by Nancy I. Sanders
If you want to learn more about how to write a picture book, here are several basic steps you can take towards your goal:
Step 1: Read a book about how to write picture books.
Two of my favorites are:
Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul
The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books by Linda Ashman
Step 2: Tuck a pen and notepad or mini journal in your pocket.
Go to your local bookstore and sit in the children’s area, if they have one.
Go ahead and sit down on the carpet with all the other kids who are there, if that’s how it’s set up.
Read at least five brand new picture books.
Jot down notes or thought as you read.
Step 3: Go to your local library and check out at least 20 picture books to read over the next few weeks.
During this time, read each one ALOUD at least once.
Pick your favorite and type it out, word for word.
Step 4: Start a picture book notebook.
A small 3-ring binder is nice because you can add pages as you go.
Write down kid-friendly words you come across like PIZZAZZ and YEE-HAW!
Make a list of favorite and fun names you might like to use in your stories.
Write down titles of favorite picture books and names of favorite picture book authors.
Write mini-book reviews about the strengths and weaknesses of various picture books you read.
Use it as a place to keep notes that will help you grow as a writer of picture books.
For a picture book rubric plus other worksheets to print out and add to your picture book notebook, visit my site, Writing According to Humphrey and Friends.
Step 5: Choose two picture book projects to work on at the same time.
One will be a picture book that you just want to write.
The second one will be a picture book that you write specifically for publication.
The process will be different for each one.
For the first one, you might already have it in the works or have completed the first draft.
Go ahead and pick it up and plan to work on it more until it is polished.
For the second book, it should be a manuscript you haven’t yet started.
First find a publisher of picture books you like.
Then find a series of picture books they do.
Then find a favorite title in that series that’s already published.
Then think of several brand new topics you could write about that they haven’t published yet in that series.
Finally, choose one of those topics.
Then write your new manuscript to fit exactly into that series.
That’s how to write a manuscript specifically to get published.
That’s it.
Time to get started!
About Nancy I. Sanders
Bestselling and award-winning children’s author of over 80 books, Nancy I. Sanders wants to help you experience success writing for kids!
It’s hard work, yes, but it’s also lots of fun and very, very rewarding.
Learn tips of the trade and secrets of success in her Yes! You Can series of how-to books for children’s writers.
