[writedayandnight Posts: 3 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

My picture book geared to the pre-K to 1st graders is just over 900 words. I see a lot of people saying that current guidelines  are no more than 500 words. I can keep it to 32 pages. I really don't see a way to break it into chapters.

May I have your opinion / experience with current picture book word counts?

Thank you!

[Vijaya Posts: 7,336 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Short and sweet sells--500 or less is correct. You'll be amazed at how much you can cut if you decide to focus on the bare bones and leave room for the illustrator to bring his or her own interpretation. All the best as you prune your story.

[JulieM Posts: 943 Status: Offline WWW]

I have found it useful to read a few recent picture books (there are many being read aloud, free on line at the moment), and then read my own manuscript. Suddenly all the extra words and superfluous descriptions leap out at me.
 

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,870 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

Have you had anyone critique the manuscript? You can find crit partners or post for a critique on the Blueboard. Often a second set of eyes can see where you have too many words.

Here are tips: Cut any detail that is visual. (Color words, for example.) Cut any word that hints toward feeling. (The wind whooshed instead of he heard the wind.) You need to show emotion and sensory detail but not visual ones. Cut adjectives and adverbs. Use stronger nouns and verbs. (She spoke quietly becomes she whispered.) Watch for places where you tell an action an then show it happening.

Those are all classic thinks we all have done and have to learn not to do, unless the story really needs them.

Set a goal to cut 200 words and see what happens. Good luck.

[BonnieJoy Posts: 71 Status: Offline]

That is all great advice. I spend most of my writing life chopping. That said, I recently got an offer an a picture book that was over 1,000 words, one I rarely sent out because I feared its length would kill it before anyone read it.

[writedayandnight Posts: 3 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I so appreciate all the guidance here! I'm truly grateful for the advice.

I'm going to work on two versions of the book, a picture book with no more than 500 words and an early reader level 2 with more of the text intact.

If you think of anything else that would be helpful, please do let me know!

[Vijaya Posts: 7,336 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

BonnieJoy!!! Yes, I do so adore some of the longer PBs. Please be sure to tell us when it comes out so that we can celebrate with you.

[writedayandnight Posts: 3 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I agree with Vijaya, BonnieJoy!

[BonnieJoy Posts: 71 Status: Offline]

Thank you, Vijaya! It’s not time to celebrate because after working out terms, it seems contracts are on hold while the world is in turmoil. I’m only cautiously optimistic because a different PB manuscript (of a more acceptable length) got this far just when the recession suddenly and ruthlessly hit the publishing industry. We were all put on hold, but none of that batch ever went forward. But thank you anyway--I guess I’m celebrating having my work affirmed and that there are publishers out there who value story more than parameters, and of course celebrating the support of the Blueboarder community. By the way, I’m totally engrossed in a book you recommended somewhere on this site: A Suitable Boy. Talk about length! It took me forever to work up the courage to open it. I’m finally on page 1,200 and something, but I meant to thank you for a good recommendation.

[Vijaya Posts: 7,336 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

BonnieJoy, I hear you! I've had stories fall through at every stage of the contracts...and it's heartbreaking. I'm so glad you are sharing some of this joy here. And that's so great you're reading Suitable Boy! One of my favorites. He has another book I love--An Equal Music. Read about it here: https://vijayabodach.blogspot.com/2019/03/reading-writing-singing.html 

Crossing everything for a suitable outcome for you, BonnieJoy!

[BonnieJoy Posts: 71 Status: Offline]

Aw, thanks! Intriguing Seth book description. In case it's like A Suitable Boy, I'll start pumping iron so I can lift it.