For many of us, the idea of writing a children’s book feels like a dream pulled from the pages of our favorite bedtime stories. We have an idea, a character, a fun rhyme, and the simple desire to create something magical for the next generation of readers. But turning that spark of an idea into a tangible, published book is a journey fraught with more questions than answers. Where do you even begin? How do you get your story into the hands of a publisher? And how do you avoid the common pitfalls that send countless manuscripts to the dreaded slush pile?
Thankfully, for decades, aspiring authors have had a beacon of wisdom in the form of Barbara Seuling, a prolific and celebrated author of over 70 books for children and young adults. Her work, particularly her seminal guide, “How to Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book and Get It Published,” has become a go-to resource. It’s a book that demystifies the creative and business sides of the industry with a clear, encouraging, and refreshingly human tone. Seuling’s approach is not about a single magic formula, but a disciplined, thoughtful process. Drawing from her invaluable insights, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to not only write a children’s book but also navigate the challenging path to publication.
Part 1: The Foundation of a Great Story
Barbara Seuling’s philosophy begins with a simple truth: a children’s book is not just a simplified version of an adult novel. It is a unique art form with its own rules, rhythms, and, most importantly, a specific audience. Before you write a single word, you must internalize this principle.
The Power of Knowing Your Audience
One of the first lessons Seuling imparts is the critical need to understand your target age group. A story for a four-year-old is fundamentally different from one for a ten-year-old.
- Picture Books (Ages 0-8): This is often where aspiring authors begin. Seuling stresses that the words in a picture book are only half the story. The text and the illustrations must work in tandem to create a cohesive narrative. The language should be simple, a single concept should be clear, and the story should be concise—typically under 1,000 words, with many successful books clocking in at 300-500 words. The rhythm and sound of the words are vital, as these books are read aloud.
- Chapter Books (Ages 6-10): Here, the story begins to carry more of the weight. These books have more complex plots and characters, and they introduce the concept of chapters. The writing must be engaging enough to keep a newly independent reader turning the pages. The word count can range from 5,000 to 15,000 words.
- Middle Grade (Ages 8-12): This is where you can explore more intricate themes and multi-layered storylines. Characters grapple with more complex emotions and face significant challenges. The prose is more sophisticated, and the word count can stretch from 20,000 to 50,000 words.
Seuling’s emphasis on this foundational knowledge is a cornerstone of her method. It prevents writers from making the common mistake of writing a story without a clear audience in mind, a mistake that a literary agent will spot immediately.
Developing Your Idea and Character
A great children’s book starts with a great idea. But as Seuling explains, it’s not just about a clever concept; it’s about a character and their emotional journey. The story needs a central conflict, a problem that the protagonist must solve. The stakes, while perhaps small in the grand scheme of the world, must feel monumental to the child.
Think about classic characters. Why do they endure? It’s because we connect with their struggles. Max, from Where the Wild Things Are, is a relatable child dealing with his emotions. The Hungry Caterpillar faces a simple but universal challenge: growth and transformation. Your protagonist needs to be relatable, whether they’re a plucky young hero, a shy animal, or an imaginative child. Seuling recommends focusing on the protagonist’s desires and fears. What do they want more than anything? What is standing in their way? The answers to these questions will form the backbone of your story’s plot.
The Importance of Voice and Authenticity
When writing for children, Seuling advises that you must get inside their heads. Write with a natural, authentic voice that resonates with a child’s perspective. Avoid condescending language or overly didactic prose. Children are incredibly perceptive. They can spot a lecture from a mile away.
Instead of telling them how to feel or what to think, show them through the story. Let your characters make mistakes, learn lessons, and experience the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. This is where your storytelling skills truly come into play. A manuscript that feels fresh, genuine, and full of heart is one that will stand out to agents and editors. It’s not about being simple; it’s about being direct and emotionally honest.
The Art of Revision
Seuling is a firm believer that the real magic of writing happens during revision. Your first draft is simply getting the words down. The second, third, and even tenth drafts are where you polish the manuscript until it shines. She suggests reading your story aloud to hear its rhythm and flow. Does it sound clunky? Are the words easy to say? Is the pacing right? This is an especially important tip for picture books.
She also encourages you to be ruthless with your editing. Every word must earn its place. Cut anything that doesn’t move the story forward. A children’s book has limited space, and every syllable counts. This meticulous attention to detail is what separates a good children’s book from a great one.
Part 2: Navigating the Business of Publishing
Once you have a polished manuscript, the real work—the business of publishing—begins. This is often the most intimidating part for new authors, but Seuling breaks it down into manageable, strategic steps.
The All-Important Research
Before you send your manuscript out, you must do your homework. This is a non-negotiable step that can save you countless hours of wasted effort. You need to identify publishing houses and literary agents who are actively looking for the kind of book you have written.
- Study the Market: Go to bookstores and libraries. Look at books that are similar to yours. Who are the publishers? What is their brand? Do they specialize in certain genres or age groups? A publisher of board books is not going to be interested in your middle-grade fantasy novel. This research is your road map.
- Find a Literary Agent: While not always required, a literary agent is often the key to getting a manuscript read by a top publishing house. Seuling highlights the agent’s role as a guide, a negotiator, and a champion for your work. They have established relationships with editors and know the ins and outs of the industry. The best way to find an agent is to research who represents authors of books similar to yours. Look at their websites, read their bios, and study their submission guidelines.
The Query Letter and Submission Process
Your query letter is your first and often only chance to make an impression. Seuling explains that it must be a concise, professional, and compelling summary of your work. It’s a sales pitch, so it should grab the agent’s attention immediately. Your letter should include:
- A brief, captivating hook for your story.
- The title, word count, and target age group.
- A short, compelling synopsis of the plot.
- A brief bio highlighting your relevant credentials (though Seuling notes you don’t need a formal writing background to succeed).
You must, without exception, follow the agent’s submission guidelines to the letter. If they ask for the first ten pages, only send the first ten pages. If they ask for a full manuscript, send the full manuscript. Deviating from these instructions is a surefire way to get your submission rejected without a second thought.
The Waiting Game and Dealing with Rejection
The publishing world moves at a glacial pace. After submitting your manuscript, you will enter a period of waiting that can last for months. Seuling wisely advises that this time is best spent working on your next manuscript. Don’t sit by the phone, obsessing over a response. Keep writing, creating, and honing your craft.
Rejection is an inevitable part of the process. Even the most successful authors have faced countless rejections. Seuling’s advice is not to take it personally. A “no” from one agent or publisher is not a judgment on your talent or the quality of your work. It could simply be a matter of timing, taste, or that they already have a similar project on their list. The key is perseverance. Learn from any feedback you receive, revise if necessary, and keep submitting.
Part 3: The Long-Term Career of a Children’s Author
Getting a book published is a monumental achievement, but as Seuling explains, it’s just the beginning of your journey. A publishing contract is a partnership, and you’ll be working closely with a team of professionals, including an editor and an illustrator (for picture books).
Collaboration and Trust
An editor’s job is to help you make your manuscript the best it can be. Seuling encourages authors to embrace this collaborative process with an open mind. Be prepared to make changes, large and small, that will strengthen your story. Trust their expertise.
For picture books, the author and illustrator rarely work together. The publisher matches the manuscript with an illustrator they feel can best bring the story to life. This can be a leap of faith, but it’s an exciting part of the process, as you get to see your story transformed in a way you could never have imagined.
Marketing and Promotion
In today’s market, authors are expected to be an active part of their book’s promotion. This can include maintaining a website, engaging on social media, doing school visits, and attending book festivals. Seuling, a master of school visits herself, emphasizes the importance of connecting directly with your readers. Meeting a child who loves your book is one of the most rewarding experiences an author can have.
Ultimately, Seuling’s timeless advice reminds us that the journey to becoming a children’s book author is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires talent, hard work, patience, and a deep, abiding love for the audience you are writing for. Her insights provide a roadmap for navigating this challenging but incredibly fulfilling world. So, if you have a story waiting to be told, start writing, start researching, and let the spirit of Barbara Seuling’s wisdom be your guide. Your story is waiting to be read.
