It seems like everyone I meet wants to write a picture book. Especially moms and teachers. They tend to read these a lot and probably are thinking, “Hey! I could do this!”
Trouble is, everyone thinks that. I think picture books are probably the toughest kind of writing for children. They are short, which means every word must count. The language of picture books is subtle. Not to mention, picture books are extremely expensive to produce. Therefore, they are a bigger investment on the part of the publisher. That means stories that are bought for picture books must stand out from the crowd – they must have “heart, smarts and sparkle”.
What does “heart, smarts and sparkle” mean? Just like with most writing, it’s a bit indefinable and also a bit subjective. Your story must have heart – meaning it must touch the reader in some way as to leave an impression. When they walk away from your story, do people forget about it or does it linger, wooing them back to look at it again or think about the characters? Is it a book that a child would want read to them over and over? Smarts is about your voice and style. Is it well-done? And sparkle – is just like it sounds. Does your story sparkle? Does it have that special something that makes it rise above the hundreds and hundreds of other stories out there?
Let’s pause and get one big myth about picture books out of the way. You do not need to find an illustrator to submit a picture book!! Do not try to convince your cousin or your aunt or your best friend’s niece to illustrate it. If you do, then you’ve just increased your chances of a rejection. Why? Well, if you submit a story and illustrations, then the publisher has to love both. When you submit as a package, it is either bought or rejected as a package. So that means the story has to be excellent and the illustrations have to be excellent. So unless you are a professional illustrator yourself, don’t include them. Leave the illustrations to the art department of the publisher that buys your book. Most publishers have a stable of artists that they like to work with and if they love your story, they will find a great illustrator. Your only concern should be writing a great story.
And unlike any other type of book, picture books are meant to work on a word and visual level. So as you construct the story, you must keep the visual aspect in mind. You don’t need to make notes or suggestions about “what picture should go here”, because the key is in the story itself. Your story, and the words you use, should inspire first the editor to “see” what pictures are possible, and later an artist to draw something that complements and enhances the story.
One of the best things you can do is go to a bookstore or library and sit and read a lot of picture books. Consider it the best education you can get. But don’t read randomly – read really good ones. Read award-winning picture books. Read ones that have been published in the last 6-8 months. Read, read, read!
These lists should give you a good starting point:
The Top 100 http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/540044254.html
Caldecott Winners: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal.cfm
When you are reading, don’t forget to analyze the stories:
What about the story is unique?
At its core, what is the story about?
What unique language devices are used?
Why do you think this story got published?
Up next, middle grade novels. Don’t forget to throw out your questions in the comments.