The Art of Picture Book Endings
As writers, we spend so much energy crafting the beginnings of our picture books—hooking young readers, establishing characters, setting up a world. But just as vital, if not more so,…
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Repetition Without Redundancy
Repetition is a powerful tool in picture books—when used with purpose. It can: Build rhythm and structure Reinforce theme Create anticipation and page turns Support early literacy through predictability But…
Creating Memorable Main Characters in Under 500 Words
In picture books, 500 words (or less) is the goal for narrative fiction and non-fiction…. so character development has to happen quickly, and memorably. Your protagonist needs to capture hearts…
Voice vs. Tone – What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
“Voice” and “tone” are often used interchangeably—but in the publishing world they are not the same. And understanding the difference can elevate your manuscript from promising to polished. Voice is…
First Lines that Lure – How to Hook Readers from Page One
This September, we’re focusing on the two Cs that define successful picture books: Craft and Character. And what better place to begin than the very first line? A strong opening…
Submission Tracking – The Key to Managing Your Submissions
You’ve revised, polished, formatted, and researched. You’ve written a strong query and identified a list of agents or editors who might be a great fit. But once you start submitting…
Demystifying the Submissions Process
You’ve polished your manuscript, formatted it beautifully, crafted a clear and compelling query letter… and now, you’ve finally hit send. First: take a deep breath and congratulate yourself. Submitting your…
How & When to Use Art Notes in Picture Book Manuscripts
It’s a classic question: Should I include art notes in my picture book manuscript? The answer – if you are an author only and not an illustrator – is… No!…
Formatting a Picture Book Manuscript the Right Way
August may be quiet in the publishing world, but that’s exactly why it’s the perfect time to get your submission ducks in a row—starting with your manuscript format. Before you…
The Mid-Year Manuscript Check-In: Are You On Track?
It’s hard to believe we’re already more than halfway through the year! Summer often brings a welcome shift in rhythm—longer days, looser schedules, and (hopefully!) more time to read, write,…
