SCBWI's Blueboard - A Message & Chat Board
Writer's Room => Picture Books (PB) => Topic started by: sepideh-faraji on November 01, 2020, 10:32 PM
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Hi all,
My manuscript has only 200 words!! Is that too little??
Do you think it will get rejected because it is short?
I made it very simple and my target is 3-5 years olds. Should I add more words and make it longer or more complicated?
Any advice is appreciated.
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That's actually a good length these days for a picture book.
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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is something like 161 words.
There are lots of short PBs. But make sure there's a full story.
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I wouldn't add words just to add words. Have you figured out where you think the page breaks should go? Even if you're not going to submit the manuscript with this information, it can be helpful to think about, especially if you're worried the story might be too short or simple.
If you think the length is right for the story, you can always include comps of other picture books with low word counts (like the one David mentioned) when you submit the manuscript.
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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is something like 161 words.
There are lots of short PBs. But make sure there's a full story.
Good example! Mo Willem's newer book "Cat the Cat Who Is That?" is even shorter than the one you mentioned!!
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My book Busy-Eyed Day is something like 61. It's fine if it works.
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My book Busy-Eyed Day is something like 61. It's fine if it works.
Hi Anne,
Thanks. I would love to read your book but unfortunately I could not find it in our library. I saw it on Amazon.
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Thank you everyone for your valuable comments!