Comments on: I have an awesome idea for a kids' book. Now what?

By: Sparky Firepants

Sparky Firepants — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:06:13 +0000

Hey, Jon – inspired idea! You should write an in-depth post specifically about the craft of writing.

Send me the link when it's done and I'll point people there.

By: John O'Connell

John O'Connell — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:57:13 +0000

I illustrated a book for a good client who had a friend who’s child had won a contest with her story, he wanted to do them a favor. I illustrated it on the condition I could use it to promote myself, and later if they wanted to publish it, we’d have to talk contract. I felt the story had some flaws(and was somewhat plageristic and would need to be changed), but it would encourage her to see her work illustrated. I also retained the right to use the images myself separately. Later the parents wanted to publish it without considering the time I put in it or pay properly for additional work. I’d still like to see if the illustrations be used. I was happy with some of them. Just wanted to say, yes, everyone be clear, time won’t be wasted, misunderstandings avoided. But it’s a cool thing to do, you have to try!

By: Sparky Firepants

Sparky Firepants — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:51:08 +0000

Hey, Jon – inspired idea! You should write an in-depth post specifically about the craft of writing.

Send me the link when it’s done and I’ll point people there.

By: Elio

Elio — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:22:11 +0000

Cool post, I especially like this part,

“A promise of “Big royalties! More books later!” or “This will will sell a lot of copies!” means nothing. You’re asking someone to have blind faith in your book and marketing abilities. It might work out, but don’t forget that.”

I absolutely love when people/writers find my work and want to collaborate, but it’s heart breaking to find out they have zero budget, and basically just pitching the idea as a pipe dream. I can’t get excited about something if you don’t know how to put it all together. It’s like basically throwing me the ball and hoping I make it to the end zone by myself, while you just walk off the field and take a seat.

I love helping people, and I love making books come true. I’m ready to get in the kitchen and start cooking, but I need someone to bring the ingredients!

By: Jon Bard

Jon Bard — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:58:12 +0000

Great post — but you’ve glossed over the most important step: writing the book… :)

Too many people feel that writing a picture book for kids is easy. After all, you only have to put a few words on each page! In reality, it’s the toughest sort of writing imaginable, as each word has to carry a tremendous amount of the load.

Here’s the advice we give aspiring writers:

1. Go to your local children’s librarian and ask to be directed to his or her favorite recent picture books.

2. Check them out and read them. And read them again.

3. Then get some more recommendations and do the same thing.

Only when you’ve truly gotten a feel for what today’s young readers (and grownups doing the “reading to”) have come to expect should you start your own journey of putting pen to paper.

Take your time, enjoy the journey and don’t worry yet about how the book will be published. Learn the craft and the art of writing….and the rest will flow naturally.

Jon Bard
Managing Editor, Children’s Book Insider
Fignthin’ Bookworm-in-Chief, CbiClubhouse.com, the essential children’s writing resource

By: Sparky Firepants

Sparky Firepants — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:51:08 +0000

Thanks, Greg – JacketFlap is an excellent resource!

Each publisher will have their own guidelines about submissions, but it’s funny.

Some people break the rules and get published. Others follow to the letter and get rejected. Publishers aren’t necessarily bipolar, they just know what they like. When “it” comes across their desk, they jump on it.

I’ve found that to be the case in pitching TV shows as well. One person comes in with a typed outline, a passionate pitch, and a great presence and it goes over very well.

Another person comes in with storyboards, animatics, model sheets, episode synopses… and falls flat.

To quote one of my favorite movies, “The rules are, there ain’t no rules.”

Except be awesome and passionate. Those are good rules.

If you’re an illustrator submitting an idea and you feel that your art is very strong, you can try submitting it. Who knows? I do know for sure that publishers are looking for fresh, fun, and marketable.

As far as getting those illustrator gigs with publishers, it’s a matter of marketing yourself to the right people (just like the toy industry). Again, SCBWI and JacketFlap are awesome resources. I posted this a while back, too:

http://sparkyfirepants.com/blog/2009/03/21/portfolio-style-issues/

I hope that helps!

By: Gregory Gunther

Gregory Gunther — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:53:46 +0000

Great post as I currently thinking of doing a book myself. Here’s a good question, though. What if you ARE an illustration who can also write? The whole point would be to do a story with your own illustrations and get your work out there.

Or what if you want to get a gig as an illustrator working with the publishers. Do you have any experience or tips to get the ‘foot’ in the door?

Another great networking site for writer’s and illustrators with interest in the Children’s book industry is JacketFlap. http://www.jacketflap.com/