Writing for Children

From picture books to middle grade. Learn to write stories that captivate young readers and earn a place on their bookshelves. With personal feedback from Steve Alcorn.
USA Today best-selling author · 29 books · 100,000+ students · 25 years teaching

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What’s Included

Everything you need to write, polish, and publish your novel.
📹

28 Video Lectures

Over 5 hours of focused instruction covering every stage of the novel-writing process.

💬

Personal Feedback from Steve

Post your writing in the discussion areas and get direct feedback from Steve Alcorn, not a TA, not a bot. Steve reads every post and responds personally.

📋

Manuscript Evaluation Checklist

The same 25-point checklist Steve’s students use to evaluate protagonist, story structure, plot, and writing quality.


Writing workspace overhead view

What You’ll Learn

Six steps from blank page to published book.
1

Understand the Market

Learn the categories of children’s literature. From board books to picture books to chapter books to middle grade. Each has different rules.

2

Create Your Characters

Build characters that young readers connect with: age-appropriate voice, relatable problems, and the growth that makes children’s stories matter.

3

Structure Your Story

Master story structure for young readers. Simpler doesn’t mean easier. Learn pacing, age-appropriate complexity, and satisfying endings.

4

Write Your Manuscript

Voice, word choice, reading level, illustration notes, dialogue for young characters, and the art of writing simply without writing down.

5

Polish Your Manuscript

The “Write Big” and “Write Well” techniques that turn a flat draft into a sparkling, publishable manuscript.

6

Get Published

The children’s book market: agents, publishers, illustrator partnerships, self-publishing, and the unique path to getting children’s books into print.


Woman writing at desk

What Students Say

Over 1,000 students have taken this course.
“The teacher is amazing! He takes you step by step through the writing process, is very easy to understand, and gives activities that help further your progress. I would definitely recommend this course.”
Diana
“I am blown away by how educational and helpful Steve’s course is. He breaks down every topic so people actually want to read it. I highly recommend his course to anyone interested in writing.”
Linzay
“I’ve been writing since I was a child, own every book on writing known to man, taken numerous classes and seminars. This is by far the easiest, most understandable information on writing I’ve ever heard. It has given me the confidence I need to get through the dreaded ACT II.”
Kim
“The instructor’s teaching style and the course’s lesson plan is top notch! He provides clear examples and then gives homework that you can apply to your own creations. Lots of useful information.”
Blaine
“This is an excellent course. After the first couple of lessons, I already knew where I had gone wrong in my writing and how to fix it. I am once again inspired to keep on writing.”
Darcy
“It has been my life-long dream to become a published author. I took this course to get help, and I am truly impressed by the amount of information presented. I completed the course in a few months in my free time.”
Michelle A.

Enroll Today

Lifetime access · Personal feedback · 30-day guarantee

Buy This Course

$199
  • Lifetime access to all 28 video lectures
  • 28 discussion areas with personal feedback from Steve
  • Downloadable handouts and exercises
  • Manuscript Evaluation Checklist
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
BEST VALUE

Get All 20 Courses

$29/month
  • Everything in Writing for Children, PLUS
  • 19 additional courses across every genre
  • Story structure, scene craft, editing, screenwriting, publishing
  • Over $3,000 worth of courses
  • Personal feedback from Steve on every course
  • Cancel anytime

Your Instructor

Steve Alcorn

Steve Alcorn is a USA Today best-selling author of 29 books including mysteries, young adult novels, children’s books, and the acclaimed writer’s guide Writing for Children. He founded Alcorn McBride Inc., the company behind the audio and video systems in nearly every major theme park in the world. For over 25 years, he has taught more than 100,000 aspiring authors how to structure their stories and get published.

When you post your writing in the discussion areas, Steve reads it and responds personally. That’s what makes Writing Academy different from every other online course.

The Companion Book

Writing for Children book cover

📚 Want a reference you can keep on your desk? Writing for Children is the companion to this course, covering the same material in a format you can keep on your desk and reference anytime. Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Get the Book on Amazon →

Steve’s Writing Guides

Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
  • Writing for Children
  • Mystery Writing
  • Comedy Writing
  • Non-Fiction
  • Sci-Fi & Fantasy
  • Suspense & Horror
  • Short Story Writing
  • Romance Writing
  • Travel Writing
  • Writing for Children
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Write Your Life Story
  • Writing for Children
  • Mystery Writing
  • Comedy Writing
  • Non-Fiction
  • Sci-Fi & Fantasy
  • Suspense & Horror
  • Short Story Writing
  • Romance Writing
  • Travel Writing
  • Writing for Children
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Write Your Life Story

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

Anyone who wants to write a novel, whether you’re just starting, stuck in the middle, or revising a finished draft. No experience required.

How long do I have access?

If you purchase the course, you own it for life. If you subscribe to the bundle, you have access to all of our courses for the duration of your subscription.

Do I really get personal feedback?

Yes. Every lesson has a discussion area. Post your work and Steve responds personally, usually within hours.

What if I’m not happy?

30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. If the course isn’t right for you, you get a full refund.

Can I just get this one course?

Yes. Enroll above for lifetime access to this course. Or, if you want all 20 Writing Academy courses, the Author’s Success Bundle gives you everything for one low monthly fee.

Enroll Today

Lifetime access · Personal feedback · 30-day guarantee

Buy This Course

$199
  • Lifetime access to all 28 video lectures
  • 28 discussion areas with personal feedback from Steve
  • Downloadable handouts and exercises
  • Manuscript Evaluation Checklist
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
BEST VALUE

Get All 20 Courses

$29/month
  • Everything in Writing for Children, PLUS
  • 19 additional courses across every genre
  • Story structure, scene craft, editing, screenwriting, publishing
  • Over $3,000 worth of courses
  • Personal feedback from Steve on every course
  • Cancel anytime

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