PLANNING YOUR CHILDREN'S BOOK | get it right first time 

My reason for wanting to write a children’s book is because I read the security logs from the gated community my parents live in and there was a specific one that had the most hilarious ending that I just started imagining it as a children’s story. Now I want to write it, and write other stories based on my upbringing in that neighborhood as well as other stupid funny security logs.

Hey Jules, I'm 16 years old and I've always been passionate about anything related to books, especially children's books. I've always said I want to write children's books, but I've never taken it seriously. Recently, my 8-year-old cousin passed away due to cancer, and ever since then I've been thinking about children's books 24/7. I want to write a book inspired by her story, teaching children about grief and sickness in the simplest and politest way possible. Maybe, making it a series in the far future?! For now, though, I would love to get some opinions about what you think about the idea and how I should start off!

I’m going to write a children’s book for my daughter. She loves new shoes so this is the idea I’ll follow

You know how you have teachers that just are so dull. Then you have ones that really LOVE what they do. You're one THAT LOVES what they do. ❤❤❤ I'm ready to really take on my journey as a children's book author. Gonna go watch more of your stuff. 🙌🏻Thank you

I got inspired to write a children's book because I love to draw and after having my first child it got me more interested in actually trying to write a children's book.

My 6 year old daughter ran up and asked me if I could help her write her first book. I work construction but in my free time we are going to write her/our first book. She said she wants to be an illustrator/author when she grows up. I didnt grow up with my biological parents and just want to be there for her dreams. I’ve learned so much from this video thank you for helping us!

Love your helpful comments. Am a preschool educator. My toddler grandson inspired me to write. He lives in the city and I live on an island and want to write about him and show the contrast.

Thank you! I enjoyed this. You asked for our ideas with what we have done or want to do. I always wanted to write a book but was not the best artist. So life took other directions. Now, at 66, I wanted to do something nice, and to remember me by, for my 3 grandnieces, so I wrote a story book and illustrated it, where they themselves were mermaids on an adventure. I made the mermaids to look like them and I incorporated their real life best friends into the story too. They loved it and I sent copies for their 2 friends to have too, so they could see they were mermaids as well! I made other characters have names of people I also knew, who were special to me, so they could be in the story too. And 2 of them were the great grandparents--2 dolphins "who were like family". So I know, even though they have both passed, they would love knowing they were in the story and "had a very special place in the girls' hearts". I found a local printer to print it amd made about 30 copies to give to the girls, family, and friends. Now I am working on another book for my friend's little brother and another friend's grandkids to be incorporatedin it together. And I also have another idea for a 3rd book too. I would never have guessed! But I found incorporating people I knew, helps me develop my story too. I am now researching all of these self publishing and Amazon type publishing/creating videos to learn more about the industry so I can utilize them the best. Thank you for this video. It was definitely helpful!

I've always loved to read and wanted to be an author. I'm now 56, unemployed, and recovering from an injury. I'll be one armed and unable to drive until fall. What better time to jot down what's in my head. I wrote my first children's book for my grandsons with no illustrations. My son said they loved it, they were engaged, and participated with actions and growls. My son enjoyed it and they want me to write more. This may be my new career. I am researching while I'm at home. When I'm back to work and have money coming in, I'll start investing in it and see if I can make it work for me. It's something I absolutely adore doing.

Hi Jules, I'm nine and writing a book called The Magical Talent of Emily, based on my best friend Emily. This video really helped. Totally subscribing!

writing my 3rd book, first2 being poetry, and wanted to crossover to kids books....mainly for my 3 girls...and this is exactly what i needed to get me started in the right direction

I always dream of writing books for children. 🥰 thank you for your valuable information. 👍👍

I love your energy! I always wanted to write children's books. I am a newly retired elementary school teacher. I just wrote two stories and am to learn what to do next! Thank you for putting out this video! I am looking forward to leaning from you.

just found your channel, I am looking to start writing my very first Ya novel but I put it on pause because I decided to start writing children's pictures book, I think its the easiest way to get some experience in writing and publishing, thank you for this video, your video is the easiest video around that I found on youtube dedicated to planning a children's picture book.

I’ve been a writer since I was kid (short stories, novels, etc), picked up drawing a few years back and decided to improve with an illustration project for family and friends. I did the whole thing backwards-drawing then writing. Everyone one loved it, but I’d like to do it properly this time with writing first and then illustrating it, so here I am. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Love your energy and great tips!

Hello Jules! You are an awesome , inspiring children's book writer and ENCOURAGER! The world needs more people like you! I am a 68 year old Artist, mother of three beautiful, creative children, and a Gramma to 4 adorable grands! I started writing my family story about 30 years ago about how I found my creativity by growing up in a large family, living on a simple country farm...rather poor in the 60's! Out of such humble beginnings, my creativity came from just playing outdoors in nature, on our little farm...imagining wonderful things can happen using your imagination! We didn't have much money, but oh did we have fun times, right there on our little farm! Your videos are so inspiring me to keep writing and creating even after this book I'm writing now is published. You have actually helped me in understanding the whole book Dummy making process! i love how you shared your ideas on making a Dummy out of a small sketch book! I will do that now, as I'm at the point where my editor is asking for a Dummy layout of my book! Thanks for being who you are! When God made you he had a special blessing in mind for all of us struggling new children's book writer's and illustrators! Be on the loookout for my book: "Little Hawaii" sometime next fall. That's when my editor tels me the book should be ready!

This really, really helped me. I recently illustrated a book for a woman locally, but I wanted to write and illustrate my own. I recorded myself reading it aloud, and played it back which really helped make sure things rolled off the tongue. (It rhymes.) Anyway, thank you for this!

Hi Jules I’m Leslie and I am currently working on writing a children’s book about body positivity because I’ve always struggled with loving my body and throughout my childhood and teen age years I struggled with an eating disorder but after recovery I learned that we shouldn’t be treating are bodies like that and I wanted to reach to the younger generation to let them know that their bodies are beautiful so I decided to send that message through a children’s book

I’ve been analysing one children’s picture book every day since 1st Jan. Onto 40 now, and this has helped me plot and draft 3 of my storylines so far.

The mere fact you re-worded the phrase "comment, like & subscribe" into a better catchy phrase AND explained why we should take that action had me hit the subscribe AND bell button. I hardly ever do that! You know what they say (or maybe they don't but I'm saying it now) great writing inspires action!

I’ve been watching all of your videos and I love you your so beautiful in every way. You’re so inspiring I just hope one day I write a book that make my boys proud and I get to hug you and I’ll be happy. You are life changing.

i'm also an illustration student that's looking to get into writing my own stories. thank you very much for the video!!! :)

I regularly tell my children stories at bedtime and I have always wanted to write children's books. This is a great way to get started. Thanks Jules!

Loved, LOVED, loved this!

I am publishing loads of colouring books for kids, and want to try myself with actual picture book! Your videos are very inspiring, Thank you!

"Read it aloud" - ABSOLUTELY VITAL for stories but even more essential for poetry. Only by reading aloud to yourself can you actually hear the rhythms, the pauses, the inflections, the pace and flow. My particular interest is writing and performing poetry for children/pupils roughly in the age range 6 - 14. I cannot stress the importance of reading aloud, and not just for the reasons Jules mentions or that I have touched upon . . . TYPOS can be a nightmare. If you simply 'read in your head' you can all too easily read what you THINK you've written. By reading aloud, you increase your chances of finding mistakes. (missing or repeated words, misuse of punctuation or spelling such as the classic its/it's or their/there/they're etc. etc). And don't just read it aloud once, do it several times and, as Jules suggests, ask someone else to read it to you.

Thank you very much for the PDF, I will look into your class and have subscribed to your page. I am a former school librarian and have been inspired by children's books and how they ignite a love of reading.

Loveeeeeeeeeee ur breakdown!!!!

I can’t tell you how helpful this video was. I’d been stuck for a bit and you helped me figure out an ending and designing the other main character.

Hi Jules I am Zandra, I love books I have several stories I would like to finish this year, will do one at a time. So happy I found your RU-vid videos! I am from Michigan and I am 66 years old and have 2 granddaughters and would like to finish the ones I started for them.

Loved this teaching!

I just loved your energy and passion!

Hi Jules I am a 47 yr old Teaching Assistant for Blind and Visually Impaired kids and I want to write a board book for very young readers and transcribe it in Braille. I was blind many years and now can see due to transplant and prosthetic devices in my eyes. ❤❤❤❤

Thank you for all these wonderful insights! So glad I found your channel, now I'm off to watch more of your videos! You are an inspiration.

You are great at explaining your experiences.

Thank you for your insight! It is a daunting process, but having a guide is making it easier.

I love books and geography.

When I woke up today I remembered what I dreamed about and I told it to my mom and she said it would be an awesome idea for a children’s book so I’m working on it right now and my mom showed me this video and she said “here’s some ideas on how to write your book” and this is helping and working out well, thank you for the ideas

Thank you so much for the very useful information!

Great help. Thanks.

Thank you for this! I love your energy - thanks for teaching me

Omg you’re an amazing individual😊❤️

Great advice! I'm starting my first children's book inspired by my daughter's personality. I'll take note of ur advice.

Thank you Jules! Great tips and trickson how to make a story with relatable characters. I like how you pointed out the usual stuctures that a pcture book usually should have (500 words, 32 pages, etc.). Thank you for sharing!

Thanks iam think iam going to give writing a book ago I've never written one before and now is the time thanks great help 👍

Thanks 😊I appreciate you taking about how 2. looking forward to seeing more of your work 😀

Well done

I love this

Great advice! Thanks

Thank you for the great information, It was super helpful, Cheers!!!

I love your video it’s giving me more determination and motivation to continue my story ! Hi from France 🤍

Awesome Jules

I love this. The information was simple and easy to comprehend. Thanks

I've always enjoyed writing. Even when I was in elementary school I wrote/illustrated a book and submitted it to a contest and did well. As I've gotten older I still write but do procrastinate. But am also terrified of having people read my work. I absolutely love children's books. At one point I was even a children's librarians assistant. This video definitely inspired me to quit procrastinating. I have so many ideas it can also be hard to know which one to start with. Thank you for making this video and I cant wait to watch more.

That was really helpful and joyful 😍😍

Have a great 😃 wonderful day with such great 💡 ideas!

Great inspirational ideas to start writing children's books though in a totally different settings from yours Jules. Thanks for the wonderful video with powerfully expressed messages.

Hi Jules, I really enjoyed your video. I've written several children's books over the past year and I'm now in the process of revising them. I will definitely use the information in your video as a guide. Thanks.

Very interesting...

Hi Jules, I’ve just stumbled across your video and found it really helpful. I’m currently a primary school teacher but have always had an itch to create a children’s book. I LOVE reading picture books out loud to my classes - the funnier and more ridiculous the better in my experience.

Hi! I am planning a children's book series I have in mind about witches :D working on the designs for Cora and other witches in her group!

You’re so likeable thank you so much❤❤❤❤

"Oh and they all went home" looool You are awesome. Cracked me up that line lol

YOU are SO Awesome!!! I love your video it is very informative, for me that is. I wrote several books about 8 -9 years ago when my first grandbaby was born. He lived with me at the time and he and I shared and spent so much time together; he inspired me to write stories of the things we did together ; I call them Our Adventures. The way are family lives, share, care, love each other and others, etc. They are positive stories that I believe everyone desires in a family. I stopped writing because I had no money to hire an illustrator and had NO idea how to do it myself. I lost my job and then started taking care of family. Now I'm finding a little more time to write and research. After watching your video my creative juices are flowing again!!! My home is filled to the rooftop due to the new additions to the family. OOOOOOH the stories I can write now!!!!!!!!! Still trying to learn how to do the illustrations myself. MUCH THANKS to you for sharing your knowledge, enthusiasm and love of this subject.

Thank you

This was very helpful. Cheers!

Thank you. Great information and my cat got a good laugh at the line about the dog reading.

So much fantastic information with such a great delivery! Thank you so much! Subscribed immediately.

great video, can't wait to make a kids book for my Spanish class

You are awesome! You made my day! The most practical advice ever! Thanks a bunch.

Great video! I loved it!

WOW, you are amazing. Thank you very much!

I just love your advice and the way you talk too! Such a happy personality! Subscribing!

Thank you so much for this! I'm writing a non-fiction piece to teach K-5 children about the geography of the Continental United States. It's my first time doing something like this (I write primarily poetry and short stories for teen audience), especially in a competitive setting, so this helps so much :).

Fantastic job 🙌👏👏

Really love your enthusiasm! Great tips, too.

Awesome video. I love your personality that shines through it. I am interested in creating books now because I’m an educator, a mother of a young infant, and I’m a digital artist!

You are just amazing, such a lovely personality, I could listen to you all day long, thank you!

Nanoo Nanooo.....lol!!!! Love it!!!!!! My ugly doubts are now covered in sparkly inspiration and courage. Thank you!

Thank you! this is the best video i have found on this topic.

I love your enthusiasm.

Crackingly fabulous . . . ok, I'm in -- sub'd and liked!

This was so helpful! Thanks a mil for sharing your insight!

Hi Jules , i wrote the bulk of my story almost 30yrs ago for my kids , but only looked for it again a couple of weeks ago as i am looking for an oulet that i can get re enthused about . I genuinely found it better than i had remembered it ( LOL! ) so intend to see it to conclusion . I am involved in Fine art so i hope to illustrate it myself , and some of these ideas re lay -out etc are very helpful . Thank you .

I see so many videos about children's books and they always give the same boring tips everyone knows, but you are able to share so many details and perfectly lay out what is important like no one else. Thank you for being real with us and getting into the nitty gritty of the whole process. I love your channel! :)

Thank you for all the great tips!

Thank you so much! This is beyond helpful! Cant wait to watch more and learn from you so I can get my first book out this year ☺️🙌🏾

Thanks for such a great intro video! I’ve started writing a book for my little boy all about his favourite toy, Ducky and their adventures. Really loved your enthusiasm and encouragement so big thank you! One very excited new subscriber right here!

Thank you so much for this video! Great Information.

Thank you Jules! Great informatio!

Thank God I found this channel. Thanks Jules!

This is great! Thank you so much for sharing!! I feel more confident to now! haha!

Thanks a lot! I'm planning to self-publish my first picture book and these tips are very helpful!

Thank you for the information.

Okay, finally will stop going to the pub and get this finished! Lol thank you. This was helpful as well as entertaining.

I'm a South African student teacher and I was recently given an assignment to write a children's book this was soo helpful .❤

You are suuuch a beautiful soul!!! Thank you sooo much, Jules. I write stories, but never edited them. I don't write them in English, not being my mother tongue, but hope to be able to very soon. Stay safe and healthy, and again, thank you soooo much for this video :))))

This was eye opening! Thank you for it! I'm just starting so it came in handing.

SO HELPFUL, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Thank you. I just published my first story on Amazon. I have a few more in the works and several ideas. I’m having trouble with the marketing part. Ugh. I love writing so much but marketing is tough. I’ve done a few things to market my book.