Thanks for the video! 1. Too Preachy - Book has to be entertaining first, teach a lesson second. 2. Too Long or Too Short (400-600, never over 1000 words) - If it's too long it has too much of something, too short it's missing somethign. 3. Rhyming - Rhyming is a limiting factor because it's hard to get right and translate. 4. The Voice (Style and tone) - Has to appeal to reader. 5. Too Common - A overly generic story that's been done before.
Thank you for this video! It's been a rough, busy couple of weeks, but seeing you two again and seeing you both smiling so genuinely put me in a better mood. Thanks!
When you request additional picture book manuscripts in a submission package, are you expecting that all of the manuscripts will be in the same general style, for example, all humorous as opposed to one humorous, one lyrical, and one nonfiction all in the same package? Are you open to seeing variety or are you looking for someone to be focused on one genre within the picture book realm?
GREAT question. I'll add this to our video list. Short answer: Whatever you do best. If you have a variety and they are your strongest manuscripts, send them. But if you are a humorous writer, and all of your strong manuscripts are humorous, send those. Each PB author develops a brand for themselves. Just make sure your manuscripts are strong enough to be sending.
Thanks so much for another helpful and informative video! James, some ideas for future picture book videos: Do a series of Top 5 of 2020 videos in which you explore your top 5 humorous picture books; top 5 non-fiction picture books; top 5 rhyming picture books, etc. Let us know why you think the books on your top 5 lists are the best (the way you did with Grumpy Monkey.) Also, would you share with us some published picture books you've represented? Maybe share any of your insights into the whole process of getting published. What is your perspective, from when an author first queries you, to reviewing and editing their manuscript, to you pitching to a publisher, etc. Thanks again and I can't wait till the next video!
Appreciate the info in the video. A little feedback for future reference, it was difficult for me to hear James while Jessica on the other hand came through much louder.
Hi there! I am very curious to see more examples of picture books you feel that are successful and why. And if it’s also possible to show us a good query letter for picture books as well. Thank you!!
I've been writing a children's picture book for the past few months, with the aid of pre-readers and an editor. I had thought that I had the contents buttoned down and ready to send to my illustrator when I stumbled across this video. I did a word check, minus the art direction sections, and my book was easily 1200 words... it feels like I'll never get this thing ready for prime time.
Is there any room in children's literature for a book that is "chapter book length" but has numerous illustrations? Sort of a hybrid chapter book and picture book?
I love your agency! I've been thinking of sending queries in the future... do you represent authors outside of the US? More specifically Latin America?
James- I worked with a Brazilian Fiverr illustrator and am in love with her art and have book one up on KDP she’s working on art for book 2. I have commercial and copyright not sure what next steps are going to look like- interested in self publishing on Ingram Spark and/or querying because I really see the joy the book is bringing to friends and family would love it to have wide reach. It’s an episodic series about my personal dog. Curious your thoughts on querying the series without all of the art done because I could have the manuscripts for 4-5 books and two books completed with art. Open to a publisher going in a different direction with the art in another edition, ect. New children’s book author here 🙋🏻♀️ sooooo many questions
Are you two embracing quarantine, or what? You're Zooming me on the treadmill, during morning coffee, and of course on the toilet. Laughing feels so good when your isolated from friends and neighbors. Thank you.
Is there a market for longer picture books, for the children between 6-10 that haven’t crossed over the bridge to early readers or chapters? I find that there is a huge market for that. Many bright kids between the ages of 6-10 don’t want to give up picture books because of the illustrations on every page but the word count and vocabulary isn’t challenging enough. I see this often. As a parent and a teacher I feel there’s a huge market for longer picture books...even up to 48 pages, 3,000 word count and a 3rd grade reading level. I don’t understand why there aren’t more.
Im not hugely knowledgeable but what I know in part the page length is a cost issue, the page breakdown in picture books is very specific because of how they are printed and folded. Also your proposal is for a very specific and untested market group (making it risky) and so traditional literary agents who need to sell to publishers need to keep to the publishers standards and rules who are unlikely to take that kind of risk on a new sub genre. Finally while I’m sure there are lot of kids transitioning at that point the time between transitions isn’t that long, so they aren’t going to buy a ton of books in that genre while they might go through twenty in the earlier stage. This sounds like a project that would have to be self published.
What about a picture book story submission without illustrations? If we submit a story that gets accepted by the publisher, will they have it illustrated?
Is a board book still considered a Picture book? I know the number of pages is usually far less for a board book, right? What are the requirements for BBs?
A board book has different specifications. Usually the word count is far shorter (often under 50 words), across 8-12 spreads, and topics can be geared towards younger readers (0-2)
Hi there, I'm currently working on a picture book. I'm both an Author and Illustrator but this is my first book. I'm wondering if you can give me any advice on how to write a query letter for a picture book when seeking to get a literary agent. My book is not a conventional picture book as it's really a graphic novel with unique characters I've designed. Also the story is quite indepth as it is an action adventure fairytale type story set in another world full of various creatures and characters. I was interested to hear that you are interested in stories that are more entertaining than preachy to kids as my book meets that specification however I'm concerned as my story is very long compared with most other picture books, but it as to be to tell the story as I am hoping for it to be a three part series. Is there any advice that you can give me to help me with my dream of getting it published professionally? Kind Regards - Phil.
Thanks James and Jessica. I'd love to see a video on querying non-fiction picture books please. Is it a different process than querying fiction picture books? Do you need to send a separate proposal, as you would with an adult non-fiction book? Thank you
Many picture books feature animals because kids relate to them and they are easy to sell to kids from any ethnic background. With that said, is the industry becoming more receptive to books that feature people of color as the main character? (Particularly if the PB is own voices).
How do you pitch a children's book if you're not an author/illustrator, only an author? Most wish lists I've seen are looking for that combo, yet I see book deal announcements for authors who appear to be non-illustrators, as the illustrator is also listed along with the deal? How do we find agents who will consider picture book pitches from authors who can't draw? I know they're out there, just can't find them. Thanks!
Nope! Often you sell the text to a publisher and they find the artist, unless the duo was already established or the author is an illustrator, as well!
Enjoy your RUclips videos. I’ve written & published an illustrated pre-teen book with excellent reviews. ( about 600 word count & 10 Illustrations) and would like to convert it into audible animation. On average, how much should I pay an audible animator? ( 600 words). Does the price include making it accessible in DVD format? And our their sites that handle exclusively animation? I have no idea so any help would be most appreciated. All love in isolation from Miami Beach, Fl Al
James, don't reject mine. Just saying 😆 Hey I figured it doesn't hurt to tell ya on RUclips for when it hits your inbox. I repeat- don't reject my bookbaby. Love it, hug it....then let's publish it. 🤘✌👐👐🙏🙏🙏 📖
I like what you said about rhyme. I have one in my Emotatude series I just rewrote. I now know rhyme makes it super hard to build consistency in other areas of time, place, immediate surroundings, given circumstances, and story arch. I also find it easier to translate without rhyme.
Thanks for the video!
1. Too Preachy - Book has to be entertaining first, teach a lesson second.
2. Too Long or Too Short (400-600, never over 1000 words) - If it's too long it has too much of something, too short it's missing somethign.
3. Rhyming - Rhyming is a limiting factor because it's hard to get right and translate.
4. The Voice (Style and tone) - Has to appeal to reader.
5. Too Common - A overly generic story that's been done before.
Thank you for this video! It's been a rough, busy couple of weeks, but seeing you two again and seeing you both smiling so genuinely put me in a better mood. Thanks!
When you request additional picture book manuscripts in a submission package, are you expecting that all of the manuscripts will be in the same general style, for example, all humorous as opposed to one humorous, one lyrical, and one nonfiction all in the same package? Are you open to seeing variety or are you looking for someone to be focused on one genre within the picture book realm?
This is my #1 question right now!
GREAT question. I'll add this to our video list. Short answer: Whatever you do best. If you have a variety and they are your strongest manuscripts, send them. But if you are a humorous writer, and all of your strong manuscripts are humorous, send those. Each PB author develops a brand for themselves. Just make sure your manuscripts are strong enough to be sending.
@@plsspayorneuter answered!
Melissa Chupp this is great comment because I also write a variety PB’s.
Thanks so much for another helpful and informative video! James, some ideas for future picture book videos: Do a series of Top 5 of 2020 videos in which you explore your top 5 humorous picture books; top 5 non-fiction picture books; top 5 rhyming picture books, etc. Let us know why you think the books on your top 5 lists are the best (the way you did with Grumpy Monkey.) Also, would you share with us some published picture books you've represented? Maybe share any of your insights into the whole process of getting published. What is your perspective, from when an author first queries you, to reviewing and editing their manuscript, to you pitching to a publisher, etc. Thanks again and I can't wait till the next video!
Adding these to my list, Caren, thanks!
Appreciate the info in the video. A little feedback for future reference, it was difficult for me to hear James while Jessica on the other hand came through much louder.
Thanks! We're trying to fix.
Could be the bass on ur speakers as he is louder. I hear him clearly although I have very good hearing. Neither had great sound quality
Could be the bass on ur speakers as he is louder. I hear him clearly although I have very good hearing. Neither had great sound quality
Thank you for the info! I am in the process of finishing my 1st picture book. I have 554 words, no rhyming, and no preaching!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Taking the time to do that is generous. Much appreciated! ❤️
Hi there! I am very curious to see more examples of picture books you feel that are successful and why. And if it’s also possible to show us a good query letter for picture books as well. Thank you!!
How much of a break you'd like between a rejected query and the writer sending a new query with another manuscript? Thank you for the videos!
I've been writing a children's picture book for the past few months, with the aid of pre-readers and an editor. I had thought that I had the contents buttoned down and ready to send to my illustrator when I stumbled across this video. I did a word check, minus the art direction sections, and my book was easily 1200 words... it feels like I'll never get this thing ready for prime time.
Very helpful! Thank you!! ❤️
Is there any room in children's literature for a book that is "chapter book length" but has numerous illustrations? Sort of a hybrid chapter book and picture book?
I love your agency! I've been thinking of sending queries in the future... do you represent authors outside of the US? More specifically Latin America?
Yes we do! We can't wait to hear from you.
James- I worked with a Brazilian Fiverr illustrator and am in love with her art and have book one up on KDP she’s working on art for book 2. I have commercial and copyright not sure what next steps are going to look like- interested in self publishing on Ingram Spark and/or querying because I really see the joy the book is bringing to friends and family would love it to have wide reach. It’s an episodic series about my personal dog.
Curious your thoughts on querying the series without all of the art done because I could have the manuscripts for 4-5 books and two books completed with art. Open to a publisher going in a different direction with the art in another edition, ect. New children’s book author here 🙋🏻♀️ sooooo many questions
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, how do you feel about wordless picture books?
Are you two embracing quarantine, or what? You're Zooming me on the treadmill, during morning coffee, and of course on the toilet. Laughing feels so good when your isolated from friends and neighbors. Thank you.
Is there a market for longer picture books, for the children between 6-10 that haven’t crossed over the bridge to early readers or chapters? I find that there is a huge market for that. Many bright kids between the ages of 6-10 don’t want to give up picture books because of the illustrations on every page but the word count and vocabulary isn’t challenging enough. I see this often. As a parent and a teacher I feel there’s a huge market for longer picture books...even up to 48 pages, 3,000 word count and a 3rd grade reading level. I don’t understand why there aren’t more.
Im not hugely knowledgeable but what I know in part the page length is a cost issue, the page breakdown in picture books is very specific because of how they are printed and folded. Also your proposal is for a very specific and untested market group (making it risky) and so traditional literary agents who need to sell to publishers need to keep to the publishers standards and rules who are unlikely to take that kind of risk on a new sub genre. Finally while I’m sure there are lot of kids transitioning at that point the time between transitions isn’t that long, so they aren’t going to buy a ton of books in that genre while they might go through twenty in the earlier stage. This sounds like a project that would have to be self published.
What about a picture book story submission without illustrations?
If we submit a story that gets accepted by the publisher, will they have it illustrated?
Unless you are an author/illustrator, you only need to write the manuscript and the publisher will find the illustrator.
The publisher usually matches the illustrator, yes.
Is a board book still considered a Picture book? I know the number of pages is usually far less for a board book, right? What are the requirements for BBs?
A board book has different specifications. Usually the word count is far shorter (often under 50 words), across 8-12 spreads, and topics can be geared towards younger readers (0-2)
Im a beginner so does that finish me off from the start. Or will you at least read what i sent you before you decide? Can a first timer get a deal?
How do we pitch our book to Scholastic publishing company?
Hi there, I'm currently working on a picture book. I'm both an Author and Illustrator but this is my first book. I'm wondering if you can give me any advice on how to write a query letter for a picture book when seeking to get a literary agent. My book is not a conventional picture book as it's really a graphic novel with unique characters I've designed. Also the story is quite indepth as it is an action adventure fairytale type story set in another world full of various creatures and characters. I was interested to hear that you are interested in stories that are more entertaining than preachy to kids as my book meets that specification however I'm concerned as my story is very long compared with most other picture books, but it as to be to tell the story as I am hoping for it to be a three part series. Is there any advice that you can give me to help me with my dream of getting it published professionally? Kind Regards - Phil.
Do all picture books have to be illustrated? Do you accept picture books which are photographed?
Nonfiction books can have photographs. However the author needs to secure the rights to get the photos.
There are photo-illustrated books, but they're usually non-fiction. Alyssa's answerbelow is correct!
Thanks James and Jessica. I'd love to see a video on querying non-fiction picture books please. Is it a different process than querying fiction picture books? Do you need to send a separate proposal, as you would with an adult non-fiction book? Thank you
It's actually the same! Short answer. :)
Please do a show on fantasy fiction and scifi. Love your videos.
Many picture books feature animals because kids relate to them and they are easy to sell to kids from any ethnic background. With that said, is the industry becoming more receptive to books that feature people of color as the main character? (Particularly if the PB is own voices).
YES. We'd love to see them, too.
Have a Great idea for picture Book. It focuses on ' HUGS' is it pertinent with Corona virus happening?
Thank you for this info! May I submit my picture stories to you?
Did the person who gave this a thumbs down send James a 4,000 word, rhyming, preachy, run-of-the-mill picture book with a boring voice?
LOL :P
hahhahaha funny! These two are the best!
hahahaha!
How do you pitch a children's book if you're not an author/illustrator, only an author? Most wish lists I've seen are looking for that combo, yet I see book deal announcements for authors who appear to be non-illustrators, as the illustrator is also listed along with the deal? How do we find agents who will consider picture book pitches from authors who can't draw? I know they're out there, just can't find them. Thanks!
Can you talk about the money side of picture books?
Do you have to draw your own illustrations?
Nope! Often you sell the text to a publisher and they find the artist, unless the duo was already established or the author is an illustrator, as well!
Enjoy your RUclips videos.
I’ve written & published an illustrated pre-teen book with excellent reviews. ( about 600 word count & 10 Illustrations) and would like to convert it into audible animation. On average, how much should I pay an audible animator? ( 600 words).
Does the price include making it accessible in DVD format? And our their sites that handle exclusively animation?
I have no idea so any help would be most appreciated.
All love in isolation from Miami Beach, Fl
Al
James, don't reject mine. Just saying 😆 Hey I figured it doesn't hurt to tell ya on RUclips for when it hits your inbox.
I repeat- don't reject my bookbaby. Love it, hug it....then let's publish it. 🤘✌👐👐🙏🙏🙏 📖
Another Grumpy Monkey/Jory John fan here. Surprised that PBs are so frequently didactic. Kids don't like tedium in my experience.
So who's Kelly and who's Ryan?
I like what you said about rhyme. I have one in my Emotatude series I just rewrote. I now know rhyme makes it super hard to build consistency in other areas of time, place, immediate surroundings, given circumstances, and story arch. I also find it easier to translate without rhyme.