If you are new to children’s writing, you may feel like there is a lot to learn.. and there IS! There are some good courses available through providers like the Institute of Children’s Literature and Writer’s Digest University. The issue with these courses for most writers is their cost. You can teach yourself all you need to know about writing children’s books by purchasing books used to teach writing skills.

If you’d like a less expensive route, and are capable of self-teaching, the following books are recommended for consideration:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, 3rd Edition

17% Off $21.99 $7.28 (as of January 24, 2025 03:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

How To Self-Publish A Children's Book: Everything You Need To Know To Write, Illustrate, Publish, And Market Your Paperback And Ebook

$6.99 $3.49 (as of January 24, 2025 03:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Elements of Fiction Writing - Beginnings, Middles & Ends

$10.99 (as of January 24, 2025 03:16 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Creating Characters Kids Will Love

12% Off $17.99 $15.80 (as of January 24, 2025 02:58 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Fiction Writer's Workshop

$18.99 $12.49 (as of January 24, 2025 02:57 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life

13% Off $18.99 $10.21 (as of January 24, 2025 02:58 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time

12% Off $16.99 $9.95 (as of January 24, 2025 03:00 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Used Book in Good Condition

Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers

$19.99 (as of January 24, 2025 03:26 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript (Bell on Writing)

$12.99 $9.00 (as of January 24, 2025 03:22 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals

13% Off $19.95 $17.30 (as of January 24, 2025 03:00 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Reading some, or all of these books, rather than spending several hundred dollars for one of the popular courses will help you write better stories for publication. By reading these books before you begin submitting, you will also gain critical skills that will help you get your first contract.

Best of luck with your writing and I hope this site, the tips within, and the resources we’ve provided will help you further your career as a children’s writer.

Happy Submissions!
Sandy

Also, please note: I am an author, not a publisher nor an agent, so I do not accept submissions of any kind.  Neither do I make recommendations regarding where to submit your manuscript. I wish you the BEST of luck in your publishing endeavors.