Wow! Two years have passed.
Yes, it was two years ago this April, I finished the final touches on my first pre-school picture book.
Writing and publishing a picture book was a big learning curve.
Took me a year to finish this tiny 32-page book. Whew!
Maybe you have an idea for a children’s book, but like so many, you’ve put off starting because a picture book is a bit different from writing an adult story.
Let me speed you along toward your goal.
I’ve put together a list of 8 things I learned the hard way about writing a picture book.
- Buy a good PDF program. Yes, some people use MS Word but, trust me, it’s not worth the headaches. I finally settled on Nitro Pro 10 Page Plus. It’s cheaper than Adobe and easy to use.
- Writers write and editors edit. Use an editor that understands children’s books. Yes, even small 32-page picture books need an editor. I found a great one by just asking around. LinkedIn and Facebook Groups are great resources. I found a wonderful editor, Margaret Welwood.
- Unless you can really draw, I can’t, find a good illustrator. Ask around. See #2.
- Decide on the size of your book. Go to the bookstore and library, look at other books for similar to your book. Me, I went with 8.5 x 8.5. Not too big or not too small for little hands.
- Download a photo editing program, I used Paint.NET, to help size the illustrations. Adobe will work too.
- Purchase an ISBN. That will help your books get into libraries.Who doesn’t want that, right? You can use the same number for IngramSpark and Amazon publishing.
- Use the cover templates provided by IngramSpark and Amazon or whichever publisher you decide. Each template is different.
- Order proof copies before you finalize and publish. Hard lesson.
My tips don’t apply to an ebook. No, this post is about producing a print picture book.
Do you want to write a picture book?
Have you written one already? Do share your tips.
Did I answer some of your questions?
Want more? Click and read…
Free Picture Book Thumbnail Templates for Writers and Illustrators
Picture Book Dummy, Picture Book Construction: Know Your Layout
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Jean's Writing 
Excellent, Jean.
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Thanks Jennie
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You’re welcome, Jean.
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Reblogged this on When Angels Fly.
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Learn what you need to know about writing a children’s book from this post on Jean’s Writing Blog
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Reblogged this on Plaisted Publishing House and commented:
Huge learning curve….You got that right 🙂 Though it was fun to do a picture book.
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Yes, they are fun and one day I’m gonna do another one.
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They are great fun. I am working on on at present along with starting one with a client 🙂 Good luck with your next book.
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Great advice. I have published 4 picture books with a 5th coming out soon. I agree with everything you say and would have liked to have had this advice two years ago when I started. I make my illustrations out of fondant and photograph them. Illustrations are vital.
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I was lucky to find a budding illustrator. She was amazing and didn’t break my bank account. 🙂
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nice post. please give me idea about how to writing comedy story ?
please also check my blog at least one time
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Sorry comedy is not my strong suit. 😦
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oh so said
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Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
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Thanks for reblog
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Thank you Jean. 🙂
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My pleasure
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
Great – hard won – tips from Jean 😀
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