KNOWHOW Educational Writing - Apps and 'Content' Writing

 

In the final part of this KnowHow series, Lynn Huggins-Cooper rounds up with a discussion of educational writing for children in the form of 'content', rather than books.




Children now learn through a wide range of media as well as just books


If you have been following this series, you will have read about home learning, 'activity' books, books written for the schools and library market and more. These were all books - and surely, that is what we as writers want to create..? 



That may be the case, but there are many other markets hungry for educational writers. They are a great way to build a profile as an educational writer, which can help to establish you as a professional who is capable of producing interesting, curriculum based writing within tight deadlines and to a high standard. This can also give you a portfolio to show educational book publishers, if you choose to - but you may find that you enjoy writing for these other types of publishers just as much. It can be quite lucrative, too!




Content Creation for teaching and tuition websites 


Online education has expanded exponentially in recent years with teachers, tutors, home educators and parents alike using the plethora of fantastic printable and online materials available to support learning. If you are interested in writing educational materials, these websites can be a good source of work and a place to build your portfolio. 



Many sites seek freelance writers who can create material in their curriculum area, from Early Years up to A Level. These sites are hungry and are always in need of new material. Some sites, such as Twinkl, employ authors (usually teachers) to write material 'in house' and, as the work is remote, this may suit you. Keep an eye on jobs boards as these sites are constantly recruiting. 



Companies such as Twinkl create downloadable resources which can be used at home and school


Apps

Have you ever thought of writing for a reading app, or other educational app for children? These can be an excellent source of work for writers - and often pay well. You don't get the pleasure of holding a print book in your hand, but seeing your book being enjoyed by many children on electronic devices can be fun too! In my experience, books tend to be commissioned for both fiction and non-fiction series, and writers can often find that they have a constant source of work from these companies, which can work well as a 'day job' when you are writing your own original titles too. You are writing; getting feedback from editors and working with illustrators and designers in the same way as you do for print book series. These apps can be a regular source of work for illustrators looking to build their portfolio too - and a way to get paid decently at the same time!



Writing for apps like this require you to be a good 'team player' as you work as part of a collaborative creative team, and you should also be prepared to work to tight deadlines - once again, this is in line with other forms of educational publishing. There are many apps out there - including recent start-ups which may or may not be reliable sources of work, so ensure you do your due diligence before signing any contracts. Search the App Store or look online and search for educational and reading apps - and see what is there.


Apps are here to stay and are used in homes and classrooms around the globe, so why not give them a try? Just as you would with any publisher, ensure you are well versed in the types of books etc that the company produce before you pitch to them - having a good idea of their tone and mood is as important as your qualifications in terms of a 'good match' - so always do your homework.



Educational apps are here to stay


*Header image: In-house collaboration between Ell Rose and Tita Berredo

* Other images courtesy of Lynn Huggins-Cooper



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Lynn Huggins-Cooper has written everything from picture books and MG series to YA novels. She has also written for children’s TV series, comics, websites, and as a features writer for the Times Educational Supplement.



Lynn lectures on the BA (Hons) Creative Writing at Falmouth University


She co-organises SCBWI North-East with Lucy Farfort and lives with her husband in a tiny house next to 900 acres of forest in the far north of England.


Find Lynn on: BlueskyX (Twitter)Facebook or her Website.


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Ell Rose is the Illustration Features Editor of Words & Pictures. Follow them on Instagram and X (Twitter) and find their work at www.fourfooteleven.com


Contact them at illustrators@britishscbwi.org



Tita Berredo is the Illustrator Coordinator of SCBWI British Isles and the Art Director of Words & Pictures. Follow her on Instagram and X (Twitter) or www.titaberredo.com
Contact her atilluscoordinator@britishscbwi.org





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