On Writing for Children

General Guidelines for manuscripts

Editors and agents prefer you submit your manuscript in 12 point Times New Roman, double-spaced, with one inch margins all around. Nowadays, many agents prefer to have submissions emailed to them. Check with them for their preferences.

CHAPTER BOOKS:
Target Age: 4 - 8
Protagonist’s Age: 8 - 10
Page counts vary, but because these books are heavily illustrated throughout, the manuscript will be shorter than usual.

MIDDLE GRADE NOVELS:
Target age: 9 - 11 (4th - 6th grade)
Protagonist’s age: 11 to 14
Length: Page counts range from 96 to 200+

YOUNG ADULT NOVELS:
Target age: 11 - 15 (6th - 9th grade)
Protagonist’s age: 15 to 16
Length: Pages range from 100 to 400+

The best writing advice

Whatever kind of children’s book you’re writing — from chapter books to YA novels — read lots of them! Read the classics, but also read the books that have been published recently. Go to bookstores and scan the shelves. Find out what publishers are publishing now.

Resources - Books and websites

Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market - 2022 edition
Once published every year, the 2022 is the most recent edition. However, since publishing moves very slowly, most of the information is still current. (However, it would be wise to check the website of the agency or publisher you plan to query.) This book contains the names and contact info of 500 children’s book publishers and and agents, along with submission guidelines (which you must follow to the letter), and other useful information, such as how to write a query letter, and perhaps most importantly, a subject index that tells you which agency or publisher would be most receptive to your material.

SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
A professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s books. The annual membership fee provides access to a wide range of resources designed to help you polish your craft.

Publisher’s Weekly
Publishing news for publishers, authors, agents, booksellers, librarians, and anyone who loves books.

ElfmanWorld: The Website of Eric Elfman
My official fan site. Find information about my books and events, as well as weekly “Gross Nuggets,” “Scary Morsels,” and “UFO Tidbits.”