Picture Book Writing Tips

Here are few basic tips to keep in mind when writing picture books.

Tip #1 Read and Study Picture Books

• Immerse yourself into the world of picture books.

• Study books by Caldecott, Newberry, and Coretta Scott King winners.

• Review the text on the page and its readability.

Tip #2 Kill Your Darlings

• Don’t be precious with your words. Make sure every word deserves to be there.

• Most picture books are 500-600 words for Fiction; 700-800 words for Non-Fiction.

• True writing begins during the revision process. Revise, Revise, Revise!

Tip #3 Your Voice Matters

• Be authentic in your storytelling.

• Show don’t tell.

• Choose your writing style - Rhyme or Prose.

Tip #4 Layers, Not Just for Cakes

• Layers can be defined as different elements within your story.

• Adding layers create depth to your story and make it more marketable.

• Guide to Layers in Picture Books

Bonus: 

Critique Partners are important. Build your writing community.

What’s selling, What’s trending

• Non-Fiction: different perspectives, little known facts

• Fiction: diversity & inclusion, environmental themes, SEL

Brainstorming Activity

Let’s prime the pump. How many picture book ideas can you generate from these images?

Below are resources I have used (and still use) in my writing journey.

Resources

• Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul

• PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program

• The Highlights Foundation

• The Storyteller Academy

• SCBWI

• 12x12 PB Challenge with Julie Hedlund

• Lyrical Language Lab with Renee LaTulippe

• Mary Kole & the Good Story Company

• Picture Book Writing 101 with Debbi Ohi

• Tara Lazar’s Storystorm (held every January)

Writing Contests

• #50PreciousWords

• #SunWriteFun

• #FallWritingFrenzy

• Making Picture Book Magic

• PBParty