Writing a children’s book for the first time is exciting—but it can also be a minefield of beginner mistakes. Many first-time authors dive into the process with big ideas and good intentions, only to find themselves stuck, disappointed, or publishing something they’re not proud of.
The good news? Most of these common mistakes are totally avoidable—with the right guidance.
Let’s break down the top 10 mistakes new children’s book authors make—and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Writing a Story That’s Too Complicated
The mistake: Trying to cram in too much plot, dialogue, or vocabulary.
Why it matters: Kids, especially younger ones, need clarity and simplicity. A complex story can confuse or bore them.
How to avoid it: Stick to one main idea or lesson. Use short sentences, age-appropriate words, and a clear beginning, middle, and end.
2. Forgetting the Age Group
The mistake: Writing a book for “all kids.”
Why it matters: A story that works for a 10-year-old won’t work for a 3-year-old.
How to avoid it: Decide on your target age range before writing. Tailor the tone, language, and illustrations to that group.
3. Not Investing in Quality Illustrations
The mistake: Treating the art as an afterthought or using low-quality illustrations.
Why it matters: In children’s books, visuals are just as important as words—sometimes more.
How to avoid it: Work with a professional illustrator or use a style that matches your story’s tone. Don’t cut corners here.
4. Preaching Instead of Storytelling
The mistake: Turning the book into a moral lesson with no fun.
Why it matters: Kids don’t want to be lectured—they want to be entertained.
How to avoid it: Focus on a fun story that happens to include a gentle lesson. Let the message come through naturally.
5. Weak or Flat Characters
The mistake: Creating characters with no personality, goals, or emotions.
Why it matters: Kids fall in love with characters, not just plots.
How to avoid it: Give your main character a clear goal, some quirks, and emotions kids can relate to. Make them memorable.
6. Using Rhymes That Don’t Work
The mistake: Writing in rhyme just because it sounds fun—even if the rhythm is off.
Why it matters: Poor rhymes confuse readers and sound awkward when read aloud.
How to avoid it: Only use rhyme if you understand rhythm and meter well. If not, stick to simple prose.
7. Ignoring Page Layout and Pacing
The mistake: Dumping too much text on each page or placing illustrations randomly.
Why it matters: Poor pacing ruins the flow and can make the book overwhelming.
How to avoid it: Break your story into pages thoughtfully. Use page turns for suspense or surprise, and leave room for the art to breathe.
8. Skipping the Editing Process
The mistake: Publishing the first draft.
Why it matters: Even short books need refining.
How to avoid it: Revise, get feedback, and hire a professional editor if possible. Read your story out loud to catch awkward lines.
9. Not Researching the Market
The mistake: Writing what you want, without checking what kids or parents actually enjoy.
Why it matters: There’s already a sea of children’s books out there—yours needs to stand out.
How to avoid it: Visit bookstores, read popular children’s books in your niche, and see what’s trending. Then put your unique spin on it.
10. Rushing to Self-Publish
The mistake: Uploading the book to Amazon KDP without checking quality.
Why it matters: A rushed book often looks unprofessional—and poor reviews can follow you.
How to avoid it: Take your time. Double-check your formatting, cover design, and story flow before you hit “publish.”
Final Thoughts
Writing your first children’s book is a learning experience, and mistakes are part of the journey. But by being aware of the most common pitfalls, you can save yourself time, money, and frustration—and create something that truly connects with kids and their parents.
So slow down, learn the craft, and give your story the care it deserves. You’re not just writing a book—you’re shaping a child’s early reading experience. That’s something truly special.
