How to write a children's novel and get published in the UK

When writing for children, all the usual rules for writing fiction apply. You must have a compelling plot, believable characters and conflict to drive the story forward. However, in order for your novel to stand the best chance of being published, you should write with the needs of the younger reader in mind.

Writing children's fiction

Fiction
Before starting to write, you should decide on the age range your book will target.
Read a range of novels from a few different authors who write for this age range to get a feel for the type of stories that are popular. Once you feel you have an idea what your readers are looking for and how you're going to deliver, it's time to pick up your pen and start writing.
Here are a few tips to get you going. Write a gripping plot
When writing for adults, it's often possible to get away with long passages of description or introspection, but in children's fiction, a fast-moving plot is essential. Books aimed at a younger audience are usually shorter, so more action will have to be crammed into a limited space.
Plus, if you want children to turn the page you need t keep them enthralled. Think about what kind of characters appeal to children
Children often want to experience the story through the hero's eyes.
Therefore, make your lead character someone they can identify with: a boy or girl of the same age, who leads a similar lifestyle to them. The other characters can either be representations of people they interact with in real life, such as teachers or parents, or more unworldly characters like witches, wizards and vampires. Establish conflict quickly
Whoever is your lead character, something has to happen to lift them out of their ordinary existence early in the book and create conflict.
This 'something' doesn't have to involve parallel universes or time-travel, but should be sufficiently compelling to hook the reader. Don't use complicated language
Younger people's vocabulary tends to be less sophisticated, so make sure you reflect this.
Avoid overly elaborate words or long descriptions. However, don't patronise.
If you're writing for a twelve year old, don't write in simple sentences more suited to a younger child.

Publishing a book

Final word
Getting a novel published is not easy, whichever age range you are writing for. Once you're happy with your manuscript, check out the current edition of the Writers' and Artists Yearbook, which will help you find a publisher or agent who specialises in children's fiction.
If it comes back with a rejection slip don't be too disheartened though: J K Rowling received twelve slips before the first Harry Potter book was accepted.