A Writer's Pen

Another Children’s Writing Book

I own rather a lot of writing books – some specifically for children’s writers, some not. Yet, I never really get tired of writing books. They fascinate me since different writers can take very different approaches to elements of the writing life. As I see these approaches, I learn about my fellow writers and I learn more about what works best for me. So, when I was offered an opportunity to review Writing Children’s Books for Dummies by Lisa Rojany Buccieri and Peter Economy, I cheerfully agreed. I had enjoyed several computer books in the “for Dummies” line so I was very interested to see how they would approach children’s writing. My reaction is mixed.

I was very impressed with how they approached the writing half of children’s writing. Sometimes in our tremendous hurry to be published, we forget how important it is to be good writers. The authors not only give excellent writing advice, but pair it with good examples from published works so that readers can see the advice in action. I think this is very important because otherwise so many writing concepts become very frustrating for newcomers. They read something like – show, don’t tell – and wail, “Okay, I how do I do that? How do I know if I’ve done it?” Examples go so far toward making a concept into a true learning experience.

Beyond the “how to write” sections, I became a bit more disillusioned. My first twitch was on page 125 when I discovered the authors didn’t define passive voice correctly – not one of their examples actually includes passive voice. That’s okay, I told myself. Many writers get that wrong. You can go through your whole writing list without really knowing what passive voice means and the weak constructions that they are calling passive voice really do need to be avoided. So – I decided it wasn’t a big deal. It was just a tiny thing buried in some really good writing advice.

Then, unfortunately, I reached the sections that go beyond the writing and begin to teach the reader about submissions. My first hitch was how enthusiastic the book was about hiring an editorial service. It is so easy to get really bad advice from editorial services that I hate to see people pay money for stuff they may have to unlearn. I once tried out several “name” editorial services (I was paid to try them and evaluate them) – I discovered that the quality of advice varied widely within the “recognized” editorial services. In fact, one editor failed to point out a problem with something that rendered the story totally unpublishable. It’s far better to learn how to write and simply stay the learning course rather than looking for the shortcut of having a paid editor “fix” your manuscript – especially considering the fix might be questionable. I have also never heard a single commercial publishing editor or agent endorse paying for an edit or suggest writers do so. And I’ve heard at least one editor moan that she hates seeing cover letters that mention “paid edits” since it often makes a writer less open to the real editorial process after acquisition.

Although I was nervous now…I continued reading. Then, on page 223, I saw the following line: “The manuscript, if picture book length or shorter (1,500 words or fewer), can be either stapled with one staple…” Stapled! I have heard editor beg writers not to use staples on manuscripts. I have also heard them say that is one of the quickest ways to make a bad first impression. Now I was seriously worried – then, I see on page 250 that good agents “help you shape up your manuscript by offering free editorial advice or by referring you to a professional editor or book doctor.” No, No, No. An agent should never, ever refer you to a paid editor. If your story needs heavy editing, an agent rejects it – it’s that simple. The agent may tell you it’s a great story but needs serious work on mechanics or characterization or whatever, but the agent will not suggest you go spend money on a book doctor.

Unfortunately, I could go on. So, what do I do? I really liked the sections of the book about writing. I think we really can use another beginner's book on writing. I think the sections on characterization, plot, dialogue – were very good. They were clear, concise, and had great examples. But the publishing sections have serious problems if handed over to a novice writer with no other source of information. Some of the advice will annoy editors. Some will simply bring you unnecessary expense.

So, here’s my advice – buy both Writing Children’s Books for Dummies and Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books (an excellent book on publishing but almost totally devoid of information on writing.) Then, read all the way to page 216 and take the book’s advice…once you hit page 216, close the book. Open Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books and learn what editors want to see and what they do not. With both books, you’ll get a great education in writing and submitting a strong manuscript that has a strong chance with publishers and agents.

Read all of Jan's past Columns here

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