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Writing Irresistible Picture Books

Mary Kole

The average picture book is only 600 words. How hard can that be to write?. This question leads a lot of aspiring authors down the road of the picture book. While picture books are easy and fun to read—they can be extremely challenging to write well. Join me on an exploration of this amazing, engaging, and colorful category of children’s books. I edit hundreds of picture book projects each year, and have insights on them from a craft perspective, as well as my time as a children’s book literary agent.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

An introduction to how to use the class and get more support.

The premise, execution, formatting and submission ideas for picture books.
Read more

Learn about the picture book category, and what makes for strong ideas for this audience.

Picture Book Structure

Nitty gritty details about the writing of your manuscript.

How to format and go about submitting your picture book manuscript to agents and publishers.

If you take away one thing from this class, it'll be this big idea.

A summary of the heart of my picture book philosophy. You will also find the downloadable resources from this class here.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Writing Irresistible Picture Books with these activities:
Review 'Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication'
Familiarize yourself with the key concepts and techniques of picture book writing before the course begins. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the course material and participating in discussions.
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  • Obtain a copy of 'Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Complete the exercises in the book to practice your skills.
Review Story Structure Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of basic story structure principles, such as plot, character development, and theme. This will help you analyze and improve your own picture book manuscripts.
Show steps
  • Review online resources on story structure.
  • Identify the key elements of story structure in existing picture books.
  • Practice outlining stories using different story structures.
Develop a Picture Book Idea
Generate and refine a picture book idea based on the principles discussed in the course. This will provide a practical application of the course material and allow you to receive feedback from the instructor and other students.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm potential picture book ideas.
  • Develop a brief outline of your story.
  • Write a short summary of your picture book idea.
Four other activities
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Participate in a Picture Book Critique Group
Share your picture book ideas and manuscripts with other writers and receive constructive feedback. This will help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing skills.
Show steps
  • Find a local or online picture book critique group.
  • Prepare your manuscript for critique.
  • Provide constructive feedback to other writers.
Read 'The Picture Book Manuscript: Everything You Need to Know to Write and Sell Your Story'
Gain a deeper understanding of the elements that make a successful picture book manuscript. This will help you evaluate your own work and make informed revisions.
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Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Picture Book Manuscript'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters relevant to your current project.
  • Apply the advice in the book to your own manuscript.
Revise and Polish Your Picture Book Manuscript
Refine your picture book manuscript based on feedback received from critique groups and the instructor. This will help you create a polished and professional manuscript that is ready for submission.
Show steps
  • Incorporate feedback from critique groups and the instructor.
  • Proofread your manuscript carefully.
  • Create a final version of your manuscript.
Compile a List of Picture Book Agents and Publishers
Research and compile a list of agents and publishers who specialize in picture books. This will help you target your submissions to the most appropriate recipients.
Show steps
  • Research agents and publishers who represent picture books.
  • Create a spreadsheet or document with contact information and submission guidelines.
  • Prioritize your list based on your manuscript's genre and target audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing Irresistible Picture Books will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Children's Book Author
A children's book author creates engaging stories tailored for young readers. This course on writing picture books directly supports this career, offering insights into crafting compelling narratives within a concise word count. The course's focus on picture book structure, formatting, and submission prepares aspiring authors to navigate the publishing process effectively. Learning about what makes for strong ideas in the picture book category helps a children's book author. In particular, the section on execution is most helpful for a children's book author.
See salaries and explore the career path for Children's Book Author
Children's Book Editor
A children's book editor works with authors to refine and improve their manuscripts. This course provides valuable insights into the picture book market, including elements that make a story successful. The course content on picture book structure and execution contributes to an editor's understanding of what makes a manuscript publishable. Aspiring editors should take this course in particular because of the instructor's experience editing hundreds of picture books, which helps a children's book editor find success.
See salaries and explore the career path for Children's Book Editor
Literary Agent
A literary agent represents authors and sells their work to publishers. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the picture book landscape, equipping agents with knowledge of what publishers seek. The course's discussion of formatting and submission prepares agents to effectively pitch manuscripts. The instructor's experience as a children's book literary agent provides an insider's perspective that agents can leverage. Learning about the picture book category also helps a literary agent.
See salaries and explore the career path for Literary Agent
Freelance Writer
A freelance writer crafts diverse content, including children's stories. This course on picture books provides a targeted skill set for writers looking to expand into this genre. The emphasis on concise writing and engaging storytelling helps freelance writers produce high-quality picture book manuscripts. The course's insights into picture book structure and formatting are particularly relevant for freelance writers seeking to publish their work. Learning about the premise may also be useful for a freelance writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer
Content Creator
A content creator develops engaging materials for various platforms. This course may be useful for content creators who want to produce children's content, such as short stories or educational materials. The course's focus on concise writing and compelling narratives helps content creators craft engaging content for young audiences. The exploration of the picture book category equips content creators with insights into what resonates with children and parents. Learning about the big idea may also be useful for a content creator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs educational materials. This course may be helpful for those creating early childhood literacy programs. Understanding the structure and appeal of picture books contributes to designing age-appropriate and engaging learning resources. The course's insights into what makes a strong picture book idea can inform the development of effective reading materials. Learning about formatting may also be useful for a curriculum developer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Copywriter
A copywriter writes persuasive marketing materials. This course may be useful for copywriters seeking to write engaging content for children's products or services. The ability to craft concise and compelling narratives, as emphasized in the course, translates to effective copywriting. Understanding what appeals to children, as explored in the picture book context, can inform marketing strategies. Learning about execution also helps a copywriter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter
Storyteller
A storyteller captivates audiences with engaging narratives. This course provides insights into crafting compelling stories for young listeners. The emphasis on structure, pacing, and engaging execution, which is discussed in the course, helps storytellers refine their craft. The focus on picture books equips storytellers with knowledge of what resonates with children. Learning about the premise of picture books may be useful for a storyteller.
See salaries and explore the career path for Storyteller
Illustrator
An illustrator creates visuals that accompany written text, often in books. While this course focuses on the writing aspect of picture books, understanding the structure and narrative elements helps an illustrator create visuals that complement the story effectively. Learning about what makes a story engaging helps an illustrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages communication and reputation for clients. This course may be useful for public relations specialists working with authors or publishers in the children's book market. Understanding the key elements of successful picture books, as covered in the course, helps specialists develop effective publicity campaigns and messaging. Learning about the picture book category helps a public relations specialist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Elementary School Teacher
An elementary school teacher educates children in a variety of subjects. A course on writing picture books may be useful for teachers looking to write their own educational stories or find exemplary stories for their students. Learning what elements of stories engage children may help a teacher select books to read in class. Also, learning about the main ideas behind strong picture books may guide a teacher in providing writing instruction. The picture book category may also be an important consideration for an Elementary School Teacher.
See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher
Social Media Manager
A social media manager creates content for online audience engagement. A course on writing picture books may be useful for understanding how to create content which has a core message or lesson for kids. Learning what elements of stories engage children may help a social media manager develop creative marketing campaigns for children's products or brands. Also, learning about the picture book category may help a social media manager understand children's media.
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Librarian
A librarian curates and manages collections of books and resources. This course may be useful for librarians who want to create and write children's content. The understanding of picture books gained by taking this course may inform the development of library programs. Also, learning about the picture book category may help a librarian select more books. The big idea behind the picture book category may also be useful for a Librarian.
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Translator
A translator converts content from one language to another. This course may be helpful for translators who want to translate kid's content. The emphasis on structure, pacing, and engaging execution, which is discussed in the course, helps translators understand how to structure the content in another language. The focus on picture books equips translators with knowledge of what resonates with children. Learning about the premise of picture books may be useful for a translator.
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Book Reviewer
A book reviewer evaluates and critiques books for publications or websites. This course equips reviewers with a deeper understanding of the craft of picture book writing. The insights into picture book structure and execution, as explored in the course, help reviewers assess the quality and effectiveness of a book's narrative. Understanding what constitutes a strong picture book idea enables reviewers to provide informed and insightful critiques. The picture book category may also be useful for a book reviewer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Book Reviewer

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Writing Irresistible Picture Books.
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the picture book writing process, from initial idea to publication. It offers practical advice and exercises to help aspiring authors develop their skills. It is particularly useful for understanding the nuances of the picture book market and crafting stories that resonate with young readers. This book can serve as a valuable reference throughout the course.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
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Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
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Effort
1 total hour
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Mary Kole
Language
English
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