Course
Writing for Children
Name
CSP-4000DEE
Available Classes
Not currently offered.
Description Course Outline Requirements Intended Audience More Details
Intended Audience
This course is for anyone interested in writing literature for children.
Description
Learn how to write for children! Steve Alcorn, published children's author and writing mentor, will show you how to touch children's hearts by creating books for them. You'll explore the changing world of children's literature, including picture books, chapter books, books for middle grades, and novels for young adults. You'll get insights about today's market from publishing professionals as well as valuable tips about creating a manuscript, and you'll even practice writing a query letter to submit to a publisher.
Course Objectives
  1. have learned to transform their book idea into a finished product that could potentially land in the hands of an editor or agent.
  2. have explored new opportunities and markets for their work.
  3. have gained all the tools and resources needed to begin navigating the world of children's publishing and to continue growing as a writer for children.
Outline of Instruction
  1. Wednesday - Lesson 01
    Are you a beginning writer with a story to tell or a published writer who wishes to build on your successes? Do you dream of creating books that children will love? In our first lesson, we're going to explore ways to learn about the audience and the different types of children's literature. We'll also talk about the many awards given to honor this genre.
  2. Friday - Lesson 02
    In this lesson, we'll focus specifically on children's picture books. We'll start by defining the broader category of picture books and then dissect a few samplings on the shelves—board books, cloth books, picture books, and picture storybooks.
  3. Wednesday - Lesson 03
    In today's lesson, we'll explore books for beginning readers and discover resources available to writers. We'll dive into emergent readers and first chapter books. We'll also examine the impact of Harry Potter on children's book writing as a whole. And you'll learn about the market and gain tips to help you create books children will love to read!
  4. Friday - Lesson 04
    Today we'll explore the world of literature designed for the middle-grade and high school readers. We'll uncover the reasons why these books are demanding a larger amount of shelf space in libraries and bookstores. Young adult fiction is one of the hottest categories in publishing today, and this lesson shows you why.
  5. Wednesday - Lesson 05
    In today's lesson, we'll embark on a nonfiction book tour. Now, if your writing love is fiction, this lesson still has much to offer you. Like nonfiction, good fiction is rooted in accurate facts, so stellar research techniques are something we'll spend a good deal of time on. You'll discover how you can improve your writing by uncovering facts through primary and secondary sources. We'll also look at the myriad of different kinds of children's nonfiction—and how fascinating it is. We've come a long way from bland biographies!
  6. Friday - Lesson 06
    Do you know the difference between story and plot? There's a vital distinction that will make your writing easier. And speaking of easy, once you understand story patterns, your children's stories will almost write themselves! We'll also visit with a panel of experts who share tips on getting started.
  7. Wednesday - Lesson 07
    Four dramatic elements form the structure of almost all children's literature. This lesson shows you how to make those elements work for your story. We'll also talk about homework―writer's homework! Research is important to writing well, and I'll provide some important resources in this lesson. You'll also learn techniques on how to craft your critical first page, along with tips to keep the pages turning.
  8. Friday - Lesson 08
    Grab your red pens—it's time to edit! Today you'll explore tools for turning first drafts into contracted manuscripts. You'll discover how to read like an editor and improve your publishing opportunities. And we'll explore the differences between proofreaders, copy editors, and critique groups.
  9. Wednesday - Lesson 09
    In this lesson, we're going to explore the needs of publishing houses. You'll discover how to improve your chances of publication through market research. And you'll uncover the resources other writers use to target publishers and discover how to recognize the right time to send your manuscript.
  10. Friday - Lesson 10
    Today you'll learn how to submit your manuscript like a pro. We'll explore query and cover letters, and you'll see how to craft them to grab an editor's attention. You'll also learn the correct way to format your manuscript—which will help you keep your submission out of the slush pile and get it onto an editor's desk!
  11. Wednesday - Lesson 11
    In today's lesson, we'll explore the business side of children's publishing. We'll move beyond the writing and submission components and into the world of contracts and promotion. You'll learn how to get your books off of bookshelves and into the hands of your readers.
  12. Friday - Lesson 12
    As we wrap up this course, I'll share some ways that you can continue to grow yourself as a writer. You'll discover organizations and online communities that offer support to writers. And you'll get some final words of advice from our guest authors as you embark on your journey into the world of children's publishing. Dream big, and happy writing!
Contact Hours
24
CEU's
No
Industry Standard, State, or National Certification
No
CE to CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
Text and Supplies Needed
• Internet access
• Email
• One of the following browsers:
o Mozilla Firefox
o Microsoft Internet Explorer (9.0 or above)
o Google Chrome
o Safari
• Adobe PDF plug-in (a free download obtained at Adobe.com .)

Access to a library or bookstore that stocks children's books, Microsoft Word or other word processing software.
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
Requirements for Successful Completion of this Course
  1. Attendance 80% or above
  2. Participation
  3. Students must score 70% or better on 10 quizzes or 70% or better on the final exam
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
Intended Audience
This course is for anyone interested in writing literature for children.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment
Related Courses
Course Contact Information
919-532-5847