5 Tips for Getting Noticed as a Picture Book Writer
The good news is out in the world. I have a literary agent!!! An amazing and hard working agent, Kaitlyn Sanchez!!! Since the announcement, many friends and family members have contacted me for advice on their writing journey… so I decided I would write a blog with 5 tips to get noticed by an agent as a picture book writer.
Read A LOT of picture books. Yes, read the classics as they are classics for a read but make sure you read recent picture books to have a better sense of what publishers are looking for. To become knowledgeable, you need to immerse yourself in the craft. I also recommend you read books on craft also. The book I recommend is Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul. Please support your local independent bookstore.
Write a lot! Write to figure out your style and author voice. Write because as cliche as it sounds “practice makes perfect.” I highly recommend that you develop a writing habit. I write at least 5 times a week. I try to write every day, but with a baby, I’m not always able to fit it into my schedule. Nevertheless, on the few days I’m not writing, I am working on my craft by outlining, reading, and/or researching.
Join SCWBI – https://www.scbwi.org/ – WHY? Because you get access to so much information about agents, publishers, critique groups, conferences, webinars, awards, grants, marketing, classes, reliable books on crafts. I highly recommend getting a membership. It is a $99 annual investment.
Joining critique groups with other authors is a great way to get unbiased feedback on your manuscript and maybe even your query letter. Critique partners are a fresh pair of eyes and can often see things you were not able to see. Maybe the plot arc is not clear? Maybe your character is too flat? Maybe the structure is off? They can see this and help you improve your manuscript. Plus as you give feedback, you get better at being critical of your own work. *Not all critique groups are created equal so I will write another blog about joining these groups if enough people are interested.*
Apply for mentorship programs. Here are a few I recommend:
Las Musas – My mentor Donna Barba Higuera changed my life. She provided me with resources and industry advice. She was honest in her feedback about my manuscripts, which is why they were able to improve tremendously. She encouraged me when the going got tough. I’m so glad she picked me to be her mentee because my life has been forever changed. Visit her website and buy her books. She is a talented middle grade and picture book author. I am so excited to be a Las Musas mentor and give back to this community after my first book is published.
PB Chat – I was selected to be mentored, but needed to rescind my application as I was offered representation by an agent. I applied for this opportunity because the line up of authors that Justin was able to pull together was amazing. I literally agonized, in a good way, about who I wanted to be my mentor. So much talent and the generous authors that volunteer their time to help mentees achieve their goal is why I love the KidLit community.
The Word’s Editor-Author Mentorship Program – Apply to this unique opportunity to be mentored by an actual EDITOR! WHAT? YES! An actual editor!!! I was just awarded this mentorship this August. I look forward to giving back to this organization as a volunteer reader for future years.
I hope this was helpful. If you have questions of comments feel free to comment below. Good luck to you all and happy writing!
Best!
