So You Want to Write Children’s Picture Books?
It looks so easy.
Less than a thousand words and some accompanying pictures. How difficult could it be to write a children’s picture book?
Actually, more difficult than most people think!
Perhaps you have a story you’ve told to your children or grandchildren for years. Everyone who hears it encourages you to “Write a book!” God may, indeed, be prompting you to write a children’s picture book.
Unfortunately, many people begin the process like the character in this video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-l68L0h-go&feature=youtu.be
Here’s a glimpse of what writing a children’s book entails:
First, it’s important to research in at least three ways:
– Study the market. Read other picture books. Is your story similar to other published books?
– Study your audience. Are you familiar with their likes and dislikes? Are you comfortable using vocabulary appropriate to their age?
– Study the publishing industry. Attend writers’ conferences and join associations such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Which publishers are pursuing picture books? What are their writers’ guidelines? Do they prefer characters who are people or animals? If it’s a Christian book, does the publisher have a particular doctrinal focus?
Second, it’s important to understand your own motive:
– Are you writing the book to become rich and famous – to be another J.K. Rowling? If you are, stop now and pick another career. Rowling is the exception, not the rule. Besides, God’s definition of success is not the same as the world’s definition. Will you be content to be successful in God’s eyes alone?
– Are you writing the book because everyone has told you what a gifted writer you are? The ability to write, like any gift or talent the Lord gives us, should be used to glorify Him and serve His people, not to make a name for ourselves. Second Corinthians 10:17-18 tells us, “But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” Even if you’re writing for the secular market, your motive can still be to honor the One who gave you this gift!
Third, as you write:
– Pray! Depend on the Holy Spirit, not your own perceived abilities, no matter how good people have said you are. Ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to write. I’ve learned, often the hard way, that my falls are the most painful when I depend on myself!
– Carefully handle God’s Word. Don’t take verses out of context to make your point. Guard against teaching error in efforts to simplify Bible truth for young children.
– Persevere! Don’t be content with the first, second, or even third draft. Evaluate your rhythm and rhyme. Don’t settle for good work – make it great!
There’s nothing more satisfying that fulfilling the purpose for which God has created you. If that purpose is to write for Him and His people – or whatever it is – go for it!
For you writers out there, what else would you add to this list?
I am currently revising three Christian Children’s Picture Book stories I have recently written. They’re not perfect yet. Are there guidelines somewhere for what-to-do / what-NOT-to-do in a Christian Children’s Picture Book? I have just started researching this field.
Thank you for any help you can provide,
Jesse Wenger
Sowing Seeds is an excellent resource for anyone who wishes to write for the Christian Children’s market. http://www.amazon.com/Sowing-Seeds-Writing-Christian-Childrens/dp/0983680841/
Thank you very much! How do you find an illustrator? What up front costs do you usually have?
Traditional publishers usually use their own illustrators.
If you are self-publishing, you might want to visit the website of the Society of Christian Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI): http://www.scbwi.org
One of their menu options is an Illustrator Gallery where you can search by art style, artist’s name, art medium, etc.
Costs would depend on what type of self-publishing you are doing. There shouldn’t be any costs for traditional publishing.
i have a short story but i dont know who to present it to? Where do i begin?
Congratulations on completing a short story!
You have several options:
– consider pitching it as a story for a children’s magazine (see Christian Writers Market Guide for periodical listings that include the types of submissions they’re seeking)
– attend a Christian writers conference to pitch your story as a magazine submission or a picture book
Keep in mind that if you’re seeking a large audience, the circulation of many periodicals far exceed the average picture book sales totals!
I have written a christian children’s book. How do I find a publisher?
Hi, Linda –
Do you have the Christian Writer’s Market Guide?
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christian-writers-market-guide-2015-2016-jerry-b-jenkins/1122220087?ean=9781404103054
You’ll find a list of publishers there.
The Guide also has provides a list of Christian writers conferences, which will help you connect with editors, other writers, and provide opportunities to attend classes and workshops to develop your writing skills.
God bless you as you write for His glory!
Linda, are you part of our Facebook group?https://www.facebook.com/groups/276681232447322 And also I am available to help you with a phone call to make it all become clearer I hope. No cost for you. Please send me a message. http://www.luisettekraal.com Or find me in the group. Luisette Kraal
Hello, Linda!
I just returned from the SCBWI conference in NY. Although I’ve been a member for over 10 years, it was my first time attending! Very encouraging–however, my manuscript is a Christian Easter PB, and I did not perceive there to be any agents who would handle that kind of material. I do have the Christian Market Book, but I wondered if you had any further advice?
Have you attended any Christian Writing Conferences. There are several to choose from. One Christian conference coming up in the spring is Write2Ignite. It focuses on writing for children, teens and young adults. Write2Ignite takes place at Northern Greenville University in South Carolina. Here is a link for more information: http://write2ignite.com/
Hello, Can you please reccomend a software for kids picture books which will help put it all together.
Thanks & regards Trudy
I’m sorry, Trudy. I’m not aware of any.
Can you explain a little bit what you are looking for? Interesting question!
Thank you for speaking the truth in love, Ava!
I wish to start to write Short christain children Books, please i need someone to guide me as a mentor, Thanks and God bless.
Yes, have you seen our facebook group? It is especially for Christian Children’s books. https://www.facebook.com/groups/276681232447322. You may reach out to me at http://www.luisettekraal.com I will be happy to help you!
Please I have the passion to write Christian books for children,how do I start please?I need someone to mentor me thanks
Mentoring a beginning author is a major time-consuming task. I encourage you to enroll in a writing course and/or seek out writing groups in social media to help you get a feel for what lies ahead. Write2Ignite is a writing group for Christian children’s writers. Word Weavers International is also a great place to connect with serious writers.