Ever seen a children's book with questions, activities, or bonus content at the end? 📚 That’s called back matter — and it can be a secret weapon in making your book stand out to both readers and publishers. 🙌

In this episode of the Journey to Kidlit podcast, Brooke Van Sickle breaks down:

* What back matter is and why it matters

* How to use it to highlight your book’s message (without being too didactic)

* What to include in your query letter if your story has back matter

* Plus—insider tips from live coaching inside Kidlit Academy

Whether you're writing about bullying, kindness, or historical topics, this episode will help you turn your story into a richer, more marketable book.

👉 Ready to take your book to the next level? Tune in now + download the FREE Children’s Book Template at https://journeytokidlit.com/get-the-template

#kidlit #childrensbookauthor #writetip #writingforkids #backmatter #kidlitpodcast #selfpublishing #traditionalpublishing #journeytokidlit

LINKS FOR EPISODE:

Join Kidlit Academy: https://journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-academy

Get the FREE template: https://journeytokidlit.com/get-the-template

Have you ever wanted to write a children’s book — one that’s not only beautifully written but also something publishers want to buy and readers can’t wait to read? If that’s you, you’re in the right place today.

Because I’m going to share the 3 essential ingredients every successful children’s book needs — and these are the same things that finally helped me go from unpublished and frustrated to award-winning author and publisher. Listen now!

LINKS FOR TODAY'S EPISODE:

* Get the FREE template: https://journeytokidlit.com/get-the-template

* Join Kidlit Academy: https://journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-academy

Kitty O'Meara never thought a simple Facebook post meant to encourage some friends during quarantine would take on a life of its own. But when Deepak Chopra shares your post, you know you have something special on your hands.

AND THE PEOPLE STAYED HOME is the new children's book that came from this inspiring story. Kitty O'Meara explains how this journey unfolded, plus helpful tips for any other aspiring children's book author. Listen to the episode to learn more.

Follow me on social:

Twitter/Instagram @AuthorBrookeVS

Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest @JourneytoKidLit

Get Started Writing Your Own Children's Book!

Learn how at journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-writers-starter-kit.

Music from filmmusic.io

"Happy Alley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Are you hoping to one day illustrate a children's book? Or wondering what it takes to create illustrations in books? My guest today will be sure to answer your questions.

Holly Hatam has been illustrating for kids since 2013 and is the NY Times best-selling illustrator of books like Dear Girl. It was so great to chat about her process and tips on illustrating for kids. Listen to the full episode here.

Follow me on social:

Twitter/Instagram @AuthorBrookeVS

Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest @JourneytoKidLit

Get Started Writing Your Own Children's Book!

Learn how at journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-writers-starter-kit.

Music from filmmusic.io

"Happy Alley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Do you find it's a struggle to market your children's book? You're not alone! A lot of authors struggle with this, which is why my guest today has decided to help.

Lara is the founder of StoryAntics. A new website that helps indie authors share their books with more potential readers. Listen for more on how it works on today's episode of the Journey to Kidlit Podcast.

Follow me on social:

Twitter/Instagram @AuthorBrookeVS

Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest @JourneytoKidLit

Get Started Writing Your Own Children's Book!

Learn how at journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-writers-starter-kit.

Music from filmmusic.io

"Happy Alley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

What happens when someone makes a Fairy-Tailed wish on the eve of their birthday? This is a family tradition that's been happening for a long time in the Pighetti house that Megan wanted to share with other children.

Learn more about her story and how she was able to publish her first picture book in today's interview! (A great inspiration for anyone hoping write a book together as a family!) And to learn more about Megan and her book, Fairy Tailed Wish, visit: journeytokidlit.com/episode-20-picture-book-megan-pighetti

Lindsay Barry sat down to talk about her upcoming books, Journey to Constellation Station and The Backpack (Both published by the Santa Fe Writers Project). She may be a two-time debut author now, but it didn't start out that way.

Listen to today's episode about how Lindsay made time to write as a busy mom of two. Hopefully her publishing journey will inspire your own!

And to learn more about Lindsay, her books, or writing books of your own, visit Journeytokidlit.com for more information!

Follow me on social:

New Instagram @JourneytoKidlit

Twitter/Instagram @AuthorBrookeVS

Facebook/Pinterest @JourneytoKidLit

Get Your Own Ultimate Writing Binder!

Learn more at journeytokidlit.com/ultimate-writing-binder.

Music from filmmusic.io

"Happy Alley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I have a very special guest on the podcast today! Laura Segal Stegman is sharing her publishing journey on what it took to publish her debut middle grade novel, Summer of LUCK. Listen to the full interview here.

If you'd like to learn more about Laura and her book, visit her website at LauraStegman.com.

For more writing and publishing tips, visit journeytokidlit.com!

Follow me on social:

Twitter/Instagram @AuthorBrookeVS

Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram @JourneytoKidLit

Get Your Own Ultimate Writing Binder!

Learn more at journeytokidlit.com/ultimate-writing-binder.

Music from filmmusic.io

"Happy Alley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I'm so excited for my guest today because she's the children's book illustrator for my newest picture book, Humans In-Training! Elizabeth Savanella sat down to talk illustrating books for kids and what it's like to be a book creator. Listen to the interview here.

Humans In-Training comes out on August 25th! You can order your own copy through the publisher's site here: http://bibliokidpublishing.com/product/humans-in-training/

And to learn more about Elizabeth Savanella and her art visit esprints.com.

Follow me on social:

Twitter/Instagram @AuthorBrookeVS

Facebook/Pinterest @JourneytoKidLit

Get Your Own Ultimate Writing Binder!

Learn more at journeytokidlit.com/ultimate-writing-binder.

Music from filmmusic.io

"Happy Alley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Today I'm hoping to inspire you to get started writing that book you keep thinking about! In this episode, I'm sharing a clip of an interview I did with author, Delanda Coleman.

She shares why she decided to write her book, More Than a Princess, and it's a really good reason! Hopefully, it gets you excited to start writing, too!

And to hear the full interview I did with Delanda, sign up for the KidLit Indie Publishing Summit! Visit: kidlitindiepubsummit.com to register for free.

Follow me on social:

Twitter/Instagram @AuthorBrookeVS

Facebook/Pinterest @JourneytoKidLit

Get Your Own Ultimate Writing Binder!

Learn more at journeytokidlit.com/ultimate-writing-binder.

Music from filmmusic.io

"Happy Alley" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)