Make a writing trade
Make a mini story swap booklet to trade writing with friends. Write short stories, poems, or comics, decorate pages, and exchange copies.
Step-by-step guide to make a mini story swap booklet
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Step 1
Pick a theme for your mini booklet such as a short story a poem or a comic.
Step 2
Decide how many copies you want to make one for you and at least one to trade.
Step 3
Take 2 to 6 sheets of paper and fold them in half to make the pages of one mini booklet.
Step 4
Make the same folded stack for each copy you plan to trade.
Step 5
Bind each folded stack by stapling along the folded edge or ask an adult to punch holes and tie yarn.
Step 6
Lightly sketch the layout of your story or comic panels with your pencil on the pages.
Step 7
Write your short story poem or comic text neatly on the pages with your pencil or pen.
Step 8
Draw illustrations or fill comic panels on each page using your colouring materials.
Step 9
Create a cover with a title and your name on the front of each booklet.
Step 10
Decorate the cover and inside pages with stickers scrap paper or extra drawings.
Step 11
Make additional identical copies by repeating folding binding writing and decorating for each copy you decided to trade.
Step 12
Write a friendly note or a tiny review on the back page for the person who will receive your booklet.
Step 13
Meet a friend and swap booklets so you can both read and enjoy each other’s work.
Step 14
Share a photo or description of your finished mini story swap booklet on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
I don’t have a stapler or yarn for binding—what can I use instead?
If you don’t have a stapler or yarn (step: 'Bind each folded stack'), use strong tape along the folded edge, punch two holes and tie ribbon or string, or secure the fold temporarily with paperclips before decorating.
My pages are coming loose or the fold looks messy—how can I fix that?
If pages come loose after you 'fold them in half' (step: 'Take 2 to 6 sheets of paper'), make sure each stack is tightly aligned, press the crease with a ruler or fingernail, then staple along the folded edge or ask an adult to punch holes and tie yarn and add a strip of tape over the spine for extra strength.
How can I adapt this booklet project for different ages?
For younger kids use 2 sheets, pre-folded stacks, larger drawings, stickers and let an adult write their words in pencil, while older kids can use up to 6 sheets, sketch detailed comic panels, write longer stories or poems in pen, and make multiple copies to trade or share on DIY.org.
How can we make the mini booklets more creative or special to trade?
To enhance the project, create a custom cover with mixed-media decorations (stickers, scrap paper), add a tiny review or friendly note on the back page, make themed series to swap, and photograph the finished swap to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a mini story swap booklet
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Facts about creative writing and bookmaking for kids
✂️ Zines are DIY mini-magazines made by fans and creators to share art, poems, and stories before the internet.
📚 Chapbooks are tiny, inexpensive booklets that were sold and swapped on streets from the 16th to 19th centuries.
🎨 Comics mix pictures and words — they started as newspaper strips but can tell epic or emotional tales too.
📝 Short stories became hugely popular in the 19th century — writers like Edgar Allan Poe helped shape the form!
🤝 Swapping stories (like pen pals or booklet trades) has long helped writers share feedback and spark new ideas.
How do I make a mini story swap booklet to trade with friends?
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