Chapter books are geared toward readers transitioning from picture books. They have short chapters, so the new readers feel like they’re reading ‘big’ books.
Here’s a basic outline of what a chapter book involves:
• The age bracket varies, but the usual is seven to nine.
• Because the child is new to reading independently, the chapters should be 500-700 words. Short and sweet. This helps young reader’s with ‘easy wins.’
• Considering the word count per chapter, having 10-15 chapters is a good amount.
• The book should have a full character arc and story (narrative) arc.
• There should be one point-of-view, that of the protagonist.
• The word count can be 5,000 to 15,000, but the sweet spot is around 10,000.
• It can have 64-128 pages.
• It should have illustrations here and there. The beginning of each chapter and wherever you want to ‘show’ the reader what’s going on are good places. You can have black-and-white or full-color illustrations, like in picture books.
The word count with chapter books gives the writer freedom to elaborate, provide details, descriptions, and so on that you just can’t do in a picture book, as the picture book should be 800 words or under.
Well, if you want to write your own children’s chapter book but aren’t sure how to go about it, don’t feel confident enough to jump in, or you’ve already started but need help getting from point A to B, you need help. My coaching program can help you get started and finish in 8 weeks (or 16 weeks).
Here’s what you get:
• Handholding as you write your own book. I’ll provide an e-copy of my book “How to Write a Children’s Fiction Book,” and you’ll start your story.
• Once a week, 15 to 30-minute calls to go over what you’ve done, and I’ll guide you through the process. I’ll review each period’s work and give you constructive feedback and guidance.
• You go at your own speed over the 8 weeks. I’m also flexible; if you prefer having the eight sessions over 16 weeks, that’s doable. If you run into trouble keeping on track, I will offer a writing schedule.
• Review your manuscript to make sure it’s formatted properly.
• Tips on submitting to traditional publishers.
• Review of your book’s synopsis and description.
• My 29-page, all-content ebook, “DIY Self-Publishing (From Manuscript to Publication).” It’ll help you take your manuscript onto the self-publishing path – if that’s the direction you want to go.
• My DIY eCourse “Build Your Author Platform in 4 Weeks.” I taught this class through WOW! Women on Writing. It’s an important element all authors should be aware of, whether traditionally publishing or self-publishing. This is a $97 value!
• I also recommend three specific traditionally published chapter books to study during the program.
So, what are my qualifications?
As a professional writer and author, I have years of experience ghostwriting, rewriting, and editing well over 450 books for clients from all over the world, and I’ve worked with child psychologists, therapists, professors, principals, teachers, parents, grandparents, business owners, and even a dentist. More importantly, I have ‘return’ clients and series clients.
You can also check out my traditionally published books on my Karen’s Books page. In addition, I’m a former lead editor with 4RV Publishing and a former staff writer for two online reading comprehension learning centers.
I’m also the founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move, a writing and marketing group of writers and authors, and my former blog, Karen Cioffi Writing and Marketing, was honored as Writer’s Digest Website of the Week, June 25, 2012.
Along with this honor, Brian A. Klems, online editor for Writer’s Digest, added a wonderful comment: “This site from Karen Cioffi should stand as a model for other freelance writers.”
In addition, I taught an e-class through WOW! Women on Writing, Ghostwriting Your Way to a Profitable Business (a 4-week interactive class).
THE INVESTMENT:
-You get all this for $960 (payable in 4 payments of $240 each)
-If you pay in full at the get-go, the discounted price is $929.
-Payment service fees, like with PayPal, are an additional 5% on whichever payment plan you choose.
If you’d like to get started, simply email kcioffiventrice@gmail.com to schedule a free 10-minute phone call to discuss your project. Please put “Chapter Book Coaching” in the subject line, so I know it’s not spam.
Let’s get your book publish-ready!