Myth:  It’s easier than writing for adults.

Fact:  Writing for children is HARDER than writing for the adult market.  There are a number of different factors at play beyond the telling of a good story.  Unlike the adult market books and articles are often developed based on “age range” and reading ability.   The younger the reader, the more deliberate you have to be about the word selection. 

Myth:  I can make as much money as J.K. Rowling.

Fact:  Don’t quit your day job.  While a few authors make a living writing for children, most writers work full-time jobs and rarely see any substantial income from their efforts. For instance:  The “advance” on a picture book, may be as low as $1-2,000.  And it will take up to five years to see the book in print.  Afterwards the sale of the book would have to generate enough royalties to “earn back” the advance you were paid upfront before you start seeing a check fly into your mailbox.   J.K. Rowling struggled for years before the book became an “overnight” sensation.

Myth:  An agent can get me published.

Fact:  A book that is publishable will be acquired by a publisher.  The key is findiing the right editor for your specific work.  Not every publisher publishes the same types of books.  Not every editor likes what you write.  

The mistake most people make is to assume that an agent can make up for a manuscript that is not ready for prime-time.  And not every agent is made equal.  A bad agent is worse than NO agent.  A good agent can help match your work to a compatible editor - but only if the work is ready - and only if the market is ready.

Myth:  It will be easier to self-publish my book

Fact:  Self-publishing is hard and the industry is rife with scam artists.  Bookstores will not carry self-published books because they are too expensive and can’t be returned to the distributor if they don’t sell.  Often they are poorly edited (if at all) and not competitive with professionally produced titles.  There are exceptions to this rule - but very few.  Self published authors can not use those credits to become eligible for membership in organizations such as the Author’s Guild or Missouri Writer’s Guild.  Self published authors have to manage distribution and marketing on their own and at their own expense.  Most self-published authors sell the majority of their books to friends and family.

Myth:  Big publishers are better than small publishers.

Fact:  Not always.  Large publishers such as a Randomhouse or Scholastic may have more marketing dollars but they also have many more authors.  More often than not a new writer gets no marketing budget at all and does not carry a lot of clout at the house until they develop a reader following.  Smaller publishers such as Boyds Mills Press and Front Street Books are able to give more personalized attention to their authors.  They are also able to “buy what they like,” and bet on an author over the long-term versus larger houses that want to see an immediate return on their investment.

Myth:  I don’t have time to read many books to be a writer.

Fact:  Then you don’t have the time or skill to write one.  Books have a certain language and rhythm.  The best writers are prolific readers.  They read fiction and non-fiction.  Conventional wisdom says read 1,000 books before you write one.  The reality is you can read less, but if you don’t like or have time to read - If you don’t have time to read at least a book or two each month, stop now and get out of the business.

Myth:  Picture books are easier to write than novels

Fact:  Picture books are harder to write than novels.  Novels give you the space to develop a character and set a scene.  Picture books require spare writing where every single word has a purpose and a meaning.  Pacing in a picture book is critical.  You have less than 30 pages to tell a story and get the reader to turn a page. You often have to do it in under 800 words.

Myth:  I like to draw.  I should illustrate my own book.

Fact:  Stop now.  Do not pass go.  No.  Creating your own illustrations will most likely increase the chances of your getting a rejection.  Publishers will choose their own illustrator from a list of experienced individuals.  There is more involved to putting together a book than meets the eye.

The drawing and painting skills developed by hobbyists often don’t measure up to the quality needed to for publication.  And deadlines are very, very tight.  Just say no!

Myth:  My friend is a professional illustrator (or I want to hire one to do my book.)

Fact:  Stop.  See above.  Do not hire an illustrator unless you find solace in being rejected as a team and need the moral support.

Myth:  I don’t need a lawyer to read my contract.  They are expensive.

Fact:  Not understanding critical clauses can also be expensive if they are activated!