I love providing feedback on draft picture book manuscripts to help aspiring authors achieve their goals. There’s a nugget of gold in every story, but common errors often get in the way of the sparkle.
I looked back on all the manuscripts I’ve reviewed over the years and cherry-picked my top five editorial tips. Understanding these common pitfalls can help your stories stand out to publishers and readers.
Know your “why”
Picture books are short works of art where every word matters. They usually focus on a single central theme, be it brushing teeth, bravery or bereavement. This usually requires keeping the reader’s attention on the journey of one main character. If your story arc dithers or digresses without good reason, your manuscript is likely not cohesive, or not suitable for the picture book genre.Show don’t tell
One of the most joyful things about a picture book is the interaction between words and pictures. Don’t describe anything the illustrations can show - it wastes valuable word count and restricts your illustrator’s creativity. If there’s something really important the prospective publisher or illustrator needs to know (like the glorious device of words contradicting pictures), mark it in an illustration note.Balance heart with commercial appeal
The book industry is competitive and prospective publishers need to see where your story will fit in the market. Marketability and heart both matter. My book My Unicorn Farts Glitter happens to have a trifecta of buzzwords in its title alone, but the underlying tale of sibling love was the clinching factor. Above all, write what you love, write what is meaningful and target publishers that share your values.Simplify dialogue
Picture books rarely have much dialogue. Conversations chew up word count and can be too advanced for the genre. If you do use dialogue, keep it simple and contemporary. And don’t complicate dialogue tags. Tags like “whimpered”, “exclaimed” and “replied” will only bog down your copy. “Said” - sometimes known as an “invisible” word - will usually do just fine.Perfect your payoff
The payoff of your story is so important. Does it end with a clever twist, or a poignant moment? Is it satisfying or surprising? Test out several options. The story ending should relate to your story purpose, without being didactic or soppy. Consider the role illustrations might play here. Pictures might be able to convey “and they all lived happily ever after” (for example) so your words can be less heavy-handed.
Would you like comprehensive, personalised feedback on your picture book manuscript? Whether you’re just starting out, a seasoned professional or anything in between - professional editing can provide valuable insights. To learn more, visit Support for picture book writers.
