Ghostwriting children's books is a great way to make a living as a writer. You can work from home, set your own hours, and get paid to write stories that will entertain and educate children.

The ghostwriting industry is booming, particularly when it comes to fiction. Many people have exciting ideas for children’s books but lack the time or skills to bring those ideas to life. That's where ghostwriters come in.

But how do you get started as a children’s book ghostwriter? You'll need to invest time in building a portfolio of freelance writing experience, learning the ins and outs of the publishing industry, and–last but not least–learning to work according to someone else's vision. 

But if you're passionate about writing for children and have the dedication to see a project through from start to finish, ghostwriting can be a highly rewarding career. Here are the key steps to building a career as a children’s book ghostwriter

1. Read and Write Children's Stories for Yourself

Not all writing has to be destined for publication–just start practicing! Children's book ghostwriters must be able to capture the child's perspective and voice in their writing, which is a very specialized skill. The best way to learn how to do this is simply by writing for yourself. 

Write stories that you would have loved to read as a child, starting with simple tales and gradually moving to longer, more complex projects as you grow in confidence. 

Try reading your text aloud to yourself as you write. This will give you a feel for whether your writing sounds like something a child would say.

Meanwhile, study children's literature at your local library. Read as many children's books as you can, paying attention to the various styles and voices used by different authors. This will give you a good sense of what is possible in children's writing and what kind of voice you should be aiming for in your own work.

2. Find a Niche

Children's books span a wide range of genres, so it's important to decide which type of book you're interested in writing. If you already have a specific idea for a book, that's great!

If not, think about what kinds of stories you enjoyed as a child. Was it the classic fairy tales? Action-packed adventure stories? Heartwarming tales about family and friends? Once you've decided on a genre, do some research to find out what kinds of books are popular with readers in that category.

For example, if you're interested in writing a graphic novel for middle-grade readers, you might want to check out the New York Times bestseller list for that age group.

If you're not sure how to start defining your niche, look at some of the award-winning books in the children's literature category. These are usually well-written and have interesting concepts that appeal to young readers. 

Finding your niche is important because it will help you focus your writing. It will also lead you to build up a solid knowledge base in the genre you're interested in pursuing. This way, when you do start writing, you'll be able to create a believable and compelling world for your readers.

3. Get Some Experience and Market Yourself

Once you've decided what kind of children's books you want to write, start looking for opportunities to publish your own work, get your name out there, and show you have the necessary skills to be a ghostwriter.

Try submitting your work to magazines or contests that accept submissions from ghostwriters. Be sure to carefully follow the guidelines for each contest or magazine. This will show that you're a professional who can follow directions and is serious about writing for children.

Meanwhile, seek out opportunities to write for free, no matter how small-scale. For example, you can offer to write a children's book for a local charity or organization. These jobs provide experience and exposure while allowing you to test out your ghostwriting process.

Once you have some published work samples, start a website or blog to showcase your pieces, and include a bio (or even a blog) in which you market yourself as a writer and aspiring ghostwriter. Be sure to talk about your experience learning to write in diverse voices and styles, and your skills in collaborating with others.

Keep in mind that children's book ghostwriting is a competitive field, so you will need to stand out from the crowd. In addition to creating a strong portfolio, consider joining children's writing organizations and attending industry events. 

Networking and marketing yourself effectively will also be key to success as a children's book ghostwriter.

5. Find a Good Agent

Once you've written a few children's stories, it's time to start looking for an agent. A quality agent will be able to help you find clients and get your foot in the door with publishers and will fight for higher advances and better contract terms on your behalf. If you're serious about becoming a children's book ghostwriter, finding a good agent is essential.

You can find a list of agents who represent children's writers on the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators website (scbwi.org). Be sure to include a synopsis of your book, information about any awards or recognition you've received, and your writing credentials when contacting agents.

Before agreeing to work with any agent, ask yourself a few basic questions. Does this agent seem interested in your work? Do they have experience representing children's book ghostwriters? Do you feel comfortable communicating with them?

Generally, ghostwriter agents charge a 15-20% commission on the projects they sell for you.

4. Sharpen Your Ghostwriting Strategies

Many people who aim to become children's book ghostwriters think that the only prerequisite is being a good writer. While it is certainly important to be a competent wordsmith, the job also demands planning, project management, and interpersonal skills.

In order to be a successful children's book ghostwriter, you need to have a process for how you will approach each type of project. Remember that clients may have wildly different expectations.

Some want you to write the entire book from scratch based on an outline or brief they provide. Others might want you to take an existing manuscript and revise it according to their notes. Still, others may expect you to collaborate with them closely throughout the writing process. 

There is no right or wrong way to approach each project, but it is important to have a system in place so that you can be as efficient and effective as possible.

The key thing to remember is that you are not the author of the book; you are simply a conduit for the client's ideas. It is important to be respectful of the client's vision and to work with them closely to ensure that their ideas are accurately represented in the final product.

In Summary

To become a successful children's book ghostwriter, you will need to have excellent writing skills, be highly creative, and be able to work well with others. You will also need to be familiar with the market and have a good understanding of what makes a children’s book stand out from the crowd.

If this sounds like you, and you’re willing to invest time and effort in building a strong foundation, you may be in for an exciting and fruitful career as a children’s book ghostwriter.