Writing for Children of All Ages
Writing for children isn’t one thing – it’s four very different crafts.
A story that delights a toddler won’t hold the attention of an eight-year-old. And what resonates with a teen reader requires an entirely different voice again. That’s why we’ve designed four specialised courses – each focused on a specific age group, with its own expectations, storytelling techniques and publishing landscape.
Whether you’re drawn to playful picture books or emotionally rich young adult fiction, there’s a clear place to begin.
Writing for
Children of
All Ages
Writing for children isn’t one thing – it’s four very different crafts.
A story that delights a toddler won’t hold the attention of an eight-year-old. And what resonates with a teen reader requires an entirely different voice again. That’s why we’ve designed four specialised courses – each focused on a specific age group, with its own expectations, storytelling techniques and publishing landscape.
Whether you’re drawn to playful picture books or emotionally rich young adult fiction, there’s a clear place to begin.
This is where storytelling is distilled to its purest form.Picture books rely on rhythm, precision and the interplay between words and illustrations. Every sentence matters. Every word earns its place.
What makes this different:
You’re not just telling a story – you’re creating an experience that’s shared aloud, often between adult and child, ages 3-7. That means mastering language, pacing and emotional beats in very tight constraints.
You'll focus on:
- Crafting memorable, child-friendly characters
- Using rhythm and repetition effectively
- Understanding how text and illustration work together
- Navigating the picture book publishing world
Outcome: A polished picture book concept (and often a draft) that aligns with what publishers are actually looking for.
This is the bridge between being read to and reading independently.Chapter books are fast-paced, highly engaging, and often part of a series. They’re designed to build confidence in new readers.
What makes this different:
You’re writing for readers, aged 6 to 9, who are just gaining independence. That means clear structure, accessible language, and stories that hook quickly and reward often.
You'll focus on:
- Writing for emerging readers with the right tone and complexity
- Structuring short, compelling chapters
- Working effectively with illustrations
- Building concepts suitable for a series
Outcome: A strong foundation (often the beginnings of a series) designed to engage early independent readers.
This is what most people think of as “children’s books”.Middle-grade fiction opens the door to deeper storytelling – adventure, humour, mystery and emotional growth while still keeping a strong sense of fun.
What makes this different:
Readers who are 8-13 years old want to be immersed. They’re ready for more complex plots and themes but the writing still needs clarity, pace and relatability.
You'll focus on:
- Developing believable characters and authentic dialogue
- Finding the right narrative voice
- Structuring a full-length novel
- Understanding what this audience connects with (and what it rejects)
Outcome: A clear blueprint and often early chapters of a middle-grade novel with commercial potential.
This is where storytelling becomes more intense, layered and emotionally driven.Young adult (YA) fiction sits at the intersection of teenage experience and adult-level storytelling craft.
What makes this different:
YA readers, aged 14 and up, are sophisticated. They expect authenticity, emotional truth, and compelling voice. The stakes are higher and so are their expectations.
You'll focus on:
- Deep character development and point of view
- Writing with authenticity for a teenage audience
- Structuring complex, high-stakes narratives (including series)
- Understanding the fast-evolving YA market
Outcome: A stronger, more confident YA manuscript direction built to engage a demanding and passionate readership.