If you’re writing children’s books, you’ve probably heard that you’re not really writing for children; you’re writing for the adults who buy the books.
There’s some truth to this, but it can also lead aspiring children’s authors in the wrong direction.
If you’re writing children’s books, you’ve probably heard that you’re not really writing for children; you’re writing for the adults who buy the books.
While there’s some truth to that, taking it too literally can easily trip up new authors.
So, who should you write for? The children who will read and enjoy your story, or the parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians who purchase it?
The answer is both, but not in the same way.
CHILDREN ARE YOUR PRIMARY AUDIENCE
When writing a children’s book, your first responsibility is to the young reader who will experience the story. Whether you’re writing a picture book for preschoolers, an early chapter book, or a middle-grade novel, the story needs to appeal to the intended age group.
Children have different interests, attention spans, reading abilities, and emotional needs depending on their age. A story that entertains a seven-year-old will most likely not hold the interest of a twelve-year-old.
This is why understanding your target audience is essential.
For example, younger children often enjoy repetition, humor, engaging characters, and stories that connect to their everyday experiences.
Middle-grade readers may be drawn to adventure, friendship, challenges, humor, and characters navigating situations similar to their own.
The language, themes, pacing, and complexity should reflect the intended audience.
Most importantly, children want to be entertained. They want characters they can relate to, situations that spark their curiosity, and stories that make them laugh, wonder, or feel something.
If you write primarily to impress adults, you risk losing the very audience you’re trying to reach.
ADULTS ARE THE GATEKEEPERS
While children are the readers, adults are often the decision-makers.
Parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians purchase, recommend, select, and sometimes approve children’s books.
They may look for books that:
• Encourage a love of reading.
• Support literacy and vocabulary development.
• Offer positive messages and meaningful themes.
• Address age-appropriate challenges and experiences.
• Provide opportunities for discussion and learning.
• Are well-written, engaging, and professionally presented.
For example, a parent shopping for a picture book might look for a story that encourages kindness, builds confidence, or helps a child understand a particular experience, possibly the loss of a family pet.
A teacher might look for a book that complements a classroom topic or encourages critical thinking.
A librarian may want a book that fills a gap in the collection or appeals to a particular age group.
These considerations matter. However, they shouldn’t take priority over creating an entertaining, well-crafted story.
THE MISTAKE OF WRITING TO PLEASE ADULTS
One common mistake children’s authors make is trying too hard to include educational content, moral lessons, or messages they believe adults will appreciate.
There’s nothing wrong with writing a story that teaches something or explores an important theme. In fact, many exceptional children’s books do exactly that.
The problem occurs when the story’s message becomes more important than the story.
Children don’t want to feel as though they’re sitting through a lesson when they pick up a book. They want to become immersed in the characters’ adventures and discover what happens next.
Rather than having a character explain why sharing is important, show the character facing a situation where he learns that sharing matters.
Instead of having a character announce the importance of perseverance, let readers experience the character’s struggles, setbacks, and eventual success.
When a message grows naturally out of the story, it becomes more memorable and meaningful.
HOW TO APPEAL TO BOTH SIDES
The best children’s books offer something for both children and adults.
Here are three ways to accomplish this:
- Put the story first.
Create interesting characters, relatable conflicts, believable dialogue, and a satisfying resolution. Make sure the story works for the intended age group without relying on an adult to interpret the meaning. - Include meaningful themes without preaching.
Explore universal experiences such as friendship, courage, acceptance, responsibility, and self-confidence. Allow readers to discover the message through the characters’ actions rather than spelling everything out. - Make the book appealing to adults without sacrificing the child’s experience.
Parents and educators love well-written, age-appropriate stories with real substance. But most of all, they want books that kids won’t want to put down.
Kids just want a fun, interesting, scary, or funny read.
CHILDREN ARE YOUR READERS – ADULTS ARE YOUR GATEKEEPERS
That distinction should guide your writing decisions.
When developing your story, ask yourself: Will children in my target age group find this entertaining? Will they connect with the characters? Will they want to turn the page to find out what happens next?
Then consider the adult buyer: Is the story well-written, age-appropriate, engaging, and something a parent, teacher, or librarian would feel good about recommending?
THE TAKEAWAY FOR CHILDREN’S AUTHORS
As a children’s author, I don’t choose between writing for the kids who read my books or the adults who buy them. My real job is to understand what both sides need.
Never to let the desire to please adults overshadow the child’s reading experience—this is why I write with kids in mind first.
Write a story children will love and give the adults who buy it plenty of reasons to say yes. That’s the balance every children’s author should strive for.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, book doctor, editor, and self-publishing consultant. 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 200+ page book that will help you write your own children’s book.
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
4- to 12-week programs
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING GUIDANCE & SERVICES
Guidance and more for children’s authors (specializing in picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
