Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication [Paperback]

Ann Whitford Paul (Author)

Book Description

Writing picture books is not easy. Picture books are a unique form of writing with a large audience of 2- to 8-year-olds, and they must appeal to both the adult purchaser and the child listener/reader. They are generally 32 pages long and must be tightly focused and told partly through illustrations. And novice picture book writers make a lot of mistakes--and get a lot of rejections from publishers flooded with inappropriate manuscripts. From this book these writers will learn the writing and revision process that will lead them to creating more salable picture book manuscripts. Ann Whitford Paul covers researching the picture books market, creating characters, point of view, plotting, tips on writing rhyme, and more?all the lessons writers need to write great picture books that will appeal to both editors/agents and young readers/parents. She uses a mix of instruction and hand-on exercises, often asking readers to cut, color and paste their way through revision.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ann Whitford Paul became inspired to write picture books after years of bedtime reading to her four children. She writes picture books, poetry and early readers. Her books have won numerous awards and recognition including a place on The New York Times Notable Books List, Carl Sandburg Award for Children's Literature, Bank Street College Best Books list, Notable Science and Social Studies Books, National Parenting Centers "Seal of Approval," and Recognition of Merit from the George C. Stone Center for Children's Books of the Claremont Graduate University, and they've been nominated for numerous state reading awards.

When not busy typing at her computer or teaching picture book writing at UCLA Extension, Ann can most often be found taking a long walk. Her hobbies include cooking, quilting, and knitting. She also loves to watch spiders spin their webs, snails paint their trails, and cats play with yarn.

She lives in Los Angeles and hopes you'll check out her Web site at www.annwhitfordpaul.net.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582975566
• ISBN-13: 978-1582975566
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,145 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ann Whitford Paul graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University School of Social Work. She became inspired to write picture books after years of bedtime reading to her four children. She's published 19 different award-winning books. Now she gets story ideas from her three grandchildren. For ten years she taught picture book writing through UCLA Extension. She still enjoys teaching how to write picture books. When she isn't writing or teaching, she loves listening to her cat purr, watching spiders spin their webs and following snails' trails. You can learn more about her, download writing tips and classroom activities, and contact her through her web-site www.annwhitfordpaul.net.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're trying to write picture books, you've got to have this book!, July 4, 2009

By 

Karen F. Centofanti "Mimi" (Hanover, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication (Paperback)

I took a class presented by Ann Whitford Paul at last year's LA SCBWI conference. I found her to be an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable. I was pleased to buy a number of her books and have her sign them.

I was delighted to see that she had written a book specifically for PB writers. It is very well laid out and clearly written. She includes examples of everything she is talking about and includes the names of recently or classic published picture books that are excellent examples to refer to. I highly recommend getting the books you're not familiar with out of the library and read them, referring back to this book for Ann's comments.

At the end of every chapter, Ann includes a preview of what the next chapter is about, and a "Before You Go On" list of suggested activities to do with your manuscript, so you can improve it before you read further.

I have many books on writing for children, but this is the best one by far. Thank you, Ann, for sharing your knowledge with us.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A much-needed book on writing picture books, December 25, 2009

By 

children's book lover - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication (Paperback)

There are many books about how to write for children, but most of them try to cover board books to young adult novels, even how to illustrate. Thankfully, this book focuses on picture book writing and does an excellent job of it.

This much-needed book is well-organized and well-written by an author/teacher who knows her trade. It's truly a gem. It explains each step in a detailed, easy-to-understand manner and makes creating a manuscript that will sell in today's market seem possible. I know I'll use it over and over.

I've read almost every book available on writing and illustrating for children, taken writing courses, attended many conferences and make my living in the field. This is the best book I've read on writing picture books. I finally understand things about writing that I never quite understood before.

My only criticisms are that I found a few typos and I couldn't find a credit line for the illustrator. I'm sure these issues will be corrected in future editions.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the BEST in this market!, May 25, 2009

By 

K. Zook "Zook Book Nook" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication (Paperback)

This book is one of the few books on writing that I have found to be highly effective in producing results! When I was only half way through reading it, I had already come up with two new ideas for children's books and three ways to revise/improve ongoing manuscripts I've been working on. The book is exceptionally well-written, personal yet professional, with many practical, useful ideas for how to improve your writing and become an objective critic of your own work. I absolutely love this book and rave about it to everyone! From great descriptions of well-written children's books that are helpful to writers to effective measures to take with our writing to make it stand-out to relating writing to the needs of children and parents, this book has plenty to offer for the aspiring and experienced author. I highly recommend it!