For Beginners

A watercolor style illustration of a stack of papers with a pencil, moving over to a blue arrow pointing to children's book character dragons

Picture Book Writing: How to Think Visually Like an Illustrator

Most picture book writers don’t realize they’re only telling half the story. Learn how to develop “illustrator vision” with practical exercises that help you see beyond your words, leave room for visual storytelling, and create manuscripts that appeal to editors and engage young readers on multiple levels.

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Why Editors Reject Picture Books: Is Your Main Character Too Passive?

Are you facing unexplained rejections for your picture book manuscript despite beautiful writing and a compelling concept? The problem might be the “silent manuscript killer” that most authors miss: lack of character agency. Discover why editors and agents immediately notice when your protagonist isn’t driving the story forward, and learn practical techniques to transform a passive main character into an active hero that young readers will connect with. This critical but often overlooked element could be the difference between rejection and request for your children’s book.

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Blog Post Article: Creating Children's Picture Books: A Beginner's Guide

Creating Children’s Picture Books: A Beginner’s Guide

The journey from initial concept to published children’s picture book involves multiple creative stages, important decisions, and practical considerations. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the children’s picture book creation process, breaking it down into manageable pieces while highlighting key decision points and strategies for success. Whether you’re exploring publishing pathways or wondering if creating a children’s book is right for you, this roadmap provides the foundation to begin your creative journey with confidence.

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A light pinkish red octopus illustration. The octopus uses a magnifying glass to look closer at a book laying open on the desk in front of it. It is surrounded by pens, pencils, books, and other office supplies.

A Guide to Finding the Best Self-Publishing Company

Navigate the self-publishing landscape with confidence using our insider’s guide. Learn how to compare self-publishing companies, understand the importance of services offered, costs, royalties, and read through success stories to find the perfect partner for your book’s journey.

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Watercolor style illustration of a colorful group of octopuses clustered together, all smiling with tentacles raised like they're cheering

Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Company

Discover how to choose the best self-publishing company for your book with our comprehensive guide. Learn about the benefits of self-publishing, compare traditional and self-publishing, and uncover key factors like experience, genre specialization, and distribution channels. Perfect for aspiring authors ready to navigate the self-publishing landscape.

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