Do you think writing a picture book is easy?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

Well, I did!

And was I in for a rude surprise.

Yes, this little picture book was a lot more difficult than I ever imagined. 

But I’m getting closer to the finish line. 

This little Princess is almost here.

I’m working on covers now.

Coming into the home stretch and shooting for an April launch! Whoo hoo. 

Sometimes I’m so naive. I’d really thought this picture book would be easier than my first book, Tryouts for Ben. Boy was I in for a big surprise. I’m beginning to believe, size doesn’t matter. LOL

A book is a book, and the work involved to bring it to readers, no matter their age, is all the same. As a writer, I want to always produce a great product and that takes a lot of time and work. An editor is just as valuable for a children’s book as for a 600 page historical novel. 

Concept and idea matters. In fact, I’m learning as with every story I write, everything matters. 

If you’re interested in writing a children’s book the following articles may help you get started. 

How To Develop Children Story Ideas and Create Picture Books

10 TIPS FOR WRITING CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS

Writing Picture Books for Children

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the cover for my new book.

Too plain? Suggestions?

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

 

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32 thoughts on “Do you think writing a picture book is easy?”

  1. I like your cover it is appealing and I would purchase it because the cover is kind and friendly, we want children to like reading after all. But she looks like she is enjoying her lot as a princess and isn’t reluctant afterall.

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  3. You know who doesn’t think writing a picture book is easy? Anyone who’s ever written one! I really like this cover. It’s adorable and engaging. The reason why picture books are challenging is because you are trying to tell a story in few words so every word counts and has to be just the right one! Plus if you’re not an illustrator, you are also relying on someone else to help convey your message. I knew just what I wanted to say in my picture book about grandparents, that today’s grands are vibrant, etc. but it took me several rounds with the illustrator before he got the images to reiterate exactly what I meant. Your book looks great. Can’t wait to see it in real life. Love the title.

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      1. Question. My picture book is written and the illustrations are marvelous. I’m waiting for a printer to offer a larger format for my picture book. Do you ‘co-author’ your book with an illustrator, or do you pay him/her separately for the illustrations, and keep the book’s copyright in your name?
        I love your cover! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Jean, love this little reluctant princess look! It’s a perfect cover! Don’t know why I think the chair color could be a little darker purple, or the dress darker for contrast. But, next thought…you already tried that and like it as is! Elizabeth

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  12. Hi Jean, I love your cover. It made me want to visit your site. The princess shows she’s struggling to remove the crown which shows her reluctance to what? Makes one want to know why. I agree writing a picture book is as difficult as writing a novel. All the best with your launch. 😊

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  13. I LOVE this! The look on her face is priceless. I appreciate that it is NOT PINK, as I see purple as a most regal color. With the oversized chair and crown, I know instantly that this is about a l-i-t-t-l-e girl. And her clothes speak to an innocence that invites me to want to open the book and explore. Fine job, Jean! Fine job!

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