Picture Book Writing Kit!  by Jan Peck and David Davis

Basics of Writing a Picture Book- A published children's picture book is usually 32 pages.  The front matter (title page, dedication, copyright) takes up the first few pages.  Your story begins on pages 3, 4, or 5. You do NOT need to find an illustrator.  You are cutting your chances of being published in half if you submit an already illustrated story.  Most picture book texts are under 1000 words. Send your manuscript in regular manuscript format or poetry format, if in rhyme.  

Dummy It Up, Genius-Use 8 pages of paper, fold in half and number 1-32.  This will serve as your picture book dummy. See how your text lays out in that format.  Pay attention to page turns.  Does your reader wonder what will happen next? Check your pacing, do you have too much text for one scene or one page?  Picture in your mind at least 15 double-page spread illustrations for your book.  Also do a storyboard. (See storyboard handout.)

Picture Book Characters- think Cat in the Hat--what makes you remember the character?  Are they zany, amazing, funny, witty, cute, heart-touching, smart?  Study characters of other famous picture books.

Picture Book Plots- A good picture book starts with a hook and builds to a climax.  Even concept books often follow a story-line.  As you read successful picture books, look for plot patterns.  Look for cumulative or chain plots, circular plots, question and answer formats, logical sequences, and time-frame plots. 

Poetic Tools of the Trade- rhythm, rhyme, repetition, parallel structure, refrains, alliteration, onomatopoeia, similes and metaphors, word plays, word inventions, parody, funny sayings, and reader interaction.

Read it OUT LOUD!-picture books are made to be read aloud.  Hear how your story flows.  Does your tongue get twisted?  Have someone else read your book to you.  Make a note where they stammer or stumble.

Read and Analyze: Type in and study successful picture books.  What is the hook? What’s the plot? Who are the characters?  Count the words? What poetic tools are utilized?  Look for books similar to what you write.  Who is the publisher?  Who was the editor who bought the book? The editor is sometimes listed in acknowledgments or on the dedication page.  Go to bookstores and see the current bestsellers.

Picture Book Themes-Like all great books, great children's picture books have a strong, universal theme.  What does your story mean?  Are there levels to your book?  What is the underlying message? But don’t be preachy!  Great picture books give us something deep, something of value to take away with us. 

Critique Groups: Try to form a critique group that meets once a week.  Find others who are serious about getting published and associate with them.  They will become your best friends and family. 

 


References
:

Amazon's Fantastic Search Engine:
When you get an idea for a book, this is a great place to research what is already published.
Also, type in a publishing company name, the type of book, and sort the books in order of bestsellers
to understand what types of books the publisher has had success publishing.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ats-query-page/ref%3Db%5Ftn%5Fbh%5Fbo/104-5592485-6193517

Harold Underdown's Site,  The Purple Crayon:
Here you'll find useful articles, mostly for writers and illustrators; selected links to online resources
for writers, editors, teachers, librarians, parents, and other children's book people; and information
about his new book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books.
http://www.underdown.org/

Verla Kay's Site:  One of the BEST "how-to" sites for Children's book writers!
This is the place to come for information on how to get started, and what to do
after you start selling. Begin with the Getting Started, Writer's Tips, and Links pages,
and browse through the extensive workshops on the Transcripts page.
Then, when you need more information, move on to the Published Writer's
page.
Share your successes on the Good News page, chat with other writers in the Live Chat room (nightly) or on the Forum Chat board.

http://www.verlakay.com/

North Central/ Northeast Texas Chapter of
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
The local chapter of SCBWI.  This is a wonderful supportive, professional group of people.  Learn the ropes of writing and illustrating for children.  This organization can save you from making years of common mistakes.
http://www.northtexasscbwi.org/

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is the only professional organization dedicated to serving the people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children’s literature. Whether you are a professional writer, a famous illustrator, a beginner with a good idea, or somewhere in-between, SCBWI is here to serve you. Their Web site has a dual purpose: It exists as a service to their members as well as offering information about the children’s publishing industry and their organization to non-members. Your time here will be well spent.
http://www.scbwi.org/


The Children's Book Council (CBC) is a non-profit trade organization that has been dedicated to encouraging literacy and the use and enjoyment of children's books since 1945.  Be sure to check out "Publishing FAQs" then List of Publishers (CBC Members List). This is a free writers' and illustrators' market guide that is updated monthly! http://www.cbcbooks.org/html/memberlist.html
For general information about children's books: http://www.cbcbooks.org/

Agent Query offers the largest, most current searchable database of literary agents on the web—a treasure trove of reputable, established literary agents seeking writers just like you. And it's free (not because there's a catch, but simply because not enough things in this world are free) http://www.agentquery.com/

Helpful Books for Children’s Writers

The Writer’s Market edited by Kathryn Brogan.  This is a book you can read at your local library in the reference section. If you are looking for a market guide specifically for children's book writers, join SCBWI.  Their market guides have timely information you can get nowhere else.

The Elements of Style
by William Strunk and E.B. White. Every writer needs this book--a classic on how to write.

The Business of Writing for Children: An Award-Winning Author's Tips on Writing and Publishing Children's book, or How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Book for Kids by Aaron Shepard:  An excellent basic, clear, and smart way to get published and promote your books.

Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider: This guide will beat the block, banish fear, and help you create lasting work.

The Writer’s Legal Guide by Tad Crawford and Tony Lyons:  A complete handbook covering censorship, libel and privacy, agents,
collaboration, taxes, electronic rights, estate planning, grants, and much more.

It’s a Bunny Eat Bunny World by Olga Litowinsky: A writer’s guide to surviving and thriving in today's competitive children's book market.

Writing With Pictures
by Uri Shulevitz: How to write and illustrate children's book.

This writing kit is brought to you by David Davis http://www.davidrdavis.com and Jan Peck http://www.janpeck.com.
This cannot be copied or reproduced without permission of the authors.
Put feet on your dreams: Go to book stores and libraries, join writing organizations, start your own writing critique group, write something every day and be around people that believe in YOU!

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