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Studio Notes


How to Write a Children’s Book
Whether you dream of writing a picture book, an adventure novel for eight year olds, non-fiction or a chapter book series.
7 min read
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How UK Publishing Was Transformed Since the 1970s
The business of books in Britain has transformed dramatically from the 1970s to today.
The UK publishing industry of the 1970s would hardly recognise itself in 2025. Back then, cigarette smoke filled offices in London’s West End handled typewritten manuscripts delivered by post to a business dominated by gentlemanly agreements and a fixed book price system.
24 min read
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How to Succeed as a Freelance Illustrator or Writer in Children’s Publishing
This no-nonsense guide isn’t here to sell you a dream. It’s here to help you navigate the reality of freelancing.
11 min read
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Proposals for changes to the UK's 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA)
The UK's 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA) reflect the creative and technological working processes of the late 20th Century.
5 min read
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How to Write for Reluctant Readers (and Help Children Fall in Love with Books)
Creating, designing and writing for reluctant readers requires creativity, empathy, and a few innovative techniques.
15 min read
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What comes after "Once Upon a Time" in Storytelling?
Once upon a time, a long time ago storytelling for children was dominated by magical kingdoms, brave knights, and fire-breathing dragons.
6 min read
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How Do I Write for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) ? A UK Guide
Writing for children with special needs presents unique and fulfilling challenges. Whether you’re creating a story, an educational resource,
9 min read
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"The Universe is Made of Stories, Not of Atoms"
Muriel Rukeyser wrote, "that stories, not atoms, comprise the universe." In her 1968 poem "The Speed of Darkness".
7 min read
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How Do I Protect My Intellectual Property as a Children's Book Author?
Once your creative work is out there in the world, how do you ensure that your intellectual property (IP) is properly protected?
8 min read
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Exploring the Magic: Creating Immersive Settings in Children's Books
Young children are remarkabl visual readers. They can absorb busy scenes and bold, simple images with the same ease.
6 min read
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Behind the Pages: Shirley Willis on Art & Story
Shirley Willis Salariya has worked in a variety of art styles and always embraced experimentation.
20 min read
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The inspiration and ideas behind "The Secret Journal of Victor Frankenstein On The Workings Of The Human Body" By David Salariya
The idea of Victor Frankenstein's notebook intrigued me and I started to think about what a student of anatomy would learn 19th Century.
17 min read
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Publishing Terms Explained
Specialised jargon and acronyms have become deeply embedded in business communication, evolving as industries and technologies advance.
19 min read
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What Software Should I Use to Design A Children’s Book?
There are many tools out there that it can be overwhelming. I will take you through some of the best software options for designing a children's book to kickstart your creative process!
8 min read
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How Do I Create Interactive E-books for Children?
To create interactive e-books for children, start with a well structured story, and integrate audio narration, animations, games, and sound
9 min read
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What's new? What Are the Trends in Children's Book Publishing in 2025? by David Salariya
By the time 'Trends' are spotted - they are probably over or fading - so lets take a look at trends in children's book publishing for 2024.
20 min read
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How to Place Your Children's Book into UK Schools and Libraries
To get your children's book into UK schools and libraries, ensure high-quality content, gather positive reviews.
9 min read
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How Can I Use Social Media to Build a Fanbase for My Children's Books?
Whether you're an established writer or illustrator, or just starting out, leveraging social media platforms can boost your work.
10 min read
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How to Publish a Children’s Book in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Authors
To prepare your children's novel for publishing, edit thoroughly, seek feedback from beta readers, and hire a professional editor.
7 min read
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20 Tips for Writing Dialogue in Children’s Books
For children's book dialogue, use simple, age-appropriate language, keep sentences short, and avoid complex words.
9 min read
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