Introduction.

PART ONE: A Closer Look at Children’s Books.

1. You, the Children’s Book Writer . . . Maybe
Defining Your Goals.

2. What Is a Children’s Book?
The Variety of Books Published Today.

3. How to Become an Expert
Getting to Know Children’s Books.

4. Lessons from the Past
A Short History of Children’s Books.

PART TWO: Developing Your Ideas.

5. Where Did You Get That Idea?
How to Find Ideas and Work with Them.

6. Sabotage Made Easy
Procrastination and What to Do about It.

7. Learning Your Craft
How to Become a Better Writer.

PART THREE: Writing Your Book
What You Need to Know and Do.

8. Writing Picture Books.

9. Writing Easy-to-Read Books.

10. Writing Early Chapter Books.

11. Writing Fiction.

12. Writing Nonfiction.

13. Writing in Verse.

14. Writing Plays.

PART FOUR: Selling Your Book.

15. Who Cares?
Queries and Proposals.

16. Submitting Your Manuscript
Presenting Yourself to a Publisher.

17. For the Writer Who Is Also an Illustrator
What the Illustrator Needs to Know.

18. Changing Markets
Finding the Right Publisher for Your Work.

PART FIVE: A Publisher in Your Future.

19. Out of the Slush Pile and into the Fire
What Publishers Do.

20. Your Editor—Friend or Dragon?
Working with an Editor.

21. Joining the Writing Community
Taking an Active Role.

APPENDIXES.

I. Book Lists.

II. Reviews.

III. Children’s Literature—History and Criticism.

IV. References.

V. Marketing Information.

VI. Books on the Craft.

VII. Services, Studies, and Support.

VIII. Even More Titles by Genre.

Index.