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How Long Does It Take to Write a Children’s Book? | Chilkibo
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Children’s literature has a special place in many hearts due to its ability to bring joy to children and adults alike. Writing a children’s book can be an exciting process, but it can also be a daunting task. If you are considering creating your own children’s book, you may be curious as to how long it will take from the initial idea to the completed product.
A children’s book can take a day or up to five years to write. This will depend on how familiar you already are with your concept, your writing ability, and how much time you dedicate to finish the writing. The publishing process after writing can take anywhere from one-and-a-half to two years.
Creating a book for children is only one phase in making it available for readers. The time and effort necessary for writing, drawing, and refining can be impacted by the proficiency in writing and the method of writing used. In this article, we will take a closer look into the process of writing a book and explore the timeline for the publishing side of it.
One may ponder the amount of effort and dedication it takes to get an idea from their head to paper. Even though kids’ books are typically short, amusing, and have a lesser number of words, it can still be a long process.
It can take a long time to publish a children’s book. This process can take anywhere from 1 ½ to 2 years. If you’re already familiar with agents and publishing houses in the industry, it may take less time.
If you’re new to the publishing world and still looking for your agent or are going to self-publish, it can take a little longer. Penguin Random House, a well-known publisher for nearly 100 years, says to expect this process to take 18 to 24 months.
Exploring why the process of crafting a children’s book can take a short or long period of time and how to expedite the process is something worth examining.
There Are Different Categories of Children’s Books
In her master class on writing children’s books, renowned children’s author Judy Blume described the five different categoriesThis list of children’s book genres is not exhaustive, and certain publishing companies may further separate these divisions.
- Picture Books (300-1,000 words)
- Early Reader Books (1,000-5,000 words)
- Chapter Books (10,000 words max)
- Middle-Grade Books (Up to 60,000 words)
- YA Novels, which are more similar to adult novels, can be anywhere from 50,000 words or more.
When it comes to infants, you’ll often come across board books with only 10 or 15 words such as colors or everyday objects. The type of book you write will have a major impact on how long it takes to write and publish.
The Writing Process Is Different for Everyone
Writing for children can be more challenging than writing for other age groups due to the shorter length of children’s books. Every word must be carefully chosen and have an intentional purpose in order to create a successful story.
If you are working within certain publishing constraints, this means you need to be concise in your writing and compress the entire story within a limited word or page count.
As we mentioned above, the writing process can take one day or one whole year. This depends on the amount of work you’re willing to put into your concept right off the bat or whether you’ll be writing once a week for a year. Getting an idea, world-building, and developing
Neil Gaiman has written many novels, but Coraline, his only children’s book, took him such an extended time to write because he’d stop writing if he didn’t know what happened next. Children’s author Marcy Campbell says she can finish the writing in a day,
Pre-Publishing Might Require Some Editing
Prior to publication, additional steps such as searching for an illustrator or editor could prolong the process. How long it takes to locate the ideal illustrator could vary greatly, ranging from one week to one year, depending on how exacting you are with your idea.
It is important to note that editing can be a lengthy process. A book that is already in great condition and has no errors or loose plotlines will not require a lot of work in the editing process. However, a book that has many errors or unfinished plotlines may require more time spent in the editing phase.
Finding an editor can prolong the process if you have not already partnered with an agent or a publishing house that has its own editorial team.
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You Can Choose Between Self-Publishing and the Traditional Route
The publishing experience can vary greatly for each author and for each book. Neil Gaiman mentioned in a recent interview that it took him twelve years between the time he wrote Coraline and the time it was finally published.
Creating a self-published book can be a lengthy process since you are in charge of finding and managing all of the components required.
If you want to publish a book, you will need to employ a range of professionals to ensure it is up to the standard you desire. Copy-editors are essential to check for any errors, while developmental editors will ensure the text is cohesive and makes sense. Illustrators can bring a book to life with illustrations, and for eBooks, a formatter will be required to ensure the text displays correctly on digital platforms.
It is possible to gain the necessary knowledge to do something without relying on someone else’s help, however, this may require more time.
By partnering with an agent or a publishing house, you will be able to benefit from the resources they provide. These may include access to editors, illustrators, and digital formats, enabling you to get your book out into the world.
The downside of selecting a conventional publishing company is that the procedure of presenting your book to the publisher can end up with a refusal. If you wish to have your book out there but keep getting rejections even with revisions, self-publishing may be the ideal choice.
No matter how long it takes, the process of writing a book can vary greatly depending on the dedication and writing style of the author. The time it takes to publish a book can range from one to two years, in addition to the time spent writing.
In order to publish a work, it is necessary to go through the steps of proofreading, editing, and printing. If a person opts for self-publishing, extra time must be devoted to reaching out to and managing any editors, illustrators, or other people who make up part of the team.
- Penguin Random House: How to write a children’s picture book
- Self-Publishing School: How to Write A Children’s Book: Steps, Structure + Tips
- Masterclass: Writing a Children’s Book: 4 Tips for New Authors
- IndieBound: Neil Gaiman Interview
- Critter Lit: Interview with Debut Picture Book Author Marcy Campbell — Critter Lit
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to write a children’s book?
It depends on the length of the book and the individual writer’s style, but it typically takes between 2 and 6 months to write a children’s book.
What is the process for writing a children’s book?
The process for writing a children’s book includes things like researching the target audience, outlining the story, drafting the manuscript, and editing the final version.
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How much does it cost to publish a children’s book?
The cost to publish a children’s book can vary depending on the publisher, but it typically costs between $1000 and $3000 to publish a children’s book.
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What is the best age range for a children’s book?
The best age range for a children’s book typically depends on the content of the book, but books aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 8 are usually the most popular.
Are there any guidelines for writing a children’s book?
Yes, there are a number of guidelines for writing a children’s book, such as keeping the story simple, using clear language, and avoiding overly complex plots or themes.
Great advice as always, Heather!