Picture Book question

[sherri234]

Are thereany children's publishers who will use a 300-word story as a picture book? If you can let me know, I'd appreciate it.

Warm regards, Susie:)

[stormie267]

Hi Sherri--
You could go to several publishers' sites and click on their guidelines, or get a hardcopy of WM. They sometimes state word counts for PB's.

[sherri234]

I've done that, Stormie. Most appreciated. Just thought there were some publishers I missed. I guess I'll have to make my story longer. Hope all is well.

Warm regards, Susie:)

[lucyishome]

I think there are plenty it is just a matter of finding them. You may want to purchase a book or check one out from the library specifically something like "The Children's Writer & Illustrator's Market". I plan on getting it as soon as I can afford to. I looked in my "2005 Writers Market" but there is not a whole lot in there. I have a book primarily a childrens board book with about 107 words. It takes a lot of time to look through these things but I am sure you will find something. Anyway hope that helps out a little bit.

Anne

[sherri234]

Hi, Anne, Thanks so much for your help. I'll check it out. Most appreciated. Hope you get lots of acceptances!

Warm regards, Susie:)

[lucyishome]

Thanks. I wish you best of luck as well. Just remember it takes lots of research, time and patience.

Anne

[sherri234]

I know what you mean, Anne. Thanks again for your help. I've tried for a year to get it going, but nothing yet. I'm not a quitter, so I'll keep trying.
Have a great weekend.

Warm regards, Susie:)

[stormie267]

specifically something like "The Children's Writer & Illustrator's Market".

Duh, I'm staring at that book right now. Sorry I didn't mention it before!

I wouldn't go lengthening your ms. until you've exhausted all markets. Also, try www.write4kids.com, (http://www.write4kids.com,) www.scbwi.org (http://www.scbwi.org)

Good luck!

[lucyishome]

Thanks for the other info. I plan on getting the book one our tax return gets here. Until then I will wait to do anything else with my manuscript.

Anne

[Agy Wilson]

Hey, Sherie 234, ANY legitimate book publisher would consider your book. There are even books (okay they are author/illustrator driven vehicles) with ONE word or NO words. The thing is it must have a basic story stucture-- beginning, middle and end.

It must have a problem/conflict to overcome as well as some character development.

But MOST importantly, it should have anywhere from 15-28 visual opportunities for illustrators to DRAW your story. Otherwise it's not a picture book.

For the record, I wrote an article for CWIM 2004 on my crit group Yellapalooza.
We're writer/illustrators in the industry. CWIM will be offering online services, with their contacts, etc. updated regularly for about ten dollars more than the book. You might want to check into it, if you're serious about the business.

Love,
Agy Wilson
www.Yellapalooza.com
www.kidmagwriters.com
ArtSmarts writer
www.robertssnow.com
www.cafepress.com/agywilsonshtuff
www.hometown.aol.com/twi1009589/page1.html

[Susie]

Thanks all,

Really appreciate your help. Hope you have a super week with lots of acceptances.

Warm regards, Susie:)

[KimS]

But if there were less than 15 scenes to illustrate and it's for the very young, it could still make a great board book.

[Susie]

Most appreciated. I'll keep trying to sell it. Many happy acceptances for you all.:)

Warm regards, Susie (Sherri is just my username)

[Sandra]

Hey Sherrie,
As a librarian, my observation is most children's books are about 32 pages long.
As for # of words, that varies and as one said some books have no words. However, I prefer the ones with words personally.

My suggestion would be to go to the library and begin reading books by successful authors like Rosemary Wells and others. Ask the library staff what children are reading and read some of those books.

The writer's market books are great for getting publisher info so you can send your work off. The library might even have copy so you don't have to buy one. I saw a copy at Hasting the other day.

Don't worry about pictures. Most the time the publishers don't want them to accompany the book. If they are going to publish your book they will select an illustrator for your book. Most the time the author and the illustrator don't even know each other...many times they may never even meet.

Luck!
Sandra