How Written Out Loud and Lulu Help Kids Publish Their First Books
What if your child could learn the art of storytelling in a supportive team-based setting? What if this incredible experience led to them publishing a book? Imagine their excitement in introducing themselves as a “published author.” Thanks to Written Out Loud (WOL) and Lulu, this dream is a reality.
Lulu is the printing partner behind WOL's collaborative storytelling vision. Together, they’re revolutionizing how kids see themselves as creators, empowering them to tell their stories and making sure those stories are celebrated as beautifully bound books.
What is Written Out Loud?
Written Out Loud is no ordinary educational program. It’s built on a Hollywood-inspired, team-based storytelling method that changes the way kids approach writing. Instead of isolating children in solitary creative exercises, WOL brings them together in Story Crew, where they support and inspire each other.
Through this innovative process, kids learn much more than how to write stories. They also develop key life skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. And when their collaborative stories are complete, WOL uses Lulu to print books for these writers, giving every participant the distinguished title of author.
How Written Out Loud Works
By making self-publishing user-friendly, Lulu mirrors WOL’s mission to inspire confidence and creativity in young writers. Here’s a closer look at WOL’s unique method, with Lulu playing a key role in every student’s success:
1. Story Crews and Creative Magic
WOL kicks things off by grouping kids into Story Crews that meet online. Together, and under the guidance of a skilled Story Director, these teams brainstorm and explore storytelling. It’s about collaboration, not competition, mirroring how Hollywood teams create blockbuster films.
2. Learning the Secrets of Storytelling
Students uncover what makes stories compelling using lessons inspired by Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. It’s not just about writing; it’s about learning to think creatively and work as a team to shape a shared vision.
Kids are encouraged to develop their unique storytelling voices through exercises, feedback, and open discussions with their peers, making the process vibrant and exciting.
3. Creative Writing Missions
To build on what they learn during team sessions, students complete fun “missions” between meetings. Whether it’s writing a thrilling cliffhanger or crafting a character’s backstory, these tasks push creativity while preparing segments for their team’s book.
Publishing with Lulu
The final step? Turning their story into a book worthy of bookstore shelves. This is where Lulu comes in.
Finished manuscripts are sent through Lulu’s free, print-on-demand platform, where they’re printed and made available for sale worldwide. Students not only enjoy the accomplishment of completing a book but also the thrill of seeing their story as a polished, tangible work of art.
At the heart of WOL’s mission lies the belief that every story matters. By offering an accessible and professional publishing platform, Lulu ensures that stories crafted by young authors enjoy the same respect and presentation as those written by seasoned writers.
For kids, seeing their ideas transformed into a real book is nothing short of magic. It’s the spark that makes them confident creators, eager to share more stories with the world.
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The Impact of Team-Based Writing and Publishing
The collaboration between WOL and Lulu has already made waves:
- 1,400+ books published
- 4,000+ young authors celebrated as creators
Beyond the numbers, the true impact lies in excited kids beaming as they hold their books, parents applauding their children’s creativity, and budding writers beginning their lifelong storytelling journeys.
This partnership doesn’t just deliver books; it delivers confidence, critical thinking, and pride. And ultimately, it proves one key point: Kids’ voices deserve to be heard and celebrated.
Hear from WOL Families and Student Storytellers
Families and Student Storytellers consistently praise the transformative power:
Sarira Moslehi, Parent:
The most impressive part for me is the collective spirit and collaborative nature of the WOL structure. Unlike most youth writing programs built around competition, WOL embraces teamwork. Storytellers are encouraged to listen to and incorporate each other's visions. It makes the experience wholesome and rewarding in a deeply human way.
Saramarie, Student Storyteller:
With Written Out Loud, all your shared ideas and life experiences come together to form one character. There's just something magical about it—not just in the way we write, but in the way we come together.
Join the Movement with Lulu and Written Out Loud
When you enroll your student in a Written Out Loud program, you’re giving them more than a creative outlet. With Lulu as the publishing partner, you’re offering them a complete, professional storytelling experience—from brainstorming to holding a finished book.
It’s more than a class to fill their summer. It’s a chance to show them that their voice matters, their creativity is powerful, and their hard work can lead to amazing results. And they’ll have a permanent keepsake of this achievement to inspire them for years to come.
🎉 First session starts July 7th! Secure your child’s spot now. 💡 Sign up before June 7th for an exclusive early-bird discount! 👉 [Sign Up Here]
Together, Written Out Loud and Lulu are proving that every child’s story deserves a place in the world. Because when kids find their voice, the possibilities are endless.
