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How to write a picture book

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We build free, sourced tools for self-publishing authors and check every spec against the official help pages.

Last updated 3 min read

Short answer

To write a picture book, tell one simple story in about 500 to 600 words, the range Writer's Digest suggests, with a child-sized problem at its heart. Leave room for the pictures to tell part of it, plan it page by page across a typical 32 pages, read it aloud and revise until every word earns its place.

How long is a picture book?

Short. Writer's Digest suggests 500 to 600 words; SCBWI's guide gives 500 to 750. Most picture books are printed on 32 pages, a long-standing printing convention that leaves room for about 14 spreads of story after the title and copyright pages.

What makes a good picture book story?

  • A child at the centre with a problem a child cares about, who solves it themselves.
  • One clear story, not a lesson. Children notice when they are being taught.
  • Room for the pictures. Do not describe what the illustration will show; let the art tell half the story.
  • Page turns that pull. End spreads on a question or a surprise, so the reader wants to turn.
  • Words that sound good aloud, because an adult will read it to a child many times.

How do you plan a picture book page by page?

Make a dummy: fold paper into a 32-page booklet, or draw 16 small spreads on one sheet, and place your text on each spread. You will see at once where the story drags, where nothing happens visually and where a page turn falls flat. Leave short notes for the illustrator only where the picture must show something the text does not say.

How do you revise a picture book manuscript?

Read it aloud, then read it to a child. Cut every word the pictures can carry, every adjective that does not add, and every line that explains a feeling instead of showing it. Count the result with word count to pages. Then put it away for a week and do it again.

How do you work with an illustrator?

If you are submitting to traditional publishers, send the text alone; they choose the illustrator. If you are self-publishing, choose an illustrator whose style fits your story, agree in writing the number of illustrations, the sketches you approve before final art, the schedule, the files you receive and the rights you get to use them. Our children's book illustration services work that way.

How much does it cost to print a picture book?

On KDP, premium color books of up to 40 pages pay one flat printing cost: a 32-page 8.5 x 8.5 in picture book costs $4.20 to print on Amazon.com. Cheaper standard color starts at 72 pages, so it suits longer illustrated books rather than a 32-page picture book. Check your own trim and page count with the print cost calculator, and size the cover with the KDP cover calculator. Every image needs at least 300 DPI at print size.

Rather have a pro handle this? Our studio can: children's book illustration.

Questions authors ask

How many words should a picture book be?

Writer's Digest suggests 500 to 600 words, and SCBWI's guide gives 500 to 750. Many recent picture books are shorter still. If yours is near 1,000 words, look for scenes the pictures could show instead.

Do I need an illustrator before I send my picture book to a publisher?

No. Traditional publishers usually choose and pay the illustrator themselves, and prefer to receive the text alone. Only author-illustrators submit art. If you self-publish, you hire and pay the illustrator, so agree the rights in writing.

Should a picture book rhyme?

Only if you can rhyme very well. Forced rhymes, uneven rhythm and words chosen for the rhyme rather than the meaning are common reasons picture books fail. A story told in clear, musical prose is usually stronger.

How many illustrations does a picture book need?

Usually one on nearly every page or spread, around a dozen to fifteen spreads plus single pages in a 32-page book. Plan the count in your dummy before you ask illustrators for quotes.

Can I illustrate my own picture book?

Yes, if your art suits the story. For print, every image needs to be at least 300 DPI at its printed size, and art that runs to the page edge needs bleed. Check your files with the image DPI checker.

How do I publish a picture book on Amazon?

Through KDP, as a paperback or hardcover in color, and optionally a Kindle edition. Choose a square or landscape trim, set the reading age (0-2, 3-5, 6-8 years cover most picture books) and order a printed proof to check the colors.

Sources

Every number in this guide comes from our spec data, last verified against the official help pages below. Retailers change their terms, so check the source before you rely on a figure.

Lengths

KDP