Dream of seeing your children's picture book in print? Award-winning author and publisher Brooke Van Sickle's Picture Book Perfection provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to crafting and publishing a successful story for children aged 2-8. This practical resource walks you through every stage, from generating compelling initial ideas and developing relatable characters to crafting a complete plot and preparing your manuscript for submission. Including actionable techniques and exercises, Picture Book Perfection comes with a free companion workbook to help you apply the lessons directly to your own writing. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned writer facing publishing roadblocks, this book empowers you to create a captivating story that resonates with young readers and industry professionals alike.
Review Picture Book Perfection
Picture Book Perfection: How to Successfully Write a Picture Book That Sells to Publishers (and Readers) by Brooke Van Sickle is more than just a helpful guide; it's a supportive friend cheering you on throughout your children's book writing journey. From the very first page, Brooke's enthusiastic and approachable tone makes you feel like you're sitting down with a seasoned professional who genuinely wants to see you succeed. Forget stuffy writing manuals; this book is engaging, informative, and incredibly motivating.
What sets this book apart is its comprehensive scope. It doesn't just skim the surface of writing a picture book; it dives deep into every crucial stage, from brainstorming initial ideas and crafting relatable characters to mastering plot structure and preparing your manuscript for publication. Brooke expertly breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible steps, making the entire process feel less daunting. She offers practical exercises and prompts—further enhanced by the accompanying workbook—that encourage active participation and help solidify your understanding.
The book brilliantly addresses the business side of publishing, which is often overlooked in other writing guides. It clarifies the different markets for children's books (commercial, educational, gift) and emphasizes the importance of writing with your target audience firmly in mind. This isn't just about writing a good story; it's about writing a sellable story that resonates with both children and publishers. Brooke's insider knowledge shines through as she explains the process of finding an illustrator, navigating the publishing landscape, and making strategic choices to maximize your book's potential.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the book's emphasis on self-reflection and critical evaluation. Brooke doesn't shy away from the challenges of writing and publishing; instead, she provides you with the tools and strategies to overcome them. The checklists and templates in the workbook are invaluable resources for assessing your manuscript's readiness and ensuring it meets professional standards. This level of detail sets it apart from more general writing guides.
The inclusion of a free companion workbook is a game-changer. It transforms the book from a passive read into an interactive learning experience. The practical exercises and templates provide a structured framework for working through the concepts presented in the book, allowing you to apply what you've learned immediately. This hands-on approach ensures that the information doesn't just stay theoretical but actively contributes to the development of your manuscript.
In short, Picture Book Perfection is an indispensable resource for anyone dreaming of writing and publishing a children's picture book. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned writer seeking a fresh perspective, Brooke's expertise, engaging style, and comprehensive approach will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to turn your dream into a reality. It's a book that I'll return to again and again, not just for its practical advice, but also for the unwavering encouragement it provides. It's the perfect blend of inspiration and practical instruction, making it an absolute must-have for aspiring children's book authors.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.33 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 144
- Publication date: 2025
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