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Berkeley Global
Get an introduction to the craft of writing for children and the business of publishing children’s picture books. Produce one picture-book manuscript, get feedback and work to strengthen the story through revision. Half of class time is dedicated to critiquing student work. Receive an overview of the editing, agent-retention and publishing processes. You should bring two favorite children’s books to the first meeting and be prepared to discuss them. Enrollment is limited.
Course Outline
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Course Objectives
- Share a picture book and explain why it is meaningful to you.
- Understand the differences between a children’s picture book and other types of children’s books.
- Analyze a typical picture book, including its structure, from cover to cover.
- Understand how pagination and length matter in producing your picture book.
- Understand the primary audience for picture books.
- Use your personal knowledge to build characters and story.
- Discuss how to write about sensitive or controversial material.
- Develop a plan for publication and promotion of your picture book.
What You Learn
- What a picture book is and how it differs from other types of children's books
- Ideal length of a children's picture book
- Intensive analysis of a typical picture book
- Board and other books for the pre-verbal and very young
- Pagination
- History of children's picture books (from 1797 to the present day)
- The children's book market
- The three types of children's picture books: concept, informational and story
- Presenting sensitive or religious material, including holiday books
- Why and how to use inanimate objects in your story
- The importance of research
- Fantasy and logic
- Picture book pacing
- Picture book characters: animals and human beings
- The art of brevity
- How to find an editor
- Level of appropriateness in using humor and realism
- The importance of independent adventure in picture books
- Effective beginnings, middles and endings
- Picture book biographies
- Folklore and magic in picture books
- Dialogue
- Titles
- Copyright and public domain concerns
- What to expect from your illustrator
- How to interact with agents and publishing houses, including submissions, query letters, contracts/royalties and school visits
How You Learn
- Lectures
- Discussion
- Picture book reviews
- Student manuscript review and feedback
- Final manuscript project
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