Our Writing Contest

Aboon Books proudly announces the My-Name-Is-Harry Writing Contest with cash prizes ($400, $200, $100). Click here for details.

General Information on Writing for Children

To learn more about writing for children, we recommend:

• Children's Book Insider
• the Writing for Children page at writing-world.com.
• Joining Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

Classes on writing for children are offered by:

• Children's Authors' Bootcamp - Full two-day in person workshop - I highly recommend. Tips from Laura Backes of Children's Book Insider and Linda Arms White include formula for strong plot development.
• Institute of Children's Literature - Offers an extensive correspondence course in writing for children. Frequently praised on children's writing forums.
• Author Anastasia Suen's online workshops - Online courses which other writers have highly recommended to me.

Participating in critique groups can also offer improve your writing. While many enjoy the camaraderie of getting together in person to review each others' writing, I like the advantages of online critique groups, namely:

• Each person offers their own advice independently.
• The critiques can be done on your own schedule.
• Critiques are written down, which means it is easy to remember exactly what someone else said.

I found my critique group from a list at The Children's Book Writer Cafe.

Miscellaneous Advice

At a SCBWI conference a speaker recommended listening to the best children's books on audiobook. I have a long commute and found this tip invaluable for my writing and also my daily enjoyment. Audiobooks can also be listened to while doing dishes, folding laundry, jogging, or other mindless activities. You can find many audiobooks free-of-charge at your local library. Low-cost used audiobooks can be found on Ebay

Considering self-publishing

If you are considering self-publishing a children's book, don't miss Could You, Should You Self-Publish a Picture Book?  You will learn: