Marketing Child Book Strategy Your strategy should always begin with some simple market research.
I find it 'ALMOST' unbelievable that with all the creative writing courses out there, that no one is actually teaching the necessity of researching your market before setting out. Yes, we all want to be creative and let our imagination go. But, at the same time, wouldn't it be 'Simply Marvellous' to actually have some of your work published? Kinda' defeats the object, otherwise! Even better wouldn't it be great to know that you have increased your chances of getting published by around 80% by simply checking out a few bookstores? Why gamble, when you can make sure there is interest in your type of story before you even pick up a pen or whip out your laptop. Here's a few pointers on how to get ahead of the game: 1) Visit your local bookstore and browse some of the writing magazines. Editors actually tell these magazines what they are currently interested in. Which means most of the guesswork is removed, and you’ll know which editors are looking for any particular type of story at any given time. 2) Look at the current Writer's Guide. It's filled with editors and publishers looking for fresh material. They also tell you what each editor wants and what they are sick to death of. 3) Check out the bookshelves to see which children's books are, prominently featured. Is there a trend or pattern? For example, during the last few years Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and Charlie Bone have all dominated the scene. (Charlie Fisher next - Fingers Crossed) So, it doesn't really take a Rocket Scientist to figure out magical characters have taken our kids and the editors by storm. 4) Ask your kids and their friends what their favorite books are. Ask them why they choose one type of book over another. Ask if their other friends are also into the same books. This should really set your mind working. There is no need to make over the wheel or hire a psychic to figure out what publishers, editors and your audience - kids, are looking for. Gather this information and apply it to your marketing child book strategies. Watch the number of your submissions rise, while your rejection letters become few and far between.
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