I will be drawing the winner on Monday (15th July 2013).
WRITING FOR CHILDREN
'... everything a beginning author could possibly need to know, in the straightforward and unassuming manner of one who has been doing it for years.' Rosalie Warren
The winner will get a signed and dedicated copy of my book Writing For Children. It is aimed at aspiring or newly published children's writers. So if that is you, or you know someone who would like a copy, why not drop by my birthday post on ABBA - P.A.R.T.Y. Time and a giveaway Writing for children is not just one kind of writing. If you are writing a picture book or a book that is to be used to teach children to read they are quite different and there are things you need to know about what makes it a children's book. What is different about writing for different ages of children? What works and what doesn't? What about format and length and how to present it to a publisher?
The beginning of this book looks in some detail at the various kinds of writing and markets you may be writing for when writing for children of all ages.
It looks at writing picture books and novels - writing books used to teach reading - writing series fiction - non fiction and what works for different ages of children.
There are lots of great hints and tips from some amazing and successful children's writers.
The second section is all about the craft of writing for children - such as ways to spark ideas, about plot and POV, about how to make characters come alive. At each part of this section there are exercises to try.
It looks at submitting your carefully written book. How to approach a publisher and an agent and how to present your manuscript in a professional manner.
The final section is all about what happens when you get that all important publishing contract. The reality behind the hype. What it means to be a working children's writer and things you need to know about finances, contracts, publicity and promoting yourself. It tells you about organising school visits and other events and how to make sure it all works well for both you and the organiser.
There is also a glossary and some lists of useful information.
So if you are keen to get your hands on a copy pop along to the giveaway. Good luck!
‘Linda
Strachan is one of those authors who not only nails it on the page,
but is also a master at explaining how and why she writes what she
writes.’ Philip Ardagh (The Guardian)
