Write Children's Books
 

We're looking for people to—

 

 

The tremendous recent success of children's books has made the general public aware of what we've known for years: There's a huge market out there.

 

And there's a growing need for new writers trained to create the nearly
$2 billion of children's books purchased every year. . . plus the stories and articles needed by more than 600 publishers of magazines for and about children and teenagers.

 

Who are these needed writers?

 

They're ordinary people like you and me.

Kristi Holl, a graduate of our course, has published 24 books and more than 100 stories and articles. She is now an instructor at the Institute of Children's Literature.

 

Dear Reader:

 

If you've ever dreamed of writing for children, here's your chance to test that dream . . . and find out if you have the aptitude to make it a reality.

 

If you do, we'll teach you how to crack one of today's most rewarding markets for new writers.

 

"But am I good enough?"

 

Fifteen years ago, I was where you may be now. My occasional thoughts of writing had been pushed down by self-doubt, and I didn't know where to turn for help.

 

Then, on an impulse, I sent for the Institute of Children's Literature's free Writing Aptitude Test and it turned out to be the spark I needed.

 

I took their course and my wonderful author-instructor helped me to discover, step-by-step, that my everyday life--probably not much different from yours--was an endless creative resource for my writing!

 

The promise that paid off

 

The Institute made the same promise to me that they'll make to you, if you demonstrate basic writing aptitude:

 

You will complete at least one manuscript suitable to submit to editors by the time you finish the course.

 

I really didn't expect to be published before I finished the course, but I was. I sold three stories. And I soon discovered that that was not unusual at the Institute.

 

Now, as a graduate and a nationally published author of 24 children's books, and more than 180 stories and articles, I'm teaching: I'm passing along what I've learned to would-be writers like you.

 

One-on-one training with
your own instructor

 

My fellow instructors--all of them professional writers or editors--work with their students the same way I work with mine:

 

•

When you've completed an assignment on your own schedule, at your own pace, you send it to me.

 
•

I read it and reread it to make sure I get everything out of it that you've put into it.

 
• Then I edit it line-by-line and send you a detailed letter explaining my edits. I point out your strengths and show you how to shore up your weaknesses.

 
• Between your pushing and my pulling, you learn how to
write--and how to market what you write.

 

I am the living proof

 

What I got from my instructor at the Institute changed me from a "wannabe" into a nationally published writer.

 

While there's no guarantee that every student will have the same success, we're showered with letters like these from current and former students.

 

"Since graduating from your course," says Heather Klassen, Edmonds, WA, "I've sold 125 stories to magazines for children and teenagers."
 

"Before this, I didn't know if my work was typical or bland, or if there was even a spark of life in it," writes Kate Spanks, Maple Ridge, BC. "I now have over 30 articles
published . . . ."

 

". . . a little bird . . . has just
been given freedom"

 

"This course has helped me more than I can say," says Jody Drueding, Boston, MA. "It's as if a little bird that was locked up inside of me has just been given the freedom of the garden."

 

". . . I was attracted by the fact that you require an aptitude test," says Nikki Arko, Raton, NM. "Other schools sign you up as long as you have the money to pay, regardless of talent or potential."

 

"I'd take the course again
in a heartbeat!"

 

"My most recent success has been the publication of the novel I started for my last Institute assignment," writes Jennifer Jones, Homer, NY. "Thank you for giving me the life I longed for."

 

"I'd take the course again in a heartbeat!" says Tonya Tingey, Woodruff, UT. "It made my dream a reality."

 

Don't let your dream die-
send for your free test today!

 

If life as a successful writer is your dream, here's your chance to test that dream.

 

We've developed a revealing aptitude test based on our 36 years of experience. It's free and we don't charge for our professional evaluation of it.

 

We also offer a free, 32-page illustrated brochure that describes our course, Writing for Children and Teenagers, and introduces you to 80 of our instructors.

 

If your test reveals a true aptitude for writing, you'll be eligible to enroll.

 

But that's up to you.

 

There is no obligation.

 

Sincerely,

Kristi Holl, Instructor
Institute of Children's Literature®

 

P.S. Writing for Children and Teenagers is recommended for college credits by the Connecticut Board for State Academic Awards and approved by the Connecticut Commissioner of Higher Education.

 

* The students' statements in this letter were provided voluntarily by them, without remuneration, from 2000 to 2004.