How To Write a Children's Picture Book

Writing teacher and children's book author, Darcy Pattison explains the craft of writing children's picture books. Why format matters, how to appeal to kids and parents, writing a read-aloud friendly book, and more. Tips on marketing your manuscript to publishers. Pattison is the author of 11 Ways to Ruin a Photograph, Winner of "The Help" Children's Story Contest.

TABLE OF CONTENTSPICTURE BOOK BASICSPicture Book Structure: Why 32 Pages?Does EPUB Change the 32-page Illustrated Picture Book?Dual Audience for Children's Picture BooksPicture Book Settings: Exotic v. FamiliarChildren's Picture Book Characters: Folk Tale or Modern Story

PICTURE BOOK GENRESHow to Write a Children's ABC BookHow to Write a Read Aloud Friendly BookHow to Write a Rhyming Picture Book, Part 1How to Write a Rhyming Picture Book, Part 2Rhyming Picture Book BibliographyHow to Write a Poetry Collection Picture BookHow to Write a Picture Book MysteryHow to Write a Humorous Picture BookHow to Write a Children's Picture Book BiographyHow to Write a Creative Non-Fiction Picture BookHow to Write a Metafiction Picture Book

WRITE A PICTURE BOOKGood Writing: The BasicsPlotting a Picture BookPlan Your First Draft17 Picture Book Topics to Avoid10 Suggested Directions for TitlesDid You Write a Picture Book or Magazine Article?Let's Make a Dummy or a Mock-up of Your Picture BookFrom Shakespeare: 2 Ways to Look at Picture Book StructureRevising Your Picture Book Text5 Ways to Make the Reader Turn the PagePhonics for Picture Book WritersCreate a Compelling Voice for a Picture BookPage 32: The Last Page of a Picture Book

SUBMIT YOUR PICTURE BOOKThe Self-Publishing QuestionThe Biggest Mistake You Can Make in Submitting a Picture BookThe Illustrator Doesn't Tell YOU What to DoTitles and Subtitles Sell Your WorkHow Do I Find an Editor's Name for Submission?

RESOURCESAPPENDIX: BONUS WORKSHEETS