I was wondering if this is a scam. I received a pamphlet in the mail saying to send it in and they'll send me an aptitude test to take. I took the test, sent it back and, of course, they say I'm "more than qualified" for their course. It costs $600 to take and I was just wondering what's up with it. It seems kind of shady to me and I don't want to get scammed. Plus, I find it hard to believe that I am SO qualified. I just don't want to get taken with this. Any help would be appreciated.

I did the same thing years ago when I was home with kids. I never signed up for the course. In fact, I've wanted to write a really awful story for them and see if I am still qualified. The whole thing is, if you are that good of a writer, you don't need them. I did write and sell stories and articles on my own after that. And yes, it is basically a scam.

Thank you so much for your reply.

I'm sure they do what they say -- connect you with a legit children's author who becomes your mentor (but then, it won't be a known author, I betcha), proofread and edit your writing after assigning story topics, and take your $600+. You can achieve as much on your own, say, in a writers' group or by writing and submitting.

Thanks. Are there any other tips I could use. I have written a Children's book already and I think it's quite good but could use a little 'polishing'.

Thanks. Are there any other tips I could use. I have written a Children's book already and I think it's quite good but could use a little 'polishing'.
For what age child?

Well, that's another thing I'm not sure of. I myself have no children. I know the book is a children's book but I have a problem deciding what age group it's for. I would venture to say about age 7.

Go to your local public library and request this book (it might be in the collection or they may have to request it from another library)--

How to Write a Children's Book and Get It Published by Barbara Seuling

One of her tips is to cut 8-1/2"x11" paper lengthwise into wide strips (maybe in half), staple them together in the center, and print out your story (so many words of the story per page), adding simple pictures or at least imagining them -- to give yourself an idea as to layout and flow.

Thanks so much for all the help!

Maybe I'll be cataloging it at my library one of these days?

Research for publishers by visiting the library and checking out/looking at the Writer's Market for children's books and also Literary Marketplace. Certain publishers may specialize in the type or subject of your book. You can Google for that information too. Do your best to focus your publisher search. (Like, you wouldn't want to send a great original recipe to Playboy. Same for book publishers -- be selective.)

I am enrolled with at the Institute and a former student of their "Breaking Into Print" course. This is a legitimate school with highly qualified teachers. They offer a full refund even after you complete the course! So you have nothing to lose by taking the course. You can finish it and then get your money back 60 days after you receive your diploma. There is no scam. I am very satisfied with both courses.

I'm sure they do what they say -- connect you with a legit children's author who becomes your mentor (but then, it won't be a known author, I betcha), proofread and edit your writing after assigning story topics, and take your $600+. You can achieve as much on your own, say, in a writers' group or by writing and submitting.

You must know that this is really the Long Ridge Writers Group. They are the same school, but in different buildings. The professors aren't "popular" but they are qualified. My instructor had a Disney Channel original movie made about her book.

Does your local collage have a part time writing course? That would probably be more useful at this stage. I did a creative writing course in my local university, and my teacher told me not to re-enroll, to go and get on with writing my book instead. I reckon that is positive feedback.

About your own book, go to your local library and read lots of books that you think are aimed at the same age group as yours. Look at how they are being written and if there are things that should be included or excluded. Then look to see who publishes them.

NO... it is NOT a scam! I am a recent graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and before completing the course I already had three stories published. No, they do not help you get published by giving you a job like if you went to college for a degree in X and the school turned around when you graduated and helped you find a job. The reason: they teach you to be a FREELANCE writer. You are taught specifically by a REAL professional editor, author, etcetera and they give you the MOST valuable insight and critiques you could never get anywhere else. This program is AWESOME and if you graduate and they didn't live up to their guarantee... you get your money back FULLY. It's worth every dime! They give you, as part of the course, books and literature on tips to breaking into the writing field that is pretty much just under talking yourself DIRECTLY to the editor of the press your trying to break into! The insight is so valuable and it's HIGHLY ACCREDITED and is HIGHLY RESPECTED by all publishing houses (magazine or book). You get one-on-one attention and you just can't get any better than this... not even by a writing group (because it's just people like you trying to give each other insight... it's good but not the best, and you could get published but it may take a lot longer). Also, they teach you the ins and outs of the trade and teach you all the writing jargon you need to know. They are just truly the best.

Best wishes, and give it a shot! It's NOT expensive. I paid about $54 a month for about 10 months or so and even though you pay each month, after your done paying you can keep working at your own pace. You DO NOT have to work as fast as you pay. They are really awesome about helping you in a timely and quick manner, about answering your questions, about giving you more time, about breaking down payments if your in a financial jam, and about giving leave of absences with out pay if you need a break from the course. I LOVED it!

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