I haven’t found a book on this particular subject. The closest I have found is called, ‘Yes! You Can Learn How to Write Beginning Readers and Chapter Books’ by Nancy I. Sanders. I’ve also listed what I’ve found on the internet below. It wasn’t much, believe me! I’ve also found an informative YouTube video and have placed it at the end of the blog! Here’s what I found.
- Change 3 syllable words to 1-2 words.
- Change complex sentences to simple sentences.
- Keep sentences to 10 words per sentence.
- Paragraphs are 2-3 sentences long.
- On the Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level and the Flesh Reading Ease, aim for either Grade 2 or 2.5 with a reading ease under 100.
- If you’re writing for a grade lower than 2.5, don’t use contractions.
- Repeat words.
- Word count can be 1500 words---maximum.
- Use a smaller trim size when getting it published or self-published.
- Your book can be anywhere from 32 to 60 pages long.
- The font size should be smaller.
- Feature color or black and white illustrations.
- The plot should be simple and strong.
- Set up the story at the beginning of the book.
- The story should have a brisk pace.
Notice how many of these rules are the same as the ones for picture books? Also, notice how some are different for easy reader chapter books.
Here are the resources I found. I also placed a YouTube video below. Like I said, there's not much out there.
RESOURCES
https://aksomitis.com/2021/07/19/how-do-i-turn-my-story-into-an-early-reader-book
https://kidlit.com/easy-chapter-books
https://writerunboxed.com/2020/09/14/writing-chapter-books-for-young-readers