Children's book
By k1tten
@k1tten (2318)
United States
February 4, 2007 7:13pm CST
Hoping to write a children's book if I get off my but. Thinking of illustrating it myself and seeing if my girlfriend will help with the story line. Does anyone know the demand for children's books? If so anyone know how well a book about a betta would take off?
4 responses
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
5 Feb 07
Well, I don't know what a betta is, but ANY well written book, whether for adults or children, will always be read and will sell well.
I suggest you get off your cute little butt, sort out a story line and get the illustrations done. Then if you still feel the story line is weak, I'll bet your girlfriend will not be able to resist helping.
Also, IF you do collaborate with your girlfriend you should have something in writing. There is only a slim chance of mega success but you do not want a legal row if the two of you are not together when the book comes out.
Remember also to copyright all your words and images and if you create a cute little character you can build up a following in a blog before you even have the book.
Hope some of these comments help!
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
7 Feb 07
I have fish, and I keep looking at the fighting fish because their colours are so lovely, so your fish in the story must be wonderful.
Good luck with the blog, if nothing else it will get you into the habit of writing every day, and hopefully your book will be on the shelves in no time :-)
@k1tten (2318)
• United States
5 Feb 07
lol They did! I actually have a few pictures of my little betta drawn and a betta is a cut little fish. Siamese fighting fish it's also known by. I thank you for the idea of a blog. It would be interesting to do that and see how much attention it gets. Thank you again!
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
5 Feb 07
Supposedly, children's books are the easiest to get published. There's always a demand for them. And they're one of the few genres where you can actually have success with self publishing. As for a book about a betta... well, it's not a subject that already has dozens of books out, so there's a point in your favor. I don't do any work with children's literature myself, but I've heard from friends in my circle that it's a good way to get a quick publish.
1 person likes this
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
5 Feb 07
From what I've heard from my writer friends, it's easier to get a children's book published because the demand is so high and they're so easy to market. A lot of them went that route to get their foot in the door and get some publishing credits. Like I said, I have no experience with it myself, but this is what I've heard from people who *have* had kid's books published.
@tinamarie11 (34)
• United States
7 Feb 07
The wait list for children's books to be printed - once they are accpeted, is about 18 months to 2 years.
@amitsanger (210)
• India
7 Feb 07
children books are easy to publish and since there are very simple or lite stories in them, they do not require to waste your time as in complex stories and novels. the only thing is - think from the perspective of a child, that is make the book very colorfull, with attractive pictures , vibrant colors etc. allways remember if you make it colorfull with some stories of faeries, cute animals and king and queens, and if children love it, it is more probably to become a great hit. bcz children do the best publicity , or we can say it show-off. if one child buy a book and finds it cool he will certainly show off the book. thus you are going to find more customers.
again i would like to tell you if you are planning to do so dont hesitate , just do it. and you are always welcome if you need any advice. i have no experience of publishing one but i can atleast help you in choosing the best stories among those you are working with.
@tinamarie11 (34)
• United States
7 Feb 07
You must be joking? You say they are easy to publish, yet claim you have no experience in publishing. Don't dish out advice when you have no first hand experience in the matter...you can give wrong advice in the process.
@Wanderlaugh (1622)
• Australia
5 Feb 07
Demand for children's books is high, but it's a tough market. Sorry I haven't got the direct links handy, but-
Suggest:
1. Get the draft book done, and the rights sorted out with what sort of equity you and your friend have. Copyright is created when the book is in "tangible form". Check US Copyright Office website.
2. Find an agent. Children's books are ultra competitive, and a good publisher is a must. Agent can helo a lot in the final form.
****Just make sure you've got it presentable, and make sure you only send copies, not originals, of your work.****
3. Do NOT go anywhere near anything online without checking out a site called Writer Beware. Too many scams, and they all want outlay of some kind for very little in return. Some just go through the motions, take your money and do nothing useful. Avoid at all costs, literally.\
Good luck.
1 person likes this