Book reviews help sell books.
They should be a part of every author’s marketing toolbox.
I’ve been fortunate to have a review of my book on Midwest Book Review Book Watch January 2021.
If you’re not familiar with them, they were established in 1976 and are committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. Their publications are specifically designed for community and academic librarians, booksellers, and the general reading public.
Okay, on to the MBR review.
How to Write a Children’s Fiction Book
Karen Cioffi
https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com
Privately Published
9780999294918 $14.95 paperback, 262 pages
B0891PHML4, $6.99 Kindle
Children’s books are more complicated to write than they first appear. This practical and well-organized book has explanations and formulas for writing them, with examples. There is an assignment for each of the eight sections. An entire book may be written by consulting this text. Children’s target audiences and genres are included. If you need story ideas, the first chapter covers that right away. Cioffi shares that character and dialogue are significant as these must be convincing to the child. Language must be authentic with age-appropriate words. Plot, theme, the craft of writing, hiring help, researching publishers, self-publishing, marketing, and working with editors are covered. An extensive list of resources is provided. Cioffi’s comprehensive book is a must for children’s book authors.
Carolyn Wilhelm, Reviewer
Wise Owl Factory LLC
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/jan_21.htm#carolynwilhelm
Here’s another review.
This one by children’s author, Linda Wilson
A comprehensive guide that offers a step-by-step approach
Anyone wondering how to write for children and where to begin would benefit from Karen Cioffi’s book, How to Write a Children’s Fiction Book. A thorough reading of Cioffi’s book cover-to-cover would be an excellent way to begin the path to publication.
I started from scratch not knowing anything about writing for children and recently finished my first children’s book, the first in a series for young children. A lot of time—years—and effort would have been saved if I’d had this guide to follow.
Cioffi’s book begins with the most important aspects every children’s author needs to know, including how to choose your target audience, genre differences, and ten basic rules for writing for young children. The book then goes into detail, such as how to create a story, the use of dialogue, action, and imagery; and the all-important skill of showing vs. telling. Also, how to revise, edit and research; how to find a publisher; understanding contracts, and how to locate marketing resources.
The first draft of book two in my series is done, and even after studying children’s literature for many years, I have found that there’s no end to learning the craft. I made a major change in my draft due to advice I read in Cioffi’s book. So, even experienced authors can find reminders of the goals they’re striving for.
Cioffi’s book would be an excellent resource for any children’s author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
CHECK OUT ALL HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK HAS TO OFFER: CLICK HERE!