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

I’m halfway through this book and already a better writer. The exercises are practical, creative, and will improve any story.

If writing a PB could be reduced to a recipe, Ann Whitford Paul knows the "secret" ingredients. However, at the outset, Paul acknowledges that PB writing can't be reduced to a single, fool-proof recipe. (Words, plots, and characters can take wing--seemingly by themselves, or go underground--refusing to appear in your conscious eye.) Nevertheless, Paul has written a book covering the fundamental ingredients necessary for producing a PB. This book is laid out in a logical, step-by-step manner. She provides exercises and to do lists for each chapter. She covers the structure of a picture book, storytelling techniques, plotting, character development, poetry, rhythm, diction, syntax, and the critique process. Then she covers the submission process and the follow-up work you need to do once you land a contract. And she provides exercises to generate more story ideas. Also, Paul is like a friend who leads you through the attitude adjustments necessary to become a professional writer. I especially appreciated her openness about the pain of waiting for a response from a publisher, dealing with rejection, and dealing with marketing. This is a PB workshop in book form. It is the most comprehensive book I have read regarding picture books. (And I have read several writing-for-children books.) Due to economic cutbacks, I do not buy books as often as I used to. But I consider my money well spent on "Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication". I would not be surprised if this book becomes THE reference for PB writers.

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.

This author has written 70 children's picture books and knows what she is writng about. She has taught children's writing classes at UCLA and brings her expertice to this book to help budding authors like myself. I found her book very helpful and instructive in writing my own children's book. She has put together perscriptions to help others who wish to be published. I highly recommend this book. If you have questions contact me at [...]

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.

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!