If you think writing for children is a beginner’s genre, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s a common assumption that soon hits a wall when beginner writers realise it’s actually harder because your audience is sharper, less forgiving and requires developmentally accurate storytelling. But it’s also rewarding as you help children develop empathy and imagination and deal with difficult situations in the world. Whether you’re writing about climate change, family dynamics or feeling different, you have the chance to really make an impact in the lives of children.

In this blog, we explore what it takes to be a successful children’s author, how to overcome common challenges, and how to start smart with professional development.  So, if you’re still keen to make your mark in children’s literature – in picture books, early readers, middle grade or young adult – this blog serves as your sign to develop the skills required to succeed.

Why Writing for Children Is So Challenging

It’s just kids’ books, right? Wrong! Writing for children is inherently challenging because not only are they the most honest readers around, but they also tend to disengage quickly if not entertained. A children’s author also needs to satisfy the gatekeepers – parents, teachers and publishers – so writing simply, but not simplistically, is important.

Writing for children falls into four major categories that serve every age group from 0 to 18 years old, including picture books, early readers, middle grade and young adults. In each of these categories, there are unique challenges that you’ll need to navigate as an aspiring children’s author.

Picture Books

Ages: 0–8 (most often read aloud)

There is strong visual storytelling in picture books which often focus on everyday experiences, such as bedtime, friendship and feelings. The words are usually brief, rhythmic, playful, and read-aloud-friendly.

Examples: Where’s Spot, The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges of writing a picture book is telling a whole story in very few words, with most being between 200 and 700 – a small window to make an impact on a young audience. That’s why illustration is so important in picture books, as they tell the story in ways words cannot. And because picture books are designed to be read aloud, they must engage on multiple levels.

Solutions

• Use simple, descriptive language that leaves room for illustration
• Focus on one strong emotional arc (fear → comfort, loneliness → belonging).
• Incorporate rhythm, repetition, or humour to make it fun to read aloud.
• Allow the illustrations to carry the setting and extra detail.

Early Readers

Ages: 5–8 (new independent readers)

Early readers are specifically designed for children who are just starting to read independently, typically after they have mastered basic phonics and sight words. These books serve as a bridge between picture books and chapter books (or middle-grade books). They aim to build reading confidence and fluency while still providing children with the enjoyment of a complete story.

Examples: Green Eggs & Ham, Grug, Mr Men/Little Miss

Challenges

Early readers are bound by limited vocabulary and sentence structure, yet maintain an interesting plot that keeps young readers engaged. It can be a tricky balance between helping children feel successful as readers and telling an entertaining and worthwhile story.

Solutions

• Write short, clear sentences with meaningful action.
• Use repetition and patterns to support comprehension.
• Keep chapters short with frequent payoff (small jokes, surprises).
• Combine text with illustrations that reinforce meaning.

Chapter Books

Ages: 8–12

Chapter books (or middle-grade books) are written for children who are looking for longer, more complex stories, but are still grounded in a child’s perspective. They often feature a relatable protagonist aged 10-13 in a story that includes adventure, humour or discovery, with themes of friendship, family, courage, identity and overcoming challenges.

Examples: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Wonder

Challenges

The key to writing a successful chapter book is to capture the transitional stage in which readers seek maturity without the intensity found in teen literature. Creating a strong and believable child protagonist can be challenging, as children at this age are quite discerning, so it’s important to balance fun and adventure with the appropriate level of emotional depth..

Solutions

• Keep the viewpoint child-specific: school, family, friendships.
• Use humour and wonder to soften serious themes.
• Create high stakes that matter to kids (belonging, bravery, loyalty).
• Let characters grow through experiences

Young Adult (YA)

Ages: 12–18 (also widely read by adults)

YA books explore the intensity of adolescence, including first love, big choices, self-definition, and stepping into adulthood. These novels often feature strong themes of identity, independence, relationships, and self-discovery, and they cover darker, more mature topics.

Examples: Girl in Pieces, Twilight, A Court of Thorns & Roses

Challenges

The challenge of writing a popular YA novel lies in the ability to use an authentic voice, as adolescent readers will reject anything they perceive as preachy or fake. You’ll also need to balance handling mature topics responsibly while exploring romance, identity, trauma and other mature themes.

Solutions

• Write in a voice that feels immediate, honest, and personal.
• Focus on themes of identity, autonomy, and change.
• Let the story explore big questions without giving easy answers.
• Have teen characters make choices, not just react.

Becoming a Published Children’s Author

The dream of becoming a published author is fraught with obstacles, but you can overcome them if you have patience, persistence, and a comprehensive understanding of how the industry works.

It’s a competitive market.

Publishing is a highly competitive field, and every year, agents and editors receive thousands of submissions with only a small percentage selected for review. As a result, being rejected isn’t always a sign that you’re not a great writer, but rather, the market is crowded. But don’t lose hope, because competition is part of the process!

It’s often helpful to understand that agents and publishers don’t have tunnel vision for only talented writers; they also have to service a market and may be considering other factors, such as:

• Originality
• Market trends and reader interest
• How the book fits their agency
• Whether the author has long-term potential
• Production and sales realities

 

Ready to Become a Children’s Writer?

Once you’ve decided that writing for children is a challenge you want to undertake, it’s time to get to work. Writing for children and young adults is both fulfilling and challenging, and success comes from that sweet spot where creativity meets intentional effort. The good news is, with the following actionable steps, you’ll have a plan to turn your idea into reality.

Read widely in your chosen age category

Writing for children demands familiarising yourself with current popular children’s literature.  The four main age categories (picture books, early readers, chapter books, and young adult) have unique expectations in language, structure, and theme. Reading widely in the category you want to write allows you to grasp the technical side of writing while also exploring what’s been done and where you can introduce new ideas.Study the craft (courses, workshops, feedback)

Writing for children may seem easy, but it requires skill acquisition and practice. Understanding storytelling, character development, voice, and structure will help your work shine. As such, enrolling in courses, like our Certificate of Writing for Children or joining writing communities can help you avoid common pitfalls. After all, writing for children is a skill that can be taught, practised, and improved!

Write consistently — and revise!

Children’s writers improve by regularly writing, including drafting, editing, and completing projects. Revision is where the real writing emerges because great books are rarely written in the first draft. The goal is to write with confidence and then edit ruthlessly.

Get objective feedback

Seek feedback from friends, family, colleagues or a writer’s group to help you identify what’s working, what’s confusing, and what needs strengthening. The most accomplished writers aren’t those who avoid critique — they relish it as a tool for improvement.

Learn industry basics

Learning the basics of traditional publishing, agents, self-publishing, and the current marketplace helps you make smart decisions and avoid time-wasting. This is where structured learning becomes conducive to your success. So, look for writing and publishing courses that give you a fast-track from idea to polished and published children’s book.

 

Writing for children is challenging because it’s important work. When you influence young imaginations, build literacy, and support emotional growth, the stakes are high, but so is the reward. If you want to explore the craft of writing for children, our Certificate of Writing for Children will help you write that first draft and navigate children’s book publishing.

 

Can we help make your dream of writing for children a reality? Contact one of our friendly Course Consultants on 1300 76 2221, via Live Chat, or Online for more information.