Five Useful Tips for Children’s Writers

Five Useful Tips for Children’s Writers

Published March 3, 2026

by Trista Herring Baughman

Since I was young—probably around third grade—I knew I wanted to write children’s stories. I aspired to have a book on Reading Rainbow with LeVar Burton. I wanted to entertain and inspire others to read, plus, who wouldn’t want a job that was easy and fun?

I had the common misconception that writing for children was easy. It can be easy, but it is more often as difficult—at times, more difficult—than writing for adults. It is, however, quite fun. You need to be in touch with the child you once were, the one tucked far away in the recesses of your memory. That’s easier for some than others.

Children’s stories, particularly picture books, are more concise, but they still need the same key elements as longer fiction, packed in. Here are a few tips to keep you on track as you work through the process of creating your children’s book.

Tip 1: Know Your Target Readers

Whether you submit your work to traditional publishers or opt for self-publishing, knowing the target age range for your book is crucial. Traditional publishers will expect this information in your query. It’s used to place your book on the appropriate shelves in the correct categories. This will come in handy when you’re researching keywords for your ads.

Is your book a picture book, an early reader, a middle‑grade book, or perhaps YA? You’ll need to consider things such as tropes, developmental language, attention span, emotional understanding, and word count.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “But my book is for everyone,” and it may very well be—but for marketing and distribution purposes, “a book for everyone is a book for no one.” (I don’t know who first said that, but I heard it somewhere recently.) You want to get your book in front of the people who want to read it.

Tip 2: Research the Market

Completely knowing your audience involves another important step: researching the market. Read widely in your chosen category to discover what’s already out there and what kids are choosing to read. Market awareness will help you position your story appropriately.

I happen to have kids, so this part was simply part of my daily routine. When my oldest was born, I read him at least five books a day—perhaps a bit over the top, but it boosted his lexicon, and gave me an idea of what books I’d be competing with in the market.

Tip 3: Write from Childhood Experiences

From the very beginning of my writerly training, I was told to “write what you know.” Drawing from your childhood memories and emotions adds authenticity to your words and can help ensure they’re relevant to children today. You can research what you haven’t lived, but weaving in what you have lived creates a connection that research alone rarely achieves.

Tip 4: Know Your Purpose for Writing Your Story

How do you want your readers to feel when they read your story? Set your intent. What do you want them to learn or to question? Is your story meant to entertain, inspire, or reassure?

Answering these questions will help form your story and provide a checklist for revisions and edits to ensure your story meets its purpose.

Also, think about what this story means to you. Why are you the one to write this story? Remind yourself of your answer to this when you feel like calling it quits.

Tip 5: Respect Your Readers

Children are often perceptive and thoughtful readers. Don’t underestimate their ability to comprehend and learn new words. It’s okay to use words they haven’t encountered. Just keep in mind that if you use too many unfamiliar words, they might become frustrated.

Don’t oversimplify things and don’t force lessons. Children will recognize when a writer is being condescending. The use of honest emotion, realistic conflict, and meaningful resolutions is indispensable.

Conclusion

Writing a successful children’s story involves a combination of craft, empathy, and intention. Revisit these tips throughout your writing process to help keep your focus. Writing books for children is a privilege and a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. After all, children are the future.

Trista Herring Baughman is the Managing Editor for Writing from the Peak. She writes children’s fiction books and designs prayer journals and planners. Learn more about her books on her website, booksbytrista.