The question I get the most from other KidLit writers is how do you write a children’s picture book. Because this is the type of book that most children’s writers want at least start out writing.
Why do you think that is?
Because by appearances, a children’s picture book seems to be the easiest book to write. However, looks can be deceiving. Let’s look at what it really takes to write a children’s picture book and if it’s as easy as it seems…
…It happened. You got the email and now the agent has set up a call. Your heart is beating and your palms are sweating. This is YOUR moment! Don’t let all those questions you were going to ask an agent escape you when you pick up the phone.
Catch your breath. And let’s prepare for the time when the call comes–because it’s GOING to come!
And when it does, you’re going to be ready.
…Do you ever wonder how people come up with endless ideas? While you sit there and NOTHING comes to mind. How can you find a new children’s book idea that doesn’t already exist?
I’ve got you. Here are my little tricks I’ve learned to master the game of brainstorming so I never go without having a list of ideas to pull from.
…Girl power. LGBTQ. Middle grade. These may sound familiar to you because they’re trending book ideas that have been buzzing around agents and editors A TON lately. However, you shouldn’t focus on the trends. You should write the book you want.
This can be very tempting to skip over and push off, but I’m serious. Chasing trends will not help you get your book published any faster. Unless of course you are a self-publishing author who is ready to publish that book right now!
…Are you starting to doubt whether this writing “thing” will ever work? Whether it’s even worth your time trying to get published? Did you just get another rejection letter and now you’re experiencing all sorts of doubt?
I recently submitted to another batch of agents and I’m paralyzed in my writing. So much, I can’t even LOOK at my books right now. And questions like– is it worth it? Should I go back and get a “real job”?– keep soaring through my head.
…Have you ever thought: “I’m a writer, I don’t need to know marketing”? After all, it’s the publisher’s job to market your book, right?
WRONG!
Yes, you may get some assistance with marketing from your publisher (some more than others), however, it’s still the author’s job to help market the book.
…Have you ever really wanted to sit down to write because an idea popped into your head or you FINALLY know how to fix a scene, but you feel really guilty about doing it? You get that sick feeling in your stomach like you just lied to your pastor on whether you should find time to write.
It’s embedded in your soul and what you crave most. So how do you do that without neglecting everything else around you or putting too much of a burden on your spouse?
…Do you have a story that you want to publish? I’ve combined everything you need to know in order to publish a children’s book with a traditional publisher.
Writing a book is fun, but actually getting it published, is where the magic happens. Now, parents can buy the book and children get to READ it! It’s what all of us authors dream of, right? But how do we exactly publish a children’s book?
…Do you have a story that will make the perfect children’s book? But you don’t know where to start, let alone how to write a children’s book?
That exactly how I felt when I started researching the world of children’s literature. There’s SO MUCH to learn and it’s very easy to make a mistake. Unless, you have someone that can guide you.
…You can’t spend all of your time writing alone. Eventually, you need to venture outside and learn the business of finding writing groups!
As writer’s, we like to spend time alone–you know, doing that whole ‘writing’ business. In fact, most of us are introverts and that’s why we chose this industry. To be alone with our thoughts.
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