The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books, Fourth Edition

by James Cross Giblin

While personally editing almost 500 published books, Jim Giblin helped develop many talented newcomers into frequently published authors, and he is still helping authors today as Contributing Editor at Clarion. Jim is especially sensitive to what aspiring writers want and need because he was once one himself.
The Giblin Guide is filled with Jim Giblin's expert guidance on all aspects of writing and selling children's books in today's marketplace. Instruction is leavened with Jim's rich repertoire of examples, anecdotes, and humor. It's all clearly organized into 13 chapters that cover the three children's book nonfiction, fiction, and picture books.
Whatever your writing interest, from mysteries to biographies, from easy readers to how-to's, from multicultural novels to picture books, the Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books brings you everything you need to jump-start your writing and move you assuredly toward publication.

Genres: Writing

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

About the author

James Cross Giblin was an American children's author and editor, known for his award-winning works. He won the Golden Kite Award and the Sibert Medal for his contributions to children's literature. Giblin was born in Cleveland and raised in Painesville, Ohio. He graduated from Western Reserve University and earned a master's in playwriting from Columbia University. After a brief acting career, he entered publishing, founding Clarion Books, a children's imprint later acquired by Houghton Mifflin. At Clarion, he edited works by notable authors like Eileen Christelow and Mary Downing Hahn. Giblin’s works include The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler and Good Brother, Bad Brother.

Reviews

[Rene Aube · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning from Mr. Giblin's vast experience in the publishing industry. A definite must read for anyone wanting to write for children.

I would have liked to have a more updated recommended reading list as I couldn't find many of the titles mentioned in the text.

[Pam Leffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I started and finished reading The Giblin Guide to Writing Children’s Books. James Giblin offers guidance to new and experienced writers in this helpful book. He takes the time to explain the writing process in detail from the planning to putting pen on paper and finally, publishing and beyond.

I felt like this book was very informative and will prove to be useful to me as I begin my journey as a writer. I feel like this book offers important facts that I will refer back to many times in my future.

Mr. Giblin uses a matter of fact approach in his writing. He is forthcoming and honest, which I appreciate. He also clarifies everything so there is no question as to what his intentions were. His writing comes across clear and concise.

I believe this book would be enlightening and educational for anyone taking a writing course or struggling with writing. You don’t have to be a beginning author to make use of the information contained on the pages within this book. However, if you are a beginning writer, I urge you to get a copy of this book to keep on hand. Read it and you’ll find that there will be areas that you’ll reference back to during your potential career.

I’m glad I sat down to read this book. I think that it will be a blessing in disguise for me and I thank Mr. Giblin for taking the time to allow us an in depth look inside his thoughts. It’s certainly a priceless contribution if you take advantage of the advice.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books" takes the reader from the point of finding book ideas through that of submitting a finished book. James Giblin uses targeted chapters and helpful hints to inspire and encourage those who would write for children. He also includes a list of Suggested Reading at the back of the book, useful in taking he pulse of the market.

As an aspiring writer, I found this book full of wonderful tips to get me started on my way. There will also be pitfalls and problems to get through, but many are covered here. This is a book I will refer to over and over as I go through this writing process, hopefully finishing with a good product in hand!

[Julie]

This book was not very helpful to me. I have yet to find a guide for children's publishing that is 1.) up to date on the current market and technologies! and 2.) actually goes in depth enough to be useful. Of course you should always write your best and have a snazzy query letter, of course your protagonist should be presented with obstacles that change him, of course you should think twice about what is age-appropriate material for your audience. This is not new information.