Journey to KidLit - How to Write & Publish Books for Kids
Brooke Van Sickle
36 episodes
2 months ago
What does it really take to publish—and market—a children’s book today?
In this special conversation, Frances Gilbert (Editor-in-Chief at Doubleday Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House) shares her journey as both an editor and an author. From her first picture book, Go, Girls, Go!, to her upcoming I’m Dreaming of a Pink Christmas, Frances pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to pitch, publish, and promote books at every level of the industry.
Inside this sneak peek from our Kidlit Academy live session, you’ll hear:
✔️ How Frances became both an editor and a published author
✔️ Why even big-house authors still have to market their own books
✔️ How small publishers can give authors unique advantages
✔️ Tips on submitting across the US, UK, and international markets
Whether you’re just starting your children’s book journey or preparing to publish, Frances’s story will give you both encouragement and clarity about what’s ahead.
✨ Want access to the full interview and future live sessions with editors, agents, and kidlit pros?
👉 Join us inside Kidlit Academy: https://journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-academy
💬 COMMENT your biggest takeaway from Frances’s story!
👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with kidlit industry experts.
#childrensbooks #kidlit #picturebooks #publishingtips #childrensbookauthor #editorinterview #writingtips #bookmarketing #kidlitcommunity #amwriting #authortube #bookwritingtips #writingadvice #writeforkids #selfpublishing #traditionalpublishing #picturebookauthor #kidlitacademy #bookpromotion #writingforchildren #howtowriteabook #bookediting #editortips #publishingadvice
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What does it really take to publish—and market—a children’s book today?
In this special conversation, Frances Gilbert (Editor-in-Chief at Doubleday Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House) shares her journey as both an editor and an author. From her first picture book, Go, Girls, Go!, to her upcoming I’m Dreaming of a Pink Christmas, Frances pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to pitch, publish, and promote books at every level of the industry.
Inside this sneak peek from our Kidlit Academy live session, you’ll hear:
✔️ How Frances became both an editor and a published author
✔️ Why even big-house authors still have to market their own books
✔️ How small publishers can give authors unique advantages
✔️ Tips on submitting across the US, UK, and international markets
Whether you’re just starting your children’s book journey or preparing to publish, Frances’s story will give you both encouragement and clarity about what’s ahead.
✨ Want access to the full interview and future live sessions with editors, agents, and kidlit pros?
👉 Join us inside Kidlit Academy: https://journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-academy
💬 COMMENT your biggest takeaway from Frances’s story!
👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with kidlit industry experts.
#childrensbooks #kidlit #picturebooks #publishingtips #childrensbookauthor #editorinterview #writingtips #bookmarketing #kidlitcommunity #amwriting #authortube #bookwritingtips #writingadvice #writeforkids #selfpublishing #traditionalpublishing #picturebookauthor #kidlitacademy #bookpromotion #writingforchildren #howtowriteabook #bookediting #editortips #publishingadvice
Day 4: How to Build the Perfect Plot for Your Children's Book (Kidlit Story Kickoff)
Journey to KidLit - How to Write & Publish Books for Kids
14 minutes 9 seconds
6 months ago
Day 4: How to Build the Perfect Plot for Your Children's Book (Kidlit Story Kickoff)
Today is all about plot and your story’s structure! 📚 In Day 4 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff, we’ll outline your plot from start to finish using proven frameworks that work for all kinds of children’s books.
📌 Inside this lesson:
• How to pick the right plot type (Classic, Midpoint, or List)
• What your main character wants and what’s in their way
• A simple formula to map your story’s beginning, middle, and end
📝 Grab the $9 Companion Workbook and fill in your plot map as you go: https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook
🔔 And make sure you’re subscribed — the next video will help you bring your draft to life!
TIMELINE:
0:01 - Welcome to Day 4 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff
0:14 - What to Expect in Today's Plotting Lesson
1:27 - The Definition of a Plot
2:15 - The #1 Things You Need (Because it's what Drives Your Plot)
2:45 - The 3 Plot Types to Choose From
3:20 - A Breakdown of Each Plot Type
5:54 - The Question Your Plot Must Answer
6:17 - Examples of Plot in Picture Books
12:02 - What to do Next
LINKS FOR EPISODE:
https://journeytokidlit.com/storykickoff-workbook
Journey to KidLit - How to Write & Publish Books for Kids
What does it really take to publish—and market—a children’s book today?
In this special conversation, Frances Gilbert (Editor-in-Chief at Doubleday Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House) shares her journey as both an editor and an author. From her first picture book, Go, Girls, Go!, to her upcoming I’m Dreaming of a Pink Christmas, Frances pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to pitch, publish, and promote books at every level of the industry.
Inside this sneak peek from our Kidlit Academy live session, you’ll hear:
✔️ How Frances became both an editor and a published author
✔️ Why even big-house authors still have to market their own books
✔️ How small publishers can give authors unique advantages
✔️ Tips on submitting across the US, UK, and international markets
Whether you’re just starting your children’s book journey or preparing to publish, Frances’s story will give you both encouragement and clarity about what’s ahead.
✨ Want access to the full interview and future live sessions with editors, agents, and kidlit pros?
👉 Join us inside Kidlit Academy: https://journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-academy
💬 COMMENT your biggest takeaway from Frances’s story!
👍 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with kidlit industry experts.
#childrensbooks #kidlit #picturebooks #publishingtips #childrensbookauthor #editorinterview #writingtips #bookmarketing #kidlitcommunity #amwriting #authortube #bookwritingtips #writingadvice #writeforkids #selfpublishing #traditionalpublishing #picturebookauthor #kidlitacademy #bookpromotion #writingforchildren #howtowriteabook #bookediting #editortips #publishingadvice