Below are some key points to consider when deciding to delve deeper into the complex world of children writing.

Keep It Simple

While ideas may be the tapestry of creative thought, let your expressions of them be as neat as the stitches that are sewn.

Keep with The Times

Children of today are computer literate, they know how to use mobiles, and are far more technology savvy than those of their former counterparts. Do not underestimate the maturity of a child, but keep it age appropriate. If you are unsure of the correct terminology to use or doubt the content, then get advice first.

Keep Abreast of Current Issues

Children suffer more health issues than ever before. They battle stress, anxiety, and depression to name a few. Bullying, struggling to fit in at school, and loneliness, are equally important topics to children. Don’t be afraid to write about it. Children will relate and feel empathy and understanding. Parents may even thank you for the support it lends them in assuring their child.

Age Appropriateness

The most important rule of thumb is that in most cases the story needs to pass parental approval first. This can only be achieved if rules are followed, and you - as an author - don't cross the boundaries. Never forget who your audience is.

Banned Topics

Obviously heavy romance is out. This is simply not appropriate in a children's book.

Sex, religion, and politics are usually best left for a parent to wade through with their child. While these are hot topics for an adult, they are inappropriate on most levels for a child.

Characters

Keep character analogies age appropriate. Young children need only to be introduced to characters, while older children will enjoy a slightly more in-depth version.

What Do Children Enjoy?

Many children love rhyming words. The use of those words is what colours the fabric of an author and separates those that can write from those that can tell a story. A story that rhymes sets its own rhythm that children readily respond to.

Write for fun! What better excuse to fling off the shackles of adulthood? Touch base with your inner youth, and explore once again the sheer freedom of being a child? Let your imagination soar, and in doing so, a child's imagination will soar also.

Suitable Language

Obviously children are not going to grasp cumbersome, difficult words. Keep language simple and pronounceable. For very young children, one and two syllable words are far more appealing.

Under no circumstances should swearing be permitted in children's literature. While parents may not always know what their child is reading, if parents discover swearing in their child's book, they might react in a way where the author is underminding what they are trying to teach. Do you want a mob of angry parents trying to break down your door? Best to stay on the side of caution here.

Honesty

While fiction is the creation of a writer, a story that is honest in its telling will go down far better than one filled with lies. A child will spot an untruth and will be quite unforgiving for it!

Publishers and Parameters

There are stringent guidelines when writing for children. First and foremost, the targeted age group needs to be stated clearly. There are clear guidelines for writing for children so make sure you research the intended publisher before you submit your manuscript. The Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator's Market and The Australian Writer’s Marketplace are good resources to find markets for your book. Annually updated, they offer detailed submission guidelines for hundreds of markets. The guidelines may include information, such as pay rates, where and how to submit your manuscript, as well as other relevant and important information. Choose a few markets that seem like a good fit for your work, follow the guidelines set out by those chosen publishers and submit a neat, professional manuscript. It is recommended you have your manuscript professionally proofread and edited before you submit anything. Publishers will toss a manuscript into the slush pile without a second consideration if it is not presented correctly.

Ages may differ between publishers so be sure to check.

• Picture Books (up to 7) – Designed with the aim for an adult to read to a child.
• Baby Books (1 to 3) – Designed with the aim for the adult to read to a child, but may contain pop-ups or novelty books like lifting flaps or pressing a concealed pad to make a sound, etc.
• Beginner Readers (5 to 8) – Used to teach a child how to read.
• Middle Grade Books (8 to 12) – Teaching children to love reading through a large range of topics and interests.
• Young Adult Novels (12 and up) – Based around teenagers, these are a stepping stone to novels loved by adults.

The ability to capture and conquer the enthusiasm of a child is a gift not to be wasted. The experience is an enriching one from which both children and authors can benefit. Remember, some of our most renowned children's authors, such as JK Rowlings (author of the Harry Potter books), began with humble yet tantalising beginnings by writing and reading to their own children. A successful author, Nicky Johnston, started to write as a means to help her own child with his anxiety disorder. Her book (Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts!) is now reaching huge audiences and is considered an unbridled success.