Links
Getting started in writing and illustrating children’s books (2024 update)
Please note: I check and update these links periodically. But things can change fast in the online world and links break. Thanks for your patience!
Helpful organisations
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a great first stop for aspiring US based writers and illustrators but their site can also direct you to chapters all over the world. The SCBWI’s British Isles chapter has loads to offer UK based writers and illustrators. The SCBWI Canada East and West websites can take you to all the regional information and activities. Another Canadian site to visit is the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers. The France chapter of SCBWI has excellent events and workshops if you are ever there!
Aspiring Scotland-based writers can find lots of resources at the Scottish Book Trust, including information on mentorships, courses, funding and retreats.
Resources
For many years, editor Harold Underdown’s excellent site has been informative for writers and illustrators. It’s updated regularly and has extensive information on current trends in children’s publishing. The ‘Who’s Moving Where?’ section keeps track of staff changes at many publishers.
There are many websites with tips for those starting out, such as Publishing Central and Writers Digest which have links to resources and tips on all kinds of writing. If you’d like to read some tips from me, click here.
There are some very good podcasts about children’s books writing and illustrating from the SCBWI, The Illustration Department and Three Point Perspective from SVS Learn. If kids’ graphic novels are your thing, check out Graphic Novel TK.
Getting published
Once you have written and polished your manuscript, you’ll want to research which publishers handle children’s books. Good online sources of publisher information for the UK are Children’s Books and WriteWords. I also recommend the Children’s Writer’s and Artist’s Market for the USA and the Children’s Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook for the UK. They contain listings about publishers and their manuscript submission requirements as well as advice and resources to help you build your career.
Writing tips for young writers
I have met so many young people who love stories and would like to improve their skills! Here are some tips that I hope will help. Debbie Ridpath Ohi has some cool printable pages to write your own story on, along with her tips. If you love Rick Riordan’s books, you might be interested in his advice to aspiring writers. Bestselling YA fantasy author Sarah J Maas published her first novel online at age 16 and she has some great suggestions.
Advice on becoming an illustrator
The Association of Illustrators is a great place to find out about starting your illustration career if you are in the UK. Lots of illustrators have posted tips on their social media about how they got started. A couple of nice blogs to take a look at: Nate Williams and Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
Children’s book trade fairs and festivals
Book trade fairs are primarily business events for publishers but it is possible to obtain a visitor pass in some cases. I’ve attended the London Book Fair several times to see current book trends and to go to panel talks about the industry. It’s important for aspiring authors and illustrators to remember that publishers are at the fair to do business with their clients and partners, so it’s not a good idea to show up at their stands to pitch your work. It’s better to use your visit as a chance to research the publishing industry and be inspired by all the contemporary books on show!
The leading global trade fair for the children’s books industry is the Bologna Book Fair. You do need to be an industry professional to attend but it is well worth following news through posts and social media from the fair because it will give you an idea of trends and developments in the children’s publishing world.
Book festivals are open to everyone and there has been an explosion of new festivals over recent years. The large and established festivals, such the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Hay Festival (which has expanded to Europe and Latin America) and the Cheltenham Literature Festival in the UK have been joined by excellent regional and local book festivals, as well as events run by library services and schools. Other notable festivals include the Bath Children’s Literature Festival, the Manchester Literature Festival and several Yorkshire festivals that are dear to my heart: the Bradford Literature Festival and the Ilkley Literature Festival.
Organisations promoting reading for children and their families
If you are in the UK, do check out Booktrust, a fantastic organisation that promotes reading and books. Their site is chock full of information, reviews and inspiration.
Professional organisations for illustrators worldwide
Australia:
Illustrators Australia
Canada:
Canadian Association of Photographers & Illustrators in
Communications (CAPIC)
Finland:
Illustrators in Finland
Holland:
Association of Dutch Designers
Ireland:
The Illustrators Guild of Ireland
Italy:
Italian Society of Illustrators
Norway:
Grafill
Spain:
Federation of Spanish Illustration Societies
Sweden:
Association of Swedish Illustrators
USA:
Society of Illustrators
Graphic Artists Guild
Illustrators Partnership of America
UK:
The Association of Illustrators
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Writers and artists retreats and courses
Special places to recharge and be inspired in your work, based on my own positive experiences!
Anam Cara (Gaelic for “soul friend”) is located on the ruggedly beautiful Beara peninsula in southwest Ireland.
Arvon Foundation hosts weeklong writing workshops and writing retreats in stunning locations around the UK.
Moniack Mhor is Scotland’s national writing centre located near Inverness. I have attended and tutored children’s writing courses at Moniack Mhor.