9 yr old wants to write book?

Question

My 9 yr old son wants to write a book/comic/short story of some kind and attempt to have it published. I know I'm his Mom, but as an avid reader, I really think he may have what it takes. His teacher says he's definitely her best reading/writing student. So here's my question: How do we begin this process? I'm an avid book lover but am clueless as to where to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much

He loves to read; he has a book with him wherever he goes. He has several short stories and comics written already. What I am clueless about is how to get them to the right people in the publishing industry. Is it not possible unless I get an agent? I just dont know where to start in terms of getting it edited and/or published.

Answer 1

I was about that same age when I began writing. Your son is lucky to have you supporting his dreams! Check out this website. Especially the "young authors page"

http://www.aaronshep.com/index.html

Answer 2

You're putting the cart before the horse here. You cannot get an agent or a publisher without a finished manuscript (at least not if he is writing fiction). Different publishers and agents specialize in different genres and age ranges. If he is going to write a short story, for instance, you will need to submit it directly to magazines or literary journals that print similar work. If he writes a book, he will need to find agents who represent that type of novel.

On top of that, your son has to decide to sit down and actually write the book. Finishing a book is a very difficult process and he may not do it, no matter how talented he may be. Then the two of you can edit it together, or perhaps have his teacher look at it if s/he is willing.

You might want to advise him to re-read some of his favorite books and see how the author structures them. How are the characters developed? Where does the story start?

Also, there are many terrific books about writing. Many of them are probably going to be directed for a little too old of an age group for him, but you could read them and use them to advise him. Here are some of my favorites (your local library should have most of them):
1) "Writing Down The Bones" by Natalie Goldberg
2) "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
3) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
4) "How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card
5) "On Writing" by Stephen King
6) "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty
7) "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss
8) "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White

Meanwhile, you can start to do your research on the industry. I would recommend approaching agents first, simply because of their knowledge (especially when it comes to negotiating contracts).

I would suggest taking a look at the book "Writer's Market". It is the number one reference for authors seeking publication. It contains information about the process, as well as a directory of publishers, magazines, journals, and agents. Start looking at the websites of people who represent similar work.

Here are some websites that can help. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark-- love her!) and research, research, research!
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com
http://www.absolutewrite.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

And be warned of the people on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html

And, have a talk with your son about the realities of publishing. Most authors recieve hundreds (often thousands) in the course of their career. "Gone With the Wind", for example, recieved more than 20 rejections before it was accepted for publication. Are you sure your son is up for something like that? It can be incredibly discouraging for adult authors-- I can't imagine all that rejection as a child.

Answer 3

Does your son love reading??Its not a problem with his age,if he is creative enough to write a short story.You just give him idea or correct him if he is wrong,thats all.

Answer 4

Have him wrtite enough for a volume.

Check this site out. It should be a help.