You Can Write Children's Books Quotes

“Elements of a Proposal Cover letter Author biography Book synopsis Character sketches Chapter-by-chapter outline Three sample chapters Self-addressed stamped envelope Reply card (optional)”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“Checklist for Targeting Publishers Does your manuscript fit the publisher's commercial and literary philosophy? Does your manuscript fit into a line of books the publisher is already producing? Is your manuscript too similar to something the publisher has just published? Is the subject matter taboo to the publisher for any reason? (Some religious publishers might object to a book about Halloween, for instance.) Does the manuscript match the publisher's particular niche in terms of age level and subject matter? Is the style of the manuscript in line with the publisher's needs and with the other books the publisher is publishing? Does the length of the manuscript match the publisher's guidelines?”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“Sample Letter Requesting Writer's Guidelines Jennifer Raffin 1722 Eagle Nest's Row Spinsville, Nevada 12345 Date Leapfrog Press 16666 Lemon Lane Expresstown, New Mexico 33333 Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to request your writer's guidelines. I have enclosed an SASE for your convenience. Thank you. I'll look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Jennifer Raffin”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“One of the best ways to ensure that you are creating an effective main character is to spend some time really getting to know her. Some writers do this by writing a simple character sketch about their main character, detailing her likes and dislikes, her goal, her motivation, her age and personal history, and her physical qualities. (The character worksheet on page 90 guides you in writing a character sketch.) Other writers find it easier to let their characters “talk” to them by writing a letter from their main character to themselves. Some writers prefer “interviewing” the main character as if she were actually in the same room. Still others write a character statement in which the character speaks in first person about herself. These latter exercises have the advantage of actually establishing that character's voice. Both methods will allow you to get to know your character more intimately. And, while all of the character traits and details that you develop during this exercise probably won't be worked into the story, you'll know them, and this will help you maintain your character consistently and help you focus the character's motivation.”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“When you use single character viewpoint, you tell the main character's story — and only his or her story. Every single thing in the plot — whether it's an event, problem, emotion, or consequence — should be revealed through that main character's eyes. Your main character needs to be on center stage throughout the entire story, acting and reacting to what is happening in the plot. To do that effectively, reveal only your main character's emotions and thoughts. Tell your reader only what your main character is feeling, not the feelings of other characters.”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“Spend time in your neighborhood bookstore in the young adult section. Write down the many different types and subject matters of young adult novels you find.”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“Read a middle grade novel. Identify the way the plot is developed. How many episodes are there per chapter? How many scene changes? Is there a subplot? How many adults are in the story? What role do they play? When is the conflict introduced?”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“Be open to genres other than straight realistic fiction. Discover how writers use forms other than straight narrative in middle grade and young adult fiction.”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books

“Resources for Understanding Literature for Middle Grades and Teens The Adolescent Brain: Reaching for Autonomy by Robert Sylvester Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives by John Palfrey The Literature Teacher's Book of Lists by Judith Strouf The Primal Teen: What the New Discoveries About the Teenage Brain Tell Us About Our Kids by Barbara Strauch”
― Tracey E. Dils, You Can Write Children's Books