Picture Book Perfection (Paperback)

Picture Book Perfection: How to Write a Children's Book that Sells to Publishers (And Readers)
- Signed Author Copy -

Get a FREE companion workbook with the purchase of the book!

Have an idea for a children’s picture book? This is for you.

From award-winning author and publisher, Brooke Van Sickle walks you step-by-step through the children's book writing process. This book will show you not only HOW to write your book and get it published, but it will show you WHAT to do to get readers to connect with your manuscript and make them fall in love with your story.

PICTURE BOOK PERFECTION is an easy-to-consume resource on crafting stories for children ages 2 to 8. Thoroughly covering every step of the process, you'll be able to read the material and work side-by-side with your own manuscript using the techniques and exercises provided inside along with the free bonus workbook. The FREE self-study workbook is included with your purchase to ensure you can confidently finish your picture book like a professional.

Techniques include how to:

• Get started with your idea

• Know if you have a "good" story idea

• Craft characters kids can relate to

• Spin your narrative into a complete plot

• Successfully finish your manuscript and prepare it for publication

Whether you're brand-new to children's book writing, or have tried unsuccessfully to see your book in print before, PICTURE BOOK PERFECTION is the resource you need to help you break through barriers and see your book published. 

Get started today crafting a story that will appeal to young readers, parents, agents, and editors.

What readers are saying:

"I'd never written a children's picture book before, but Brooke's expert guidance helped me nail my plot and characters. I found the "rule of three" especially useful for mastering my plot. I now have a picture book manuscript I'm truly proud of!" - Sarah Graves -

"Picture Book Perfection is user-friendly and includes lots of steps to follow and implement. Even if you've written the book already, you can still use it to edit your book. Thank you!" - Colleen Anderson -

TABLE OF CONTENTS...

Chapter One: Why Picture Books

• Writing a Picture Book for Today’s Reader

• Understanding the Different Picture Book Markets

• What Does It Mean to Write a Picture Book?

Chapter Two: Finding a Winning Story Idea

• Where Do Ideas Come From?

• How Do You Know if You Have a “Good” Idea?

• Deciding What Picture Book Idea to Write About

Chapter Three: “Gathering Your Story Assets”

• Creating Your Characters

• Choosing Your Setting

• Determining Your Story Goal or Purpose

Chapter Four: Outlining Your Plot

• Three Plot Outlines for Picture Books

• Making Characters and Plot Work Together

• Using the “Rule of Three”

Chapter Five: Writing Your Picture Book

• What Does a Picture Book Manuscript Look Like?

• Elements to Incorporate in Your Writing

• Using Dialogue in Your Story

• Choosing Your Story Title

Chapter Six: Editing Your Picture Book

• The Four Types of Story Edits

• Four Easy Editing Tricks to Use

• Advanced Writing Tips to Improve Your Story

• Adding in Back Matter

Chapter Seven: The Illustrator’s Role in Picture Books

• Whose Job is it to Find an Illustrator?

• Should You Submit Your Story with Illustrations?

• Using Illustration Notes

Chapter Eight: Finishing Your Manuscript

• What to do When You’ve Finished

• Finding a Critique Group

• Getting the “Green” Light to Move Forward

Chapter Nine: Getting Your Book Published

• Writing Your Pitch

• Traditional Publishing

• Self-Publishing

• Hybrid Publishing

Chapter Ten: What’s Next?

• Get the Picture Book Reading List

• Join the Kidlit Community

• Have Your Story Professionally Reviewed

Who's this book for?

Picture Book Perfection is the best resource for anyone new to children's book writing and wants to write their first-ever picture book, or someone who's been trying to get published--without any success yet--and looking for a new approach to their book. This is the #1 resource to help you be successful.

How soon after purchasing will you receive the book?

Picture Book Perfection is a paperback that will ship via the mailing address you provide at checkout. It should arrive within 2-3 weeks of ordering your book.

You will also receive a bonus Workbook that is only available in digital PDF format. You can choose to print the entire book and have it bound or keep it in a 3-ring binder, or you can print just the pages you need at specific times. Whatever works best for you.

This is a physical product. It will ship within 2-3 weeks of purchase.

Please note: Our products are for personal use only. While you can use the fillable fields on your computer or print out the sheets yourself, you cannot share the free workbook with anyone else, make a copy, or use it for resale.