The Top 3 Considerations and Top 3 Pitfalls of Children’s Picture Books
Although this post is primarily aimed at those self-publishing picture books, there are some valid points in this post for all picture book writers to consider.
A great an in-depth overview on the various elements that go into writing a picture book. I love the diagram included at the end.
Casey McCormick has compiled a post on appropriate word counts for picture books based on her knowledge as an agent intern and research (she lists her sources at the end of the post if you want to check them out).
12 Common Picture Book Mistakes
A list of common errors picture book writers make.
Story Skeletons: Teaching Plot Structure with Picture Books
Although this post is meant to be a teaching tool for young readers/writers in the classroom, it’s a great post for writers of picture books as well. It focuses on the basic structures used in picture story books and includes examples of each structure.
5 Rules for a Breakout Picture Book: A Quick and Dirty Guide
An editor gives 5 tips on making your picture book great.
5 Tips for Creating Characters for Kids
Character development is not just important for novel length manuscripts, it’s important to create fully developed characters for children’s stories and picture books as well.
Picture Book Construction: Know Your Layout
A must read post for picture book writers on picture book layout and having an awareness of page breaks.
Tips for Writing Picture Books
5 great tips for writers of picture books.
Getting Your Children’s Book Published
A checklist of things you need to do when preparing to send your MS to publishers, specifically for children’s writers.
Only One Published Book? Aaack!
What picture book writers can do on library/school visits if they only have one published book.
Do You Want to Write Books for Children?
This post covers some common misconceptions and mistakes made by picture book writers and how you can fix/avoid them.
Thankyou Jo, I have not long been here and find this a very informative and interesting blog. I will continue to wander through when I have time.
Thank you for dropping by, I’m glad you’re finding it to be informative.
Excellent list, Jo. Eventually I’m going to do a blog roundup of helpful stuff like this, so I’ll make sure to include this page.
This is excellent! Thank you!
Have you visited Emma Walton Hamilton’s blog? Her blog is a treasure trove of information and tips for children’s writers. http://www.emmawaltonhamilton.com
Now I must subscribe to your blog and add you to my blogroll!
Renee – I’m glad to share. I’d love to see your list when you eventually put it up.
Beth – No problem! I visited Emma Walton Hamilton’s blog recently and agree. I’ve actually got one of her posts due to be added to the list at the end of this month (I usually try to update the master lists once a month).
Thanks again, Jo, for sharing these with us!
Great! Thanks for this! =)
No problem, Jarm and Elizabeth! I’m happy to share.
Great blog, and cool links in this post!
A to Z Challenge April 2012
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Thanks Damyanti!
Thank you Jo for this wonderful blog. I will be working with some middle school students on writing a children’s story book and the information you have provided has been a tremendous help to me. I look forward to following your blog for further insight.
I’m so glad you found it to be helpful. I hope your students come up with some wonderful ideas for their children’s stories.