How to Write a Children's Picture Book and Get It Published

by Andrea Shavick

What do picture book publishers really want? This text has all the answers, including what to write about and how to write it, how to present your work professionally, how to persuade your chosen publisher to accept your book for publication. It covers virtually everything you need to know about selling your work to agents and publishers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2011

Reviews

[Rachel Ammons · Rating 1 out of 5]

I agree with previous reviewers who have said to steer clear of the advice in this book. Much of it feels outdated and contradictory. For example, she speaks a lot on how your manuscript should cater to a global market and how you need to keep sales and publishers in mind while writing, but then ends the book by saying you should do it for the love of the craft.

Also, I did not agree with her stance at the beginning of the book about the specifics of story writing, including settings and characters. She basically says to make as neutral of settings and characters as possible, encouraging authors to avoid characters/settings that are too specific or localized. Basically, write about animal characters instead of human beings, even though there are already thousands of books with animal characters.

I was also upset that she mentioned how hard the “PC police” have made things. That left a bad taste in my mouth about this author.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having written a series of children's picture books, which I would dearly love to get published. I thought this would be a useful read and was delighted when my daughter bought it for me for Christmas. However, I found it totally disheartening. The message I brought away was, 'Don't give up the day job, forget any hope of getting your stories into print.' This may be primarily because my stories are in rhyme, and other people may find it a helpful resource. Good luck to them.
*Sigh

[Charlee-Ann Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to abandon this book part way through. The author tries to project a "tough love" approach that just comes off as far too negative to inspire or inform. I disagreed with a lot of their points destined to only produce trite, generic stories with no soul at all but "marketable to an international audience". Because heaven forbid characters can have genders, be human, have real names, or feature a red letter box. I also found the author to be quite dismissive and insulting towards illustrators saying how rare it was to find one who can actually draw humans. I got do mad at the author that I had to abandon this book part way through and move on.

[hoji · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a lot about children's book through this book. Yet, at the same time, I feel like the message of this book is too generic and common. I mean everything starts from being generic, but it would have been better if this book included more 'useful' information for those who want to write a genuine story. Anyway, very informative and straightforward book. I would not recommend this book, but I think it's a good try.

[Suzanne Houghton · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are new to writing do not read this book. Totally sends you in the wrong direction with lists of things you can and can't write about. ANY subject can be covered in children's writing. You just need to do it right. And as for don't write in rhyme or be humours???? That's not leaving much for kids to enjoy.

[Nikki Magennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halfway through and this has already earned its stars. Fantastically informative, straightforward and even a bit funny, too.

[Jared Pangier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a straightforward How-to book that lives up to its title. The book not only comes with writing advice but samples from the author for how to create a manuscript, cover letter, and title page. These examples and clear instructions are extremely helpful for someone who is interested in writing and publishing.

My daughter and I have a wonderful story fleshed out in 100-600 words or less, nicely formatted the way Ms. Shavick suggests. Next, I will continue sending the manuscript to publishers as my wife also brushes up her illustrative skills. There are two paths to publishing: the whole book, with illustrations included, or simply the manuscript. We will try both.

This book is not only useful for my own desire to write and publish, but also as a guide for me teaching middle school students how to go through this process.

Worthwhile and practical.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an easy, conversational read, which provided insightful advice and important information regarding how to write and publish a children’s picture book. I now feel prepared for the next step ie. prepping my manuscript for submission. Happy to have this book as a guide.

[Anna Morgenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a concise, very helpful book full of tips and advice of how to write a picture book that is realistically marketable.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the book that teaches me about "How to". I chose to read this book because the tittle of this book was really impactful and unique. From that I though writing title is very valuable for the readers. In this book its talking about, what is picture book? or expanding the steps of how to write children book. Overall it is more based on children perspectives because author knows what kids likes and this that we should above when we write children's books. Also in this book, there has all the answer with " what do picture book publishers really want? This book provides comprehensive advice on what to write about for children, how to write it, and how to present the work professionally for publication. It includes an easy-to-use picture book layout plan and tried and tested examples of title sheets and covering letters. It also includes everything a writer needs to know about the international picture book market and how to sell to agents and publishers.
I personally enjoyed reading this book and I will recommend to everyone who loves kids or write book.

[Sonya Bright · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aspiring authors beware: this is a staggeringly outdated book that gives some shockingly bad advice (the kind of advice that will get you blacklisted by publishers). The author also writes with several agendas, and there are a lot of xenophobic undertones - and overtones! - in her writing advice.

More detailed review on the way soon.