On Writing : Children's Books by Cindy Brown

If it's indeed a children's book, your US buyers are pretty limited - Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., one of the Disney channels, Amazon Kids, and Cartoon Network. So far, Netflix Kids is pretty invested in developing shows based on well-known brands. So a first step might be to figure out which networks are best-suited for your children's book. And if indeed the current market is appropriate for your particular concept. Then determine which screenwriters are suited for that kind of material and the network(s). Then how you can reach those writers either yourself, with an agent/manager, or by hiring a consultant. I'm no children's series expert. I am attached to produce the adaptation of a NY Times bestselling children's book, and that's the only reason I have a pretty current read of the market. My book is tonally "sweet" and fairly grounded, and the resistance we've gotten is that the networks want more fantastical worlds and more obvious comedy at this moment. I hope now is the moment for us, but it may not be the right timing.

Hi Cindy, have you looked into the Happy Writers Pitch Sessions here on Stage 32?

Hi Shannon, I'm sure there are some Children's TV specialists taking pitches on S32 (I'm still learning just how vast your fantastic network is!!!). But generally speaking, I just want people to know that the Children's TV process is not the same as prime time TV. The short, reductive version - Disney Jr, for example, doesn't really work with non-writing producers, so it doesn't make perfect sense to pitch to and attach a non-writing producer for a show that needs to go to Disney Jr. (I learned this the hard way with my own project! Kids' TV is such a specialized space, I didn't know!) That said, I'm sure there is an exception to every rule. Using S32, Cindy could pitch to Children's TV showrunners (if available on S32), as well as agents, managers, and Children's TV prod cos. (e.g. a Nelvana type prod co.) in her space. Please note this is a very reductive explanation.

Sorry if that is way obvious. Just wanted to be sure people knew there is a distinct model in Children's TV that is different from the typical prime time TV model where non-writing producers are accepted at every US network.

Such great advice Regina!

Thanks for your feedback. I am in the process of researching the Children's Networks to see what fits my project! I am excited, but a bit overwhelmed, so I may seek the guidance of an agent. Thanks!