1. Study your market.

If you are writing a picture book, read literally hundreds of contemporary picture books. If you are writing a magazine story, study six months worth of back issues.

2. Find a supportive critique group.

Preferably the group will be one with at least one published author. A group of beginners can certainly help and one another, but having members who can instruct is a godsend. If you can't find a critique group in your community, search for fellow writers online.

3. Learn the craft of writing.

Take a course. Attend conferences. Read "how-to" books. There are some assumptions about a good children's story that all editors hold. One is that the child protagonist must solve his or her own problem. Another is that readers expect stories to follow predictable patterns — stories are less satisfying when the structure isn't there. Studying the craft will help you develop an eye for these important elements.

4. Understand that "getting the idea down" is just the beginning.

Some stories fall onto the paper like a polished pearl, but this is very rare. Most manuscripts need to go through many revisions. Always seek feedback before sending a manuscript out. At the very least, tuck the manuscript away for a month — then you'll be able to read the story with an objective eye.

5. Read your stories aloud.

Often your ear will catch words or pacing that is off. Reading to children is fun, but understand that the audience reaction will not reflect the quality of your story. Most children will respond enthusiastically to ANY story read aloud.

6. Do market research.

Is your story best suited for a trade, mass market or magazine market? Which publishing houses like to see beginning readers? Which editor accepts a large number of YA (young adult) books? The more you know about the houses you are soliciting, the greater your chances of getting a positive response. Find books that are similar to yours at your library or bookstore, order publisher's catalogues, read market guides and book review journals, join an online writer's group.

7. Network.

This is an essential element in selling successfully and yet it is often ignored. (Many writers choose the writing life because they are introverted and would rather not have to put themselves "out there.") But by meeting writers and editors and sharing valuable knowledge, you will certainly find the information you need to reach the next step in your writing life. And know this: you will never meet a nicer group of people than those writing and editing for children. How can you network? Join organizations such as SCBWI. Attend conferences. Join an online writers group.

8. Persist.

The very qualities that you give your characters: courage, resiliency, and commitment, are the qualities that will help make you a successful writer.