Journey to KidLit - How to Write & Publish Books for Kids

Are You Writing a Picture Book or Something Else? How to Know If Your Idea Fits the Market

Journey to KidLit - How to Write & Publish Books for Kids

Show Notes

Does your picture book manuscript feel too long? 📝 Or maybe you're wondering if it's actually an early reader, chapter book, or something in between?

In this episode of the Journey to Kidlit podcast, Brooke Van Sickle tackles: * How long is too long for a picture book * What counts as a complete story with proper pacing * Why pagination matters more than word count * What to do when your book doesn’t have a clear problem or conflict * And how to rework your idea so it’s more marketable (and fun!)

Perfect for writers unsure about age ranges, genres, or how to tighten their manuscript. You’ll also hear tips for writing from the right point of view and when to ditch your main character in favor of the reader! 😉

Tune in now and download your FREE Children’s Book Template to get started 👉 https://journeytokidlit.com/get-the-template

#kidlit #picturebooktips #writingforkids #childrensbookwriting #kidlitpodcast #writingadvice #kidlitcommunity

LINKS FOR EPISODE: * Join Kidlit Academy: https://journeytokidlit.com/kidlit-academy * Get the FREE template: https://journeytokidlit.com/get-the-template

More from Journey to KidLit - How to Write & Publish Books for Kids

Sep 16, 2025

What does it really take to publish—and market—a children’s book today?

May 12, 2025

Finished your manuscript and wondering if it’s time to hire an illustrator? Not so fast.

May 7, 2025

Think you need an agent, an MFA, or a publishing background to become a children's book author? Think again.

May 2, 2025

You’ve made it to the final day of the Kidlit Story Kickoff — and by the end of today, you’ll have a complete first draft of your children’s book! 🥳

May 1, 2025

Today is all about plot and your story’s structure! 📚 In Day 4 of the Kidlit Story Kickoff, we’ll outline your plot from start to finish using proven frameworks that work for all kinds of children’s books.

See all episodes →