How To Write For Children And Win Over Parents
By Barbara Gabogrecan, Mon Dec 26th
The obvious skill of being able to communicate in a languagethat the age group you are targeting, is an evident one.Choosing a topic that the child relates to is all important. Inmany cases it is also deemed to be imperative to includegraphics - again, depending on the child's age; BUT all childrenof all ages like to see illustrations. You need to understand what the children want from reading andwhat their parent's want. Keeping the children happy andenjoying the story while enticing their imagination andappealing to their creative spirit is essential. But what is itthat will make the parents purchase the book? Parents are alsolooking for books that will give some educational benefit to thechild. It is obvious that new words and ideas are educational inthemselves, but parents often want something more constructive -they want a way to measure the success of the book, to theeducational value to their children. Activities included within the text of the book can certainlygive your book a uniqueness that will appeal to both kids andparents. Having a glossary of words that may be new or unusualwill ensure that children and parents alike fully understand thetext and kids will not be constantly asking what a certain wordmeans.
Including quizzes, crossword puzzles, writing anddrawing/colouring exercises - all add value to the story - forboth the children and the parents. Years ago it was very popularto receive a large book full of stories and activities for aChristmas gift. These Annuals were always popular because theygave the child a series of activities to accompany the readingof the stories. Currently, books are creeping onto the markets that have moreactivities than stories. But if you can combine the gift ofstory telling with suitable fun activities, you will appeal toboth the kids and their parents and give your writing a betterchance
of being successful. With the Internet you can produce e-books with full colourgraphics and not be hindered by the production costs. This, ofcourse, means that your books can be cheaper than what isavailable in the retail outlets. As to how to promote and market your book so that it can makesales - that is a more complicated task. But it is generallyagreed on by Internet Marketers that one of the best ways is towrite articles and have them published, to establish yourcredibility as a children's author. Include in that article areference box at the end of the article to include a link toyour website (or email) where you can offer the book for sale. The good news is that you already have a head start over others,because you can write and producing an article would be 'no bigdeal'. Just make sure that you target the right type of e-zineor newsletter or the correct category in web sites such as thisone, to submit your article to - you need to target the customerwho has children e.g. Mums. If you decide to approach your own church or school - consideradding an affiliate programme, whereby the organisation gets acommission (around 50%) in return for promoting your book foryou e.g. via a testimonial. Don't worry about giving goodcommissions - once you have written your book there is virtuallyno further cost for you. This is a great way for you to showyour community spirit and to further add to your credibility asa caring children's author. The parents will appreciate yourgenerosity while the children love your book! About the author:Barbara Gabogrecan is a renowned author and artist having a bestselling book and a number of exhibitions of her art, both inAustralia and overseas. Her children's book, SRI, is about anorphan foal and the family she lives with in outback Australia.The 17 true stories in this book are full of adventure, tearsand laughter. An Affiliate Programme is available. For two FREEstories for your children to enjoy, go to:- http://www.mbnsoluti |
