A WORD ON WORD COUNT

 

First the chainsaw. Then the scissors. 

I've said it before but it's worth repeating. Want to guarantee nobody will buy your picture book manuscript? Make it long. I know, sounds harsh (I'm sorry!), but it's true. Every year the average length of picture book texts shrinks (and shrinks). So when you are in those glorious editing sessions, cut and cut and cut. Is it hard to tell a story, create characters, build scenes, develop tension, and do all the other key writer-y stuff in 500-700 words (300-500 is better). Yea. It is. But you can do it. And here are some tips from an editor to help: 

HOW TO CUT DOWN YOUR PB TEXT

Great Writer Blog

 

Worth checking out!

HOLLIE WOLVERTON

KIWANIS BOOK EVENT

 

Another day, another author event! Thank you so much to the Kiwanis Club for hosting me at their fabulous book event. I loved meeting all the little readers and writers!

Picture Book Month 2024

 

You know the drill. It's picture book month. Time to party! Read more about one of the newest, coolest picture books below (WHEN YOU FIND THE RIGHT ROCK), and celebrate the best month ever here: 

https://celebratepicturebooks.com/2024/11/07/november-5-its-picture-book-month/

Spooky Time

 

I cannot stress the importance of read-alod-ability in your picture book manuscript. Want some great seasonal examples? Check out the book list from Read Aloud Revival at the link below:

October Picture Books

How to Draw God

 Old Article, Still ADORABLE

13 Pictures Showing The Adorable Ways Kids Describe God

POW! Kids Books

 

"POW! publishes books for children that are visually striking, imaginative, funny, modern, and have an offbeat or edgy sensibility. If you have a book project that meets these criteria, and you would like POW! to consider your book for publication, please send us a submission including a brief introduction of yourself and your work, and a complete manuscript, with illustrations if you have illustrated the work yourself. Attach the submission to the email, or include in the body of the email, no links please"

POW Kids Books