WRITING PICTURE BOOKS

A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication Cover Art and Illustrations by Amelia Haviland
Published by Writers Digest Books, 2009
ISBN-10: 1-58297-556-6

Writing picture books takes a unique set of skills. After all, you only have thirty-two pages to bring your story to life for children who cannot yet read and the adults in their lives. Whether you’re just starting out as a picture book writer or have tried unsuccessfully to get your work published, WRITING PICTURE BOOKS with a mix of instruction and hands-on exercises, is just what you need to craft picture books that will appeal to children and parents, agents, and editors.

REVIEWS

Zook Book Nook
“This book is one of the few books on writing that I have found to be highly effective in producing results! . . . 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! ”

Kirby Larson
Author of Hattie Big Sky 2007 Newbery Honor
“While there are many books on writing the children's picture book, Ann Whitford Paul gives us the first to focus on revising a completed manuscript. She honestly and generously shares her own early mistakes (including writing about cutesy critters!), reinforces just-taught skills with common-sense exercises, and provides the reader with a nice balance between the encouraging gentle nudge and the often-necessary kick in the rear. This is a welcome and overdue addition to the list of titles focusing on writing children's books.”

Maria D. Laslo
Founder and Editor Chixlit.com
“Fantastic guide and companion! Wise gentle thorough. The only thing better would be to have the author herself standing at your shoulder.”

The journey from idea to published book has been long and challenging. I spent a great deal of time on this book and am very proud it. Both the material and the exercises suggested have been used and refined after years of speaking at conferences and teaching workshops and classes through UCLA Extension.

Unfortunately, I was not given the opportunity to read, or correct, the copyedited version, or the galleys, and therefore was surprised to discover the Bibliography, Permissions and the answers regarding the problems found in the story SAMMY SKUNK SAVES THE DAY were omitted. That is why they are posted here and can be downloaded for your convenience. Any other errors will be corrected in the second edition.

Bibliography
Permissions
Sammy Skunk Saves the Day

You Tube Book Trailer.

To buy my books I encourage you to support your local independent bookstore.

Contact the American Booksellers Association at www.bookweb.org

To order books on-line from a network of independent stores, contact
Booksense www.booksense.com

Or if either of these are not convenient, contact Amazon www.amazon.com

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