpack while you hike. Record ideas, colors of objects, interesting or not-so-interesting scenes, and descriptions of people and places. Keep them in an idea folder or notebook, so you can use them later. It might be next year or five years from now, but you won’t lose the little gems that someday could enrich a story.

2. Write every day
People who write every day typically are more successful than those who don’t. It’s that simple. So if you can get up at 5 a.m. and write for an hour before work, go for it. Like staying up late? Take advantage of the quiet and go to town. Better at making time during your lunch hour? Terrific. Just do it, every day. And maybe subscribe to author Katherine Paterson’s philosophy: Have a minimum number of pages you strive for daily. One, two, three, it doesn’t matter. Just come up with a schedule and a goal and keep it. You may surprise yourself by exceeding on a regular basis.

1. Don’t give up
Rejections, busy home and work schedules, illness and gorgeous weather all can hinder your progress and make you feel like you may never become a successful children’s writer. But you will if you write, write, write, submit, submit, submit. If you want it badly enough and you work toward it, you will no doubt reach your goal. In the immortal words of suffragist Susan B. Anthony: "Failure is impossible." She was one smart lady.


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