Five Bad Reasons For Wanting to Write a Children's Book

Aspiring writers often have many reasons for writing, some better than others.  If you want to write a children's book for one of the reasons listed below, don't be discouraged.  Just make sure your expectations are realistic.    

1.  You want to become rich and famous like J.K. Rowling.

Reality:  J.K. Rowling's achievements are the exception to the rule.  Many talented, award-winning writers are not rich, let alone famous.  If it's fame and fortune you seek, you will likely have more chance of success by other means than writing a children's book.  

2.  You think writing a children's book is easy (after all your kids love your stories).

Reality:  Writing a children's book is easy.  Writing a good children's book is not. If a best-selling children's book appears easy to write, that is a testament to the writer's skills, not an indication that it actually was easy to write.  And if your kids love your stories, it could be because your stories are good, or they could just love them because they love you.          

3.  You are in love with the idea of being a children's author.  

Reality:  Although it is fun telling people that you aspire to be a children's author, and imagining yourself as a published author, remember that at some point you have to actually write something.  Don't get so caught up in the dream that you don't take any steps towards making your dream a reality.

4.  You think today's children's books don't teach enough morals to children (but your book will).   

Reality:  While wanting to teach morals to children is an admirable goal, if a book is too preachy, most children won't read them. If you do write a story that puts the morals first and entertainment value second, be aware that the potential market may be small, and therefore it may be difficult to find a publisher.  

5.  You want to write for adults but think it is easier to establish yourself as a children's book author first.   

Reality:  Competition in the children's book publishing world is fierce.  Not only do you have to compete against existing children's book authors, but more and more famous adult fiction writers are trying their hand at writing children's books too (e.g. Kathy Reichs and James Patterson).  If writing a children's book is not your true passion, chances are it will show in your writing, and your chances of being published will be reduced from slim to none.  

If you write stories for children, please share your reasons for writing.