[DReese Posts: 4 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Working on a PB (ages 5-8, approx. 425 words), and had a question about word counts that I hadn't seen addressed in this forum. In my manuscript, about 350 of the 425 words will appear as third person narration, but I envision that approximately 75 of the 425 words will appear as character dialogue embedded in the illustrations.

Is that something editors/publisher balk at or look down upon? I might be able to rework as straight narration, but I think limited embedded illustration dialogue works best. If its not a deal-breaker, should I break out the narration text vs. illustration text in total word count (i.e., say "425 words total; 350 narration/75 illustration")? Or just include narration text (i.e., approximately 350 words) only?

Thanks for any insights!

[Vijaya Posts: 7,331 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

DReese. Given that some PBs are dialogue-heavy and others narrative, I see no reason to break it down. I always submit listing the total word-count in the main text (sidebars and back matter separate). Good luck.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,867 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

Are you the illustrator? If so, you'll be submitting the dummy so they'll see how it works.

If not, be sure to mention in your query that you envision speech bubbles like in a comic book for the dialog. You can also narrate the dialog (Jen said, "I must include speech bubbles.")

To show the text in the manuscripts, use a script format: Jen: I must include speech bubbles.
Lisa: Are those like soap bubbles?

I hope this helps and good luck.

[DReese Posts: 4 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Thank you both! Appreciate the help--this answers my question exactly.

Look forward to participating in this forum!