Children's Author
Job Description and Responsibilities
- Need to be creative ehough to keep them entertained
- Know what kids like to read and learn about
- Be able to speak their language, so they can understand
- Know basic grammar
Education Required
No degree required, but basic knowledge of English literature needed.
A bachelor's or advanced degree can benefit
Basic Salary
$28,000- $40,000 (if successful)
Workplace Environment
Anywhere if freelance, most authors work from home.
A quiet, comfortable, calm place with something to write with, i.e laptop, typewriter, tablet, or pen and paper. A laptop is most professional and easy.
Job Satisfaction
Feeling successful by being published or finally finished with your book.
Stressful though, need to meet deadlines and wanted to get published.
Skills Needed
- Basic grammar knowledge
- Able to work efficiently to meet deadlines
- Able to pitch book or idea to a publisher
Opportunities for Advancement
If published and/or popular, better authors, publishers, or illustrators may want to work with you.
Possible movie adaption opportunity.
Large sum of money to be made if successful.
Advantages of being a Children's Author
- You can make thousands of dollars off a single book if it becomes popular enough.
- There are awards and grants you can receive.
- Once one book has been published, the same publisher may be willing to give you more freedom.
Personality Traits needed to fit with being a Children's Author
- Creative
- Good with kids- able to use their language so they understand
- Knowledge of what kids like to read and learn about
- Able to take rejection
- Organized and efficient
Popular Children's Books
Where The Wild Things Are
By Maurice Sendak
Published in 1964, this book has been made into a film and sold more than 19 million copies
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle
Published in 1969, this book has sold over 30 million copies worldwide
Green Eggs and Ham
By Dr. Suess
Published in 1960, this book has sold over 200 million copies worldwide