Do you dream of writing bestselling books for children? Do you enjoy coming up with stories you believe children would love to read? Do you want to understand the complexities of the market and how to go about getting published when writing for children?

This course will guide you through a practical look at writing for children, including critical skills and knowledge, understanding the market, finding your voice, refining and improving your work and understanding how to approach publishers. You’ll gain a realistic view of what’s involved, from getting started to being published, and what happens after that. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore style, voice and other key elements of writing for children through several hands-on activities.

Topics covered will include:

• Critical knowledge, critical skills
• Understanding different markets and genres
• Finding your voice
• Creating interesting characters
• Plans and plots
• Using dialogue
• Beginnings and endings
• Editing: the how and why
• What makes your book stand out from the rest?
• The path to publication and how to improve the odds
• Agent or publisher?
• What to do when you’re rejected?

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Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Explore what makes a great children’s book and why;
2. Participate in several hands-on activities to explore various elements of writing for children; and
3. Gain a basic knowledge of the publishing industry.

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Participant Requirements

Pen and paper or a fully charged laptop.