Use this guide if you have an idea for a picture book for young children. You do not need to draw; most authors submit text only. Have a notebook and a few recent picture books from the library for reference.
Step by step
Study current picture books
Borrow a stack of recent picture books and read them aloud. Notice how short the texts are, how each page turn creates a small surprise and how pictures tell part of the story. Many picture books follow a standard 32-page format.
Shape a simple story
Give one relatable main character a clear problem, a few attempts to solve it and a satisfying ending. Keep it focused on what matters to young children, such as friendship, fears, bedtime or trying something new. Avoid lecturing; let the story carry the message.
Write tight, rhythmic text
Use short sentences, lively verbs and some repetition children can join in with. Rhyme is hard to do well, so use it only if the rhythm is perfect. Cut anything the pictures could show instead, such as colours or what characters wear.
Plan the page turns
Split the text across roughly 12 to 14 spreads with a simple storyboard or a folded paper dummy. Make sure each spread has something different to illustrate. Adjust the text so a question or tension sits before each page turn.
Test it aloud
Read the text aloud to yourself and, if possible, to children of the right age. Watch where they lose interest, laugh or join in. Revise until every word earns its place.
Choose your route to readers
For traditional publishing, send the text to agents or publishers who accept picture books, without illustrations unless you are also an illustrator, and follow their guidelines. If self-publishing, you will need to hire and pay a professional illustrator and agree the rights in writing. Research either route carefully before paying anyone.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Read a range of recent picture books
- One clear character and problem
- Text trimmed to essentials
- Story mapped across spreads
- Each spread has a new image to show
- Read aloud and revised
- Submission or publishing route chosen
- Guidelines followed exactly
Practical tips
- Keep illustration notes to a minimum and include them only where the pictures must show something the text does not say.
- Write several different stories, as agents often like to see that you have more than one idea.
- Look up the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook or agency websites to find who represents picture book authors.
Common problems
My text is much longer than published picture books.
Picture books are usually very short, so cut description the illustrations can show and remove secondary characters or subplots. Reading it aloud and timing it helps show where it drags.
I do not know an illustrator.
For traditional publishing you do not need one, because the publisher pairs text with an illustrator. Only self-publishers need to hire one, with a clear written agreement on fees and rights.
My story teaches a lesson but children seem bored.
Lead with fun, character and humour, and let the lesson arise naturally from what happens. Children engage with stories, not sermons.
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