Write Picture Books
Picture books are magical – and they’re tremendously fun to create.
The true art of picture book writing comes alive in this selection of WriteForKids Sessions.
Picture Book Category Overview:
- Illustrated stories and nonfiction for children ages 2-5 and 4-8. Designed to be read out loud to a child.
- Text averages 1000 words or less (500-800 words is most common); books average 32 pages.
- The text focuses on the characters, plot and action of the book. Very little description. For nonfiction, text can center on basic information the reader would find interesting and relevant to their lives, or be in a narrative format (as with picture book biographies).
- Language is interesting to listen to (can be rhyming, rhythmic, or straight prose). Complex words are fine if the child can get their meaning from the context of the sentence.
- Illustrations work with the words and add to the meaning of the story.
- Characters can be children, animals, fantasy characters or adults, but they embody the worldview and sensibility of a child the age of the reader.
- Plots are action-based, with a new scene every page or two.
- Themes are straightforward, concrete and taken at face value.
Ready to write an amazing picture book? Let’s go!….
Children’s Book Insider $1 Trial Membership + Bonus Pack
Published monthly since May, 1990, each issue of CBI features:
✔️ Fresh & exclusive market opportunities, featuring publishers & agents seeking writers, contest, grants and more.
✔️ Exclusive "Above the Slushpile" member-only submission opportunities with top agents & publishers.
✔️ Interviews with leading authors, editors & agents.
✔️ Insightful how-to articles about every aspect of writing, revising & getting published, and much more!
"With CBI on my side, I went from being unpublished straight to the bestseller list! If you dream of writing for children or teens, this is the place for you."
Ken Derby, author of The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School
Join us! A three month trial membership - with loads of great bonuses - costs just $1.
Picture Book Blueprint
Now everyone can write a wonderful picture book with this step-by-step program that makes the process easy, rewarding and fun!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Picture Book Blueprint was a Godsend.
I'm published! What a joy and journey...and I could not have done it without the help of your Blueprint road map to guide me, literally, step by step!
My book is doing remarkably well and I'm flattered to be nominated for several children's book awards! Much credit goes to Picture Book Blueprint because, without it, I do not know whether I would have even finished the book, let alone published it!
Thank you for helping me become a successful children's book author!
Jessie Arrington, author of "The Villains of Splazat"
Picture Book Blueprint Easy Reader Upgrade
NOTE: Requires Picture Book Blueprint.
With this video/worksheet bundle, Picture Book Blueprint users can create wonderful Early Easy Readers without having to buy another Blueprint!
In easy Reader Upgrade, Laura....
✔️ explains what Early Easy Readers are and why it's such a great category for children's writers
✔️ describes the three types of Early Easy Readers
✔️ teaches how to take a manuscript that isn't working as a Picture Book and turn it into an Early Easy Reader
✔️ shows exactly how to use Picture Book Blueprint to create an Early Easy Reader with a collection of all-new worksheets that make adapting Picture Book Blueprint for Early Easy Readers a snap!
Get an Expert Picture Book Manuscript Critique
Now you can have your picture book manuscript professionally critiqued by Children’s Book Insider publisher Laura Backes - one of kidlit’s most acclaimed manuscript editors.
Click through to learn more and reserve your critique. PLEASE NOTE: Critique slots are extremely limited!
How to Write the Modern Picture Book
Stop writing yesterday's picture books - and start crafting manuscripts that speak to today's children (and editors, too!).
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Laura, you are a master of the craft. You know this work inside and out.
Your talk is rich and professional. I would tell others, that no matter what the topic, they should take the opportunity to hear you speak.
Helene D.
Creating a Magical Picture Book with Emotion, Compassion & Heart
The picture books that become classics are those that create an emotional connection with their audience. They have the "X Factor" that sets them apart. In this workshop, discover how to instill your own manuscripts with emotion, compassion and heart.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Amazing!
Such great information and I was so impressed with Pat's insightful attention to detail.... and delivered with such extraordinary heart.
Sharon F.
How to Write Funny Picture Books
Funny picture books are red-hot. Here's how to write books that tickle young readers' funny bones.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
What an informative and fun webinar!
Natascha was terrific - clear, organized, and knew her stuff! She pulled together the basics of writing funny picture books and shared it in a way that was easily digested and understood.
Deb S.
How to Write Rhyming Picture Books
Writing good rhyme is hard. Unless you know The Rhyme Doctors!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Thorough and easy to follow!
Terrific for learning mechanics. Loved the examples chosen. Everything was broken down for easy understanding.
I feel very motivated to read and write with the information provided. Thanks so very much for the insight!
Carol K.
Write Picture Books that Change Lives w/the Magic of SEL
A NY Times Bestselling Author Guides You Through the Exciting New World of SEL Picture Books!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was absolutely the best learning session I've ever attended.
I now have the seeds to at least a dozen or more SEL PBs. Thank you for that wonderful gift. I'm a fan for life.
Carol H.
The Missing Step to Picture Book Success: How to Create a Rock-Solid Premise
Want to write picture books the way the pros do? Then you absolutely need to check this out!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
So informative with brilliant examples.
I will be rewatching and rewatching.
Tracy C.
The Magic Portal to Great Writing – The Mentor Text Workshop
The art of reading, analyzing and extracting writing insight from great books is a crucial skill that every writer must have. Here's how to do it - the right way!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was AMAZING.
SOOO helpful. Thank you!
Vivian I.
Writing the Modern Picture Book Biography
Bring fascinating people from the past and present to life by being part of this wildly inventive category.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Wonderfully organized presentation.
Extremely informative, especially how modern biographies differ from a generation or more ago.
Sherry W.
Writing Creative Nonfiction Picture Books
Become part of a fast-growing and rewarding category!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
I never thought I would write nonfiction.
But this workshop has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me a starting point.
Thank you! I'm so glad I signed up!
Moni
How to Generate Amazing Story Ideas
Having trouble coming up with good ideas for stories? Not after watching this innovative workshop!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Ingenious and inspiring. I am already brimming with new ideas!
This was exactly the creative boost I needed. Thanks!
Robyn D.
How to Self-Edit Your Picture Book
Take your picture book manuscript from good to great with these easy-to-implement revision techniques!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This workshop was amazing & so helpful but most of all it was INSPIRING!
Christine
Picture books are magical – and they’re tremendously fun to create.
The true art of picture book writing comes alive in this selection of WriteForKids Sessions.
Picture Book Category Overview:
- Illustrated stories and nonfiction for children ages 2-5 and 4-8. Designed to be read out loud to a child.
- Text averages 1000 words or less (500-800 words is most common); books average 32 pages.
- The text focuses on the characters, plot and action of the book. Very little description. For nonfiction, text can center on basic information the reader would find interesting and relevant to their lives, or be in a narrative format (as with picture book biographies).
- Language is interesting to listen to (can be rhyming, rhythmic, or straight prose). Complex words are fine if the child can get their meaning from the context of the sentence.
- Illustrations work with the words and add to the meaning of the story.
- Characters can be children, animals, fantasy characters or adults, but they embody the worldview and sensibility of a child the age of the reader.
- Plots are action-based, with a new scene every page or two.
- Themes are straightforward, concrete and taken at face value.
Ready to write an amazing picture book? Let’s go!….
Children’s Book Insider $1 Trial Membership + Bonus Pack
Published monthly since May, 1990, each issue of CBI features:
✔️ Fresh & exclusive market opportunities, featuring publishers & agents seeking writers, contest, grants and more.
✔️ Exclusive "Above the Slushpile" member-only submission opportunities with top agents & publishers.
✔️ Interviews with leading authors, editors & agents.
✔️ Insightful how-to articles about every aspect of writing, revising & getting published, and much more!
"With CBI on my side, I went from being unpublished straight to the bestseller list! If you dream of writing for children or teens, this is the place for you."
Ken Derby, author of The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School
Join us! A three month trial membership - with loads of great bonuses - costs just $1.
Picture Book Blueprint
Now everyone can write a wonderful picture book with this step-by-step program that makes the process easy, rewarding and fun!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Picture Book Blueprint was a Godsend.
I'm published! What a joy and journey...and I could not have done it without the help of your Blueprint road map to guide me, literally, step by step!
My book is doing remarkably well and I'm flattered to be nominated for several children's book awards! Much credit goes to Picture Book Blueprint because, without it, I do not know whether I would have even finished the book, let alone published it!
Thank you for helping me become a successful children's book author!
Jessie Arrington, author of "The Villains of Splazat"
Picture Book Blueprint Easy Reader Upgrade
NOTE: Requires Picture Book Blueprint.
With this video/worksheet bundle, Picture Book Blueprint users can create wonderful Early Easy Readers without having to buy another Blueprint!
In easy Reader Upgrade, Laura....
✔️ explains what Early Easy Readers are and why it's such a great category for children's writers
✔️ describes the three types of Early Easy Readers
✔️ teaches how to take a manuscript that isn't working as a Picture Book and turn it into an Early Easy Reader
✔️ shows exactly how to use Picture Book Blueprint to create an Early Easy Reader with a collection of all-new worksheets that make adapting Picture Book Blueprint for Early Easy Readers a snap!
Get an Expert Picture Book Manuscript Critique
Now you can have your picture book manuscript professionally critiqued by Children’s Book Insider publisher Laura Backes - one of kidlit’s most acclaimed manuscript editors.
Click through to learn more and reserve your critique. PLEASE NOTE: Critique slots are extremely limited!
How to Write the Modern Picture Book
Stop writing yesterday's picture books - and start crafting manuscripts that speak to today's children (and editors, too!).
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Laura, you are a master of the craft. You know this work inside and out.
Your talk is rich and professional. I would tell others, that no matter what the topic, they should take the opportunity to hear you speak.
Helene D.
Creating a Magical Picture Book with Emotion, Compassion & Heart
The picture books that become classics are those that create an emotional connection with their audience. They have the "X Factor" that sets them apart. In this workshop, discover how to instill your own manuscripts with emotion, compassion and heart.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Amazing!
Such great information and I was so impressed with Pat's insightful attention to detail.... and delivered with such extraordinary heart.
Sharon F.
How to Write Funny Picture Books
Funny picture books are red-hot. Here's how to write books that tickle young readers' funny bones.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
What an informative and fun webinar!
Natascha was terrific - clear, organized, and knew her stuff! She pulled together the basics of writing funny picture books and shared it in a way that was easily digested and understood.
Deb S.
How to Write Rhyming Picture Books
Writing good rhyme is hard. Unless you know The Rhyme Doctors!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Thorough and easy to follow!
Terrific for learning mechanics. Loved the examples chosen. Everything was broken down for easy understanding.
I feel very motivated to read and write with the information provided. Thanks so very much for the insight!
Carol K.
Write Picture Books that Change Lives w/the Magic of SEL
A NY Times Bestselling Author Guides You Through the Exciting New World of SEL Picture Books!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was absolutely the best learning session I've ever attended.
I now have the seeds to at least a dozen or more SEL PBs. Thank you for that wonderful gift. I'm a fan for life.
Carol H.
The Missing Step to Picture Book Success: How to Create a Rock-Solid Premise
Want to write picture books the way the pros do? Then you absolutely need to check this out!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
So informative with brilliant examples.
I will be rewatching and rewatching.
Tracy C.
The Magic Portal to Great Writing – The Mentor Text Workshop
The art of reading, analyzing and extracting writing insight from great books is a crucial skill that every writer must have. Here's how to do it - the right way!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This was AMAZING.
SOOO helpful. Thank you!
Vivian I.
Writing the Modern Picture Book Biography
Bring fascinating people from the past and present to life by being part of this wildly inventive category.
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Wonderfully organized presentation.
Extremely informative, especially how modern biographies differ from a generation or more ago.
Sherry W.
Writing Creative Nonfiction Picture Books
Become part of a fast-growing and rewarding category!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
I never thought I would write nonfiction.
But this workshop has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me a starting point.
Thank you! I'm so glad I signed up!
Moni
How to Generate Amazing Story Ideas
Having trouble coming up with good ideas for stories? Not after watching this innovative workshop!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
Ingenious and inspiring. I am already brimming with new ideas!
This was exactly the creative boost I needed. Thanks!
Robyn D.
How to Self-Edit Your Picture Book
Take your picture book manuscript from good to great with these easy-to-implement revision techniques!
🔹 🔹 🔹 🔹
This workshop was amazing & so helpful but most of all it was INSPIRING!
Christine
