One of the most common questions I hear from my students, editing clients, and other aspiring children’s book writers is: How do I know when my manuscript is truly ready to submit to agents or editors? The honest answer is that most writers submit too early....
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Writers often worry about beginnings. They worry about endings even more. But the place where picture books most often falter is the middle—the...
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Many writers assume that depth comes from complexity—that richer stories require more plot, more explanation, more moving parts. But picture books teach us...
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Picture books are often thought of as "simple." Short sentences. Only so many pages. A quick read. But anyone who has ever tried...
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Dialogue in picture books does a lot of heavy lifting. Good dialogue: - Reveals character - Builds tension - Moves the plot forward - Delivers conflict -...
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Let’s start with a confession. For years, I used “voice” and “tone” interchangeably. And the truth is, in casual conversation, many writers do....
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When a picture book works—really works—it feels almost effortless. The story flows, the voice sings, and the art and text come together...
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It’s an all-too-familiar feeling: you’re scrolling through social media and see another picture book deal announcement. Someone got an agent. Someone else...
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A well-placed page turn in a picture book can feel like magic. It’s the invisible hand that guides your reader through the story,...
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Repetition is a powerful tool in picture books—when used with purpose. It can: Build rhythm and structure Reinforce theme Create anticipation and...
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