How to Become a Children's Author and Publish Your Book

Writing children's books can be one of the most rewarding creative endeavors — not only do you entertain young minds, but you also inspire them. But how do you actually become a children’s author and get your work published? Is it easy? What tools and tips can help you along the way? Whether you're a dreamer, a parent, or even a child, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Is It Easy to Become a Children’s Book Author?

Becoming a children's author is not necessarily easy, but it's very achievable with dedication and the right mindset. Children's literature may seem simple on the surface, but writing for kids requires a deep understanding of storytelling, age-appropriate language, and themes that resonate with young readers. Competition is also tough, as publishers receive thousands of manuscripts every year. However, with persistence, originality, and a good strategy, you can break through.

How to Write a Children’s Book

1. Know Your Audience: Children’s books span a wide range of age groups—board books (ages 0–3), picture books (3–7), early readers (5–9), chapter books (6–10), and middle grade (8–12). Tailor your language, themes, and structure accordingly.
2. Start with a Strong Concept: Children’s books often center around themes like friendship, adventure, kindness, or overcoming fears. Keep it simple, but meaningful.
3. Develop Memorable Characters: Kids fall in love with characters who are relatable, funny, or heroic. Think of iconic figures like the Cat in the Hat or Harry Potter.
4. Structure Matters: Picture books often follow a three-act structure and are usually around 500–1000 words. Longer books require more planning, such as chapters, subplots, and character development.
5. Visual Thinking: Especially for picture books, your words should work alongside illustrations. If you’re not an illustrator, don’t worry—publishers usually pair authors with professional artists.
6. Revise and Edit: Don’t rush. Great children’s stories often go through many drafts. Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing and rhythm issues.
   

Can a Kid Write a Book and Get It Published?

Absolutely! Many kids have published books. With support from parents or teachers, a child can write, edit, and even self-publish a story. Traditional publishers are less common for very young authors, but self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or local print-on-demand services offer real options.

Who Is the Youngest Selling Author?

The title of the youngest published author goes to Thanuwana Serasinghe, who published a book at the age of 4 in Sri Lanka. In the Western world, Dorothy Straight wrote How the World Began at age 4, and it was published when she was 6 years old. These remarkable achievements show that age is no barrier to creativity.

What Children’s Books Are Trending Right Now?

In 2025, trending children’s books include:

• “The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!” by Mo Willems — A hilarious hit with picture book readers.
  
  
• “The Last Firehawk” series — Popular among early chapter book readers.
  
  
• Graphic novels like “Dog Man” and “InvestiGators” — These continue to dominate among reluctant readers and kids aged 6–10.
  
  
• Books tackling emotions (e.g., anxiety, friendship, grief) are also on the rise, as parents and educators seek tools for emotional literacy.
  
  

How Much Money Do Children’s Authors Make?

Earnings vary widely:

• Traditionally published authors typically earn 5–10% royalties on book sales.
  
  
• Advances can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.
  
  
• Self-published authors can earn more per copy but must handle all marketing and distribution.
  
  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for writers is around $69,510 (2024), but most children’s authors earn less unless they become bestsellers or diversify with school visits, merchandise, or multiple titles.

How Long Should It Take to Write a Children’s Book?

This depends on the type of book and your schedule. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Picture books: 1–3 months (writing), but publishing can take up to 2 years.
  
  
• Chapter books: 3–6 months.
  
  
• Middle grade novels: 6–12 months or longer.
  
  

The key is consistent writing and revision. Don’t rush, the most beloved books took time to shape.

How Many Pages Is a Good Children’s Book?

• Board books: 10–20 pages.
  
  
• Picture books: Standard is 32 pages, with about 500–1000 words.
  
  
• Early readers: 32–64 pages.
  
  
• Chapter books: 64–150 pages.
  
  
• Middle grade novels: 150–300 pages.
  
  

Length isn’t everything; clarity, pacing, and engagement are what count.

How Can AI Story Generators Help with Writing Children’s Books?

AI tools, including story generators and language models, can:

• Spark creative ideas: Generate prompts or plot outlines.
  
  
• Provide writing assistance: Suggest age-appropriate vocabulary, character names, or dialogue.
  
  
• Help with editing: Spot grammar, tone, or pacing issues.
  
  
• Create illustrations: Some AI tools can even generate artwork or assist illustrators.
  
  
• Format books for self-publishing: Layout, typography, and cover design support.
  
  

Used wisely, AI can be a co-creator, but the heart of a children's story still comes from human creativity and emotional understanding. You can often publish your creations on shared platforms that will also sell your books. 

Final Thoughts

Becoming a children’s author is a journey filled with imagination, patience, and passion. Whether you're an adult dreaming of your first picture book or a young storyteller with a notebook full of ideas, there are paths to success. With tools like AI, self-publishing platforms, and a strong community of readers and educators, there’s never been a better time to write for kids. Just start, the world is waiting for your story.