A glowing felt book lies open on a library table at night, with tiny felt stars rising from its pages.

I can plan, write, and publish my own story.

Your book starts here.

Every book in the Global Library was written by a kid. Yours is next. It's free, and you can start today.

Get my Author Pass How it works
Lucy · Global LibrarianWelcome, young writer! The golden book is waiting for your story.

How it works

Four steps to becoming an author

You bring the ideas. We help you turn them into a real book that kids everywhere can read.

  1. 1

    Dream it up

    Catch a big idea. A brave dragon? A kinder city? Every story starts with a spark.

  2. 2

    Write it

    Write your story page by page in our picture-book maker. A grown-up can help, or you can fly solo!

  3. 3

    We publish it

    We turn it into a real eBook with your name on the cover. Free, in about 2 weeks.

  4. 4

    It joins the shelf

    Your book goes into the Global Library, where kids around the world can read it.

Real kids. Real books.

Young authors have already written 11 books.

The Wisdom of Kids Vol. I The Wisdom of Kids Vol. II Dear Humanity The Encyclopedia of Forgotten Trees A Guide to Happiness Voices of Youth The Minds Library The Book of Alphabets The Myths and Adventures of Young Storytellers A Journal of Progress Book of Purpose

“Creativity is better than video games!”Amara · 4th-grade Youth Ambassador

Step one

Get your Author Pass

Your pass makes you an official Writing Apprentice. Type your name and watch it appear!

A felt Author Pass with the United By Creativity emblem and a space for the writer's name
Your Name

✦ Your name goes on your pass

For the young writer

Just a first name or a fun pen name. No last names needed!

Grown-up, it's your turn

We'll email the finished eBook here. We never share your email.

You're officially a Writing Apprentice!

Your Author Pass is ready. Now let's write your book. Lucy can't wait to put it on the shelf!

Start writing my book

For parents & guardians

A safe, free first step into authorship

The Writing Apprenticeship is part of United By Creativity, a Kansas City 501(c)(3) helping young people build literacy, creativity and confidence.

Parents: learn more →
  • Always freeKids write and publish their eBook at no cost.
  • Kid-safeWe only ask for a first name or pen name. The email is yours, not your child's.
  • Read with careOur founder personally reads every book before it joins the Global Library.
  • Delivered to youThe finished eBook arrives by email about 2 weeks after your child finishes.