I worked as a volunteer at the San Francisco Writer's Conference this past February. And I had the privilege to work in a session with Kathryn Otoshi http://www.kokidsbooks.com/. She is an author and illustrator and delightful speaker. Her panel offered the following tips for writing children's books today:
Aim at the 4-6-year old sweet spot. Write in the vicinity of 500 words but less than 1,000. Preferably 32 pages and 800 words or less.
Don't rhyme. It's a very limiting factor.
Anthropomorphizing is tricky and edge and fairy tales is out.
"Funny with heart" is the key.
Message has to be subtle.
Editors are not looking for sweet.
Provide unique takes on the universal themes of being different, getting along, getting lost or losing a friend.
Aim at the 4-6-year old sweet spot. Write in the vicinity of 500 words but less than 1,000. Preferably 32 pages and 800 words or less.
Don't rhyme. It's a very limiting factor.
Anthropomorphizing is tricky and edge and fairy tales is out.
"Funny with heart" is the key.
Message has to be subtle.
Editors are not looking for sweet.
Provide unique takes on the universal themes of being different, getting along, getting lost or losing a friend.
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