Note: Today’s post is for the letter “T” as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge.
If you’re a grandparent, chances are your darling grandchildren have inspired you to write many cute little stories related to some of the wonderful times you’ve had together. And, at some point, you’ll probably consider turning these stories into published books and you’ll hope to sell them to a children’s book publisher.
That’s a wonderful idea! But there are a few common mistakes to avoid if you’re a grandparent who hasn’t taken classes for children’s writers, yet you hope to publish your stories for kids. You probably aren’t familiar with some of the “tricks of the trade” – the elements children’s publishers look for in the manuscripts they tend to purchase.
Here are some tips to help you have the best chance of finding a publisher for your stories:
1. Although your story may include you, the grandparent, be sure the story is told from your grandchild’s point of view.
2. Give your grandchild a problem right at the start of the story. But beware – do NOT have your grandchild simply ask you (or any other well-meaning person in the story) what to do to solve this problem. Your grandchild needs to figure out what to do himself and then go try to do it.
3. Beware of featuring too many adults in your story. If you – the grandparent – play a major role in the story, don’t include many other adults in your tale, too. Avoid the tendency to also have mom or dad show up in the story to offer even more well-meaning advice to your grandchild.
Follow these 3 tips and the delightful story you write, based on your real live grandchildren, will have a much better chance of being accepted by a traditional children’s publisher and turned into a charming picture book you can proudly present to your grandchildren and also see in bookstores across the country.
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