Are you someone who...
Love stories?
Enjoys cute illustrations?
Has a natural ability to entertain?
Enjoys working with children?
If you found yourself nodding along, you might just have what it takes to become a children's book author!
The Magic of Children's Books: Why Become an Author?
Authors of children's books play a vital role in shaping young minds, serving as a magical yet critical part of childhood. You can probably recall a few memories from your own childhood centered around a book. Maybe it was cuddling up for a bedtime story — or getting lost in a fantastical tale at school.
As a children's book author, you have the opportunity to spark that same kind of magic for the next generation. Children's books nurture imagination, teach valuable morals and life lessons, and help children make sense of the world around them.
Photo by Andres Iga on UnsplashSo, What Exactly Does a Children's Book Author Do?
In addition to tapping into your creative genius and writing enchanting stories for children, there’s much more that goes into being a children's book author. While crafting magical stories is at the heart of it, here’s a look at what the journey often involves:
Collaborate with illustrators (or illustrate the story yourself!) to bring your vision to life. ✏️
Research real-world details to ensure accuracy. 🔍
Revise and edit independently and with professional editors. ✂️
Pitch your book to publishers or explore self-publishing options. 📚
Market your book and build your audience. 📣
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Children's Book Author?
If the world of children’s books excites you, you may already possess many of the qualities successful authors share. Here’s a closer look at the skills that will help you succeed:
Creativity: You have a knack for crafting exciting, engaging stories that keep children eager to read more.
Patience: Writing and editing take time, and you're willing to go through multiple drafts until the story is just right.
Understanding of children: You know how to create stories that resonate with kids and are developmentally appropriate for different age groups.
Receptiveness to feedback: You understand that not every idea will be perfect from the start and are open to feedback from editors and illustrators to improve your work.
Meet Jane!
Jane considers herself to be creative, enjoys talking and connecting with others, is a talented dancer, and loves to express herself through various forms of art. Which of these qualities would make her a good candidate for becoming a children's book author?
A. She loves to dance, so she could write fun stories about movement and helping kids explore their bodies.
B. Her creativity and love for self-expression through art mean she’s great at telling stories that will captivate young readers.
C. She connects well with others, but her strengths might be better suited for public speaking than writing.
D. Jane’s dancing and social skills are awesome, but she might be better suited for acting or teaching, not writing stories for kids.
Quiz
Which qualities make Jane a good candidate for becoming a children's book author?
You've Written a Book — Now, How Do You Get Paid?
Earning income as a children's book author varies greatly and depends on several factors. The most significant consideration is the publishing route you choose.
Traditional Publishing
Authors typically receive an advance (ranging from $1,000 to $10,000).
You must sell enough books to "earn out" your advance before starting to see royalty profits.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing equires more upfront costs, but allows for quicker royalty payments.
It offers a higher percentage of royalties per book sold.
So, Is This the Right Path for You?
Now that you’ve got all the facts, take a moment to consider the following before diving into the world of children's book authorship. The good news is, this is a career you can start on the side and build over time if you truly feel called to it!
It's Right for You If:
You love having creative freedom.
You feel inspired to make an impact on children's lives.
You thrive in a flexible work environment.
You Probably Won't Enjoy It If:
You can't handle an unpredictable income.
You don't enjoy working in a solitary environment.
You become easily discouraged by rejection.
Take Action
Thinking of moving forward with authorship? Take these next steps!
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