Comments on: Writing for children: Picture books http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/ the business and craft of writing Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:44:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Fiona Veitch Smith http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-173 Fiona Veitch Smith Tue, 02 Oct 2007 08:13:59 +0000 http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-173 <p>Hi Ekwy. The distinction between the two age groups is artificial. It's more of a guide for publishers than an accurate reflection of reading age. My daughter is two and a half, and although she can't read, is still bored with the stories aimed at the under 4s. Of course, we could just have child geniuses on our hands! I think you're right to keep it for the older age group and extend to length. If you would like me to have a look at it when you've finished I do offer a <a href="/services/#critiqueing" rel="nofollow">critiqueing service </a>. <a href="/contact/" rel="nofollow">Contact me</a> privately if you'd like to pursue this option. Good luck with it whatever you decide.<br /> Fiona</p> Hi Ekwy. The distinction between the two age groups is artificial. It’s more of a guide for publishers than an accurate reflection of reading age. My daughter is two and a half, and although she can’t read, is still bored with the stories aimed at the under 4s. Of course, we could just have child geniuses on our hands! I think you’re right to keep it for the older age group and extend to length. If you would like me to have a look at it when you’ve finished I do offer a critiqueing service . Contact me privately if you’d like to pursue this option. Good luck with it whatever you decide.
Fiona

]]> By: Ekwy http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-172 Ekwy Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:09:25 +0000 http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-172 Hello Fiona, I have a 3 and a half year old and it seems to me that there is a blurred line between what she is reading now and what 4 year olds read. I am not sure about the reworking of the text; how to make words easy per se or if words I have used are slightly hard. The aim of the book is to encourage older siblings that is why I am positioning it for 4 - 6s. I will work on increasing the length as that definitely makes sense. Thank you for your help and insight. Ekwy Hello Fiona,

I have a 3 and a half year old and it seems to me that there is a blurred line between what she is reading now and what 4 year olds read. I am not sure about the reworking of the text; how to make words easy per se or if words I have used are slightly hard.
The aim of the book is to encourage older siblings that is why I am positioning it for 4 - 6s.
I will work on increasing the length as that definitely makes sense.
Thank you for your help and insight.
Ekwy

]]> By: Fiona Veitch Smith http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-162 Fiona Veitch Smith Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:44:10 +0000 http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-162 <p>Hi Ekwy, 8 pages and 132 words is perfectly acceptable for a picture book, but it's usually for under 4s. 4-6s want a bit of a longer read. So either lower your age group (simpler plot line, easier words) or increase the length. Or have another look and see whether or not your text really is for 4-6s. Good luck with it and thanks for visiting.</p> Hi Ekwy, 8 pages and 132 words is perfectly acceptable for a picture book, but it’s usually for under 4s. 4-6s want a bit of a longer read. So either lower your age group (simpler plot line, easier words) or increase the length. Or have another look and see whether or not your text really is for 4-6s. Good luck with it and thanks for visiting.

]]> By: Ekwy http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-161 Ekwy Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:51:21 +0000 http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-161 Hi there, Great to read about the picture books bit. I have written a picture book (well, I think it is complete) but it is not up to 32 pages. The age range is 4 -6 years. It is only 8 pages and 132 words! Pray tell me, does this mean it does not qualify? Thank you. Hi there,
Great to read about the picture books bit. I have written a picture book (well, I think it is complete) but it is not up to 32 pages. The age range is 4 -6 years.
It is only 8 pages and 132 words!
Pray tell me, does this mean it does not qualify?
Thank you.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-46 Anonymous Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:45:17 +0000 http://www.thecraftywriter.com/2007/08/29/writing-for-children-picture-books/#comment-46 <strong>Writing for children: picture books...</strong> Overview of the publishing market for children's picture books. The article gives general advice on how to go about getting published, and also several practical tips on how to write a children's picture book.... Writing for children: picture books…

Overview of the publishing market for children’s picture books. The article gives general advice on how to go about getting published, and also several practical tips on how to write a children’s picture book….

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