5 Things You Should Know About Writing a Picture Book

Before attempting to write my first picture book, I did a lot of research. I didn't think I could write one because I had no artistic ability (except for the little doodle flowers that I draw all over my notes when I am bored in class). I quickly learned that this would not be problem. Since I have done a lot of digging, and I thought I would share the tips I learned for writing a picture book.

1. No artistic ability required. Picture book manuscripts are submitted with just the text. It shouldn't be formatted like a picture book or laid out in any special manner. Just neatly typed and formatted like any other work. Publishers have artists that they use for picture books and once a book is accepted they will match it with an appropriate illustrator. That was a big relief for someone like me. If you are an artist, you should think very hard about whether you should submit art with your manuscript. First, if you are not a professional illustrator, just don't. It is difficult for a publisher to call and tell you they want your text but not your artwork. More than likely they will just reject the whole thing. It is hard enough to get accepted as a writer (or an illustrator) without having to get both the writing and drawing accepted. While we're on the subject, you also should not tell a publisher that your aunt, uncle, or cousin's best friend is willing to do the artwork.

2. Word count is key.  Word count is always important when submitting, but becomes especially important when your space is as limited as it is in a picture book. Picture books are usually limited to 24 or 32 pages, with about 4 of those pages used for the title page, copyright, and other non-story related material. You should limit yourself to 500-2000 words. Are there picture books out there with more or less words? Of course, but they are not usually by first time authors. With so few words, it is important to consider what really needs to be said in the text and how it is said. Remember that there will be pictures, so you don't need to describe the scenery or the characters, the pictures will do this for you. Use action words and present tense to help keep your word count down and the action moving.

3. You might be on your own. Agents are an extremely important part of the writing business, but many are not interested in first time picture book authors. Picture books do not typically make a lot of money for the writer or the agent. Most children's book agents accept middle grade and young adult manuscripts, but do not want picture books. That is okay though. A large number of publishing houses will accept unagented picture books. You can always go the way of looking for an agent (there are a number of online and print resources that will help you do this), but you might be better served by going it alone. Once you have an offer on the table, you could turn to agents to help you negotiate the contract. Once you have some publications under your belt, getting an agent to represent you for your picture books will be a little easier.


4. It doesn't have to rhyme. Like illustrations, if you are not a very poet, don't attempt to make your story rhyme. Before you write and submit a rhyming story, ask yourself if you are really good at it. Then ask a bunch of people that you know won't lie to you (not your husband, best friend, or mother). It takes a very special person to write a story that rhymes perfectly and has extraordinary rhythm. It is okay not to be that person. Most picture books don't rhyme anymore and publishers are often wary about publishing ones that do, simply because they must be extraordinary if they are going to make it. If you write a wonderful story that is engaging and doesn't rhyme, your are in far better shape that if you write a story that is clumsy because of the forced rhyming and rhythm.

5. You're not writing for the children. Okay, you are writing for children, but they are not your only audience. Small children don't buy books, parents do. Your book not only has to appeal to children, but also to the adults who buy and read books to them. Children usually demand that their favorite books are read over and over, so parent are careful to only bring home books they think they can stand reading 999,999 times. Think about whether your story appeals to parents as well. Is there another level to the story that is understood by adults but not children? Does the story subtly teach a lesson that benefits parents? Is it exciting enough that parents will want to read it again and again?

Did you lean something while writing/submitting a picture book?

Low on Writing Energy

I am running low on the ability to actually work on something this week. Since I sent my first work out to editors I have found it increasingly difficult to work on other projects. It's not that I think I am going to get anything out of these submissions (I am well aware that I will probably receive 3 rejection letters in the next few months)(though it would be really awesome if 1 of those was an acceptance instead and I am allowed to dream). I just feel like my motivation was mailed off with them. I have 1 picture book manuscript that is finished, but needs A LOT of editing before it is ready to be sent away. I have the first chapter of a MG novel that I would really love to keep working on. In addition, I have 5 more picture books and a YA novel that I would really like to write. So why can't I seem to sit down and actually do it?

Part of the problem is that I am just tired. Between classes and work I have very little time that I can use for whatever I want. A portion of that time goes to my husband and friends, a little bit (sometimes less than a little bit) goes to sleeping, and a chunk always goes to simply winding down by watching TV and reading (I just finished a great YA novel that I will post about soon). So I not only have to find the time, but the energy.

I know. Most writers have incredibly busy schedules and don't have the luxury of simply sitting around and writing. What I really need to do is carve out the time in my schedule, write it down on calendar, and stick to it. To help me with this I am making goals for myself. This weekend I am going to do an edit of my picture book and write 1000 words of my MG novel. I'll let you know on Monday if I actually made it.

Demanding Characters

Ever have a character who will just not go away? This week a character has been literally haunting me. The problem is that she doesn’t really have the sort of story that I like to write.

Our conversation usually goes something like this:

Character-Currently-Without-Name: Sorry to disturb your blog reading, but when do you think you are going to stop procrastinating and get around to writing my story.

Me: Oh hi. You know, I’ve been really busy lately. I’ve got a whole bunch of classes and I had a midterm due this week. Also, I’m sort of working on this other book right now.

CCWN: You are just full of excuses aren’t you? Do you want to know what I think?

Me: Not especially.

CCWN: I think you are avoiding writing my story because you don’t like it.

Me: Of course I like your story. It’s just, well, not really my type of story.

CCWN: What is that supposed to mean?

Me: Your story kind of has all these religious tones to it. Which is great for you, but I’m not really that kind of writer.

CCWN: {glares}

Me: Maybe I could write your story but just sort of leave out all the religious sections?

CCWN: Now you are just being ridiculous. Without those sections you don’t have a story. The religious sections are what make it my story.

Me: {sigh} Can’t you find someone to write this?

CCWN: No. Come on. Laptop on, Word open, keys go clickety, click.


Teenagers can be mean. I have a feeling this character is going to be a pain in my you-know-what. Guess I better get to work.

*Just a note: I do not actually talk to my characters (outloud).