Do you have a budding author in your home? Are you looking for tips for writing a book? Nothing is more rewarding for young writers than seeing their work in print. Your enthusiastic writer will be thrilled when all of the hard work pays off and their work is published.
There are a variety of ways to get your child’s work published:
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Create a single copy. Many parents looking for tips for writing a book with their child quickly discover that publishing a single copy is actually more affordable than you might think! A variety of online photo book companies provide formats ideal for creating a single copy of your child’s work. Blurb and MyPublisher are excellent options ideal for publishing children’s written work and illustrations.
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Self-publish. Another option is to venture into the world of self-publishing to get your child’s work noticed. This option requires an investment in the services, time, and work required to publish, but is a great way to showcase your child’s talent. Mill City Press and BookBaby are two of the many options available for self-publishing your child’s work.
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Online submissions. The Internet is another excellent place to publish your child’s work. A simple search will reveal multiple sites that publish children’s work online. These sites also provide a wealth of resources, including how to submit work to publishing houses, general tips for writing a book, and ways to help your child improve.
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Potluck Magazine: This online magazine accepts submissions from all ages and in a variety of genres, including poetry, criticism, non-fiction, and fiction. Poetry submissions should include three to five pieces, and prose and non-fiction works shouldn’t exceed 3,000 words.
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Magic Dragon: This publication offers a quarterly print edition and an accompanying online version. Submissions are accepted on any topic or genre. Stories and essays should be limited to three pages and poetry should remain under 30 lines.
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Magazine submissions. There are a variety of print magazines that publish children’s writing. These publications often have specific guidelines writers must follow, including genre, content, and length. A little research will help you discover which publications are the best match for your child’s work. Our favorite children’s magazines that accept submissions include:
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Cricket Magazine: Cricket Magazine accepts submissions from authors ages 14 and up. Accepted genres include humor, mysteries, historical fiction, first-person non-fiction accounts, poetry, and alternative comics. Each genre has different guidelines and is detailed on their submission page.
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Stone Soup: Submissions from children ages 13 and under are accepted by Stone Soup. Any genre is welcome and the maximum length is 2,500 words. Each issue typically has one 2,500 word story and several shorter stories. Your child has a higher likelihood of being published with a shorter story.
Enter writing contests. There are a variety of writing contests open to children of all ages. Many of these contests are limited to specific genres, ages, or topics. Understanding the specific requirements for an individual contest is important to ensure your submission qualifies for the contest. The Betty Award, the PBS Kids Writers Contest, and Kid Pub Monthly Writing Contests are just a few of the contests out there.
Editorials and opinions. Local newspapers are an excellent option for young writers who want their voices heard. Encourage your child to think of a local current issue that would lend itself well to a letter to the editor or an opinion piece. This will encourage your child to write persuasively and be aware of current events.
Have you helped your children publish any of their writing? What tips for writing a book would you share with other parents? Leave your comments below!
Photo by Carissa Roger
Suzy S.