I’ve worked with a lot of clients over the years. It’s in the hundreds; if I had to guess, it’s close to 500.
That’s a lot of people… A lot of people with the dream of being the author of their own children’s book.
And it amazes me at times that some of these people have had the dream of writing a children’s book for years, some for almost a lifetime.
I recently rewrote a chapter book and edited several short stories for a woman who is 92.
Does that make you sit up and say, “WHAT?!”
It did me. We had been communicating, and I had no idea of the client’s age until she told me.
Can you imagine waiting to become a children’s writer until you’re in your nineties? It’s just amazing, and her stories are good!
My point is, will you wait until you’re in your sixties, seventies, or older to fulfill your dream of being a children’s author?
Don’t let procrastination stop you.
Don’t let fear stop you.
If you want to be the author of a children’s book, go for it now.
But how do you go about it?
THE GHOSTWRITER
If you just have an idea for a children’s story, some notes, or a rough outline, but don’t know where to go from there, then you’ll need a children’s ghostwriter.
A ghostwriter will take your idea or whatever other content you have on the story and weave her magic to write a complete manuscript.
At the end of the process, in which you would be involved, you’ll have a publishable manuscript ready to go.
THE REWRITER (BOOK DOCTOR)
Okay, a rewriter is the same as a book doctor. I just like using ‘rewriter.’
Rewriting is quite different from ghostwriting. You will already have a complete draft.
If you’ve written a draft that you know is lacking and far from publishable, and you don’t know how to fix it, then you need a rewriter.
If you know how to fix it but don’t have the time or inclination, you need a rewriter.
Or maybe you used AI to generate a children’s story. As we all know, using AI for storytelling is risky; you should hire a human rewriter to rewrite the story to be in accordance with industry standards.
The rewriter will take your draft and make it the best it can be. The rewriter will look at the entire story to improve all elements, including plot, structure, character dynamics, dialogue, voice, clarity, readability, and engagement.
There is a fine line between rewriting and ghostwriting, though.
I’ve had clients with drafts that couldn’t be salvaged. The drafts were so poorly written that it was essentially starting from scratch, including coming up with storylines.
When this happens, your draft is beyond rewriting, and you need to move over to ghostwriting.
THE COACH
The children’s writing coach is a step or two beyond a developmental editor.
The similarity between the two is that neither will do the writing for you. Both will guide you to write your own best story.
The difference between a writing coach and a developmental editor:
The editor will take your manuscript and go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Then she will give you an editorial letter outlining what you need to do to fix it to get it in publishable shape.
The coach will stay with you through your revisions or rewrites, whatever is needed. She will hold your hand, advising you and guiding you with weekly or monthly calls and emails.
Coaching may be more expensive, but it offers one-on-one hand-holding. On the other hand, the cost also depends on factors such as the length of your manuscript, the condition it’s in, and your commitment to getting it done.
So now that you understand the difference between these three writing services, which one will help you become a children’s author?
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, book doctor, editor, and self-publisher. I help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to call your own—and provide hands-on guidance through every step of the self-publishing process.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Program
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors
(Picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
When Is It Time to Let Your Manuscript Fly?
The Hardest Part of Writing is Actually Starting
Revisions and Editing – Do a Verb and Word Check
