If you’ve ever thought, “I should write a children’s book someday,” you’re not alone. A lot of people have that thought, especially creative folks with a knack for storytelling. But sitting down and actually doing it? That’s where most get stuck.
The good news is, children book writing isn’t impossible. You don’t need a fancy degree or a publisher banging on your door. You just need a good idea, a clear plan, and a little patience.
Below are nine steps that walk you through the process. These aren’t theory. They’re based on what writers, editors, and educators actually do when creating books that kids love.
1. Figure Out Who You’re Writing For
Not all kids are the same, and neither are children’s books. The way you write for a toddler is completely different from the way you’d write for a second grader.
Pick an age group and read a dozen books written for them. Not just the classics. Find what’s selling now. Go to the library or bookstore and see what kids are actually reading. That’s your starting line.
2. Decide What the Book is Really About
Every good children’s book has a core message or theme, even if it’s tucked in quietly. It might be about sharing, telling the truth, being brave, or just figuring out how to handle a grumpy friend. It doesn’t have to be deep. It just has to be clear.
Kids aren’t reading for lectures. They’re reading to connect with someone like them. So the message should come through naturally, not as a speech at the end of the story. If your book feels like a lesson plan, it’s time to dial it back.
Start with one simple idea. Build your story around that. Let the character’s actions and choices show the message, not explain it.
3. Create a Character that Feels Real
The best characters in children’s books feel like someone you know, even if they’re a hedgehog wearing roller skates.
Give your character a problem they care about. Maybe they want to make a friend, win a race, or get through the first day of school without crying. The goal should feel important to them. And please, let your character mess up. Kids relate more to characters who make mistakes and learn than they do to perfect little angels. A clumsy hero is more lovable than a flawless one.
Also, don’t make your main character sound like a grown-up. If they’re a 6-year-old, they should talk and think like a 6-year-old.
4. Keep the Story Simple, But Don’t Dumb It Down
You don’t need five plot twists or three subplots. Most children’s stories follow a very simple structure: beginning, middle, and end. Something happens. The main character reacts. Then they figure it out.
Start with a problem. Make it worse. Then solve it.
Don’t drag it out. Picture books are usually 32 pages, but that doesn’t mean 32 scenes. Some of those pages are just art. If the story doesn’t move forward, cut it. Kids are sharp, and they can smell a slow page from a mile away.
5. Write Like You’re Reading Out Loud
Because honestly, that’s what’s going to happen. Children’s books are almost always read aloud by parents, teachers, librarians, etc. If your words trip people up, the magic’s gone. So read every sentence out loud while you write. If something feels clunky or too long, it probably is.
Use short sentences. Stick to simple words. Avoid “writer-y” language. Instead of saying, “He approached the mysterious residence,” just say, “He walked up to the strange house.”
Rhyme can work, but only if you do it well. Don’t force it. A clean, well-paced story is better than an awkward rhyme any day.
6. Choose the Right Format
This part is less about creativity and more about practicality. Your story might be great, but if it doesn’t fit a clear format, readers will be confused.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Board books (Ages 0–3): Under 100 words. Mostly visuals and sound-based.
- Picture books (Ages 3–7): 300–800 words. Told through text and illustrations.
- Early readers (Ages 5–8): Simple chapters, limited vocabulary.
- Chapter books (Ages 7–10): 3,000–10,000 words. More plot, dialogue, and detail.
Stick to the format that matches your audience and story. Editors and parents expect certain lengths and structures. If you wander too far outside the lines, it becomes hard to market and sell.
7. Think Visually, Even if You Can’t Draw
In a picture book, the images are doing at least half the work. That means your text shouldn’t describe everything. Don’t say, “The dog was big and hairy,” if the picture already shows that. Think of your writing like a script. You’re setting the scene, showing the action, and letting the art handle the emotion and details.
If you plan to self-publish, you’ll need to find a professional illustrator or a reputable children book writing company that offers illustration services. Look for one whose style matches your story’s tone. If you’re aiming for a traditional publisher, don’t worry about art — they usually choose the illustrator.
8. Rewrite. Then Rewrite Again.
Your first draft will not be the one you publish. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just how children book writing works. Once you finish your draft, put it away for a few days. Then come back and read it out loud. You’ll hear where it drags or doesn’t quite make sense.
Next, get feedback from people who know kids — or better yet, from actual kids. Watch how they react when you read it to them. Do they laugh at the right parts? Do they look bored halfway through? Revise based on what they need, not what you want to keep. Your ego doesn’t get a vote in the final version.
9. Get It Out into the World
You’ve got two main paths here: traditional publishing or self-publishing.
Traditional means submitting your manuscript to publishers or agents. If they like it, they’ll handle everything from editing, printing, distribution. It’s competitive and takes time, but they know what they’re doing.
Self-publishing means doing it yourself. You hire the illustrator, format the book, and upload it to platforms like Amazon KDP. You keep more control and more profit, but you’ll also do all the work. You can choose to hire a children book writing company for a more professional touch.
Either way, don’t stop at just publishing. Promote it. Share it with schools, libraries, local bookstores. Offer to do story time readings. Word of mouth still matters, especially with children’s books.
Final Thought
Writing a children’s book isn’t just about cute rhymes or colorful pages. It’s about telling a story that connects with kids, with parents, with anyone who remembers what it felt like to be small and full of wonder.
If you’ve got a story in you, write it. You don’t need permission. You just need to start! And if you’re feeling stuck or don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help. At Ghostwriting Help, we work with authors at every stage. From concept to final manuscript, our team knows what it takes to bring a children’s book to life.
