I appreciate your advice. I have been writing and illustrating childrens books as a hobby that my children love, I recently decided maybe I could try getting them traditionally published, and I needed information on how publishers figure page count and your video was helpful, I feel more informed on the process. Thanks

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome! If you head over to my site, you’ll find an article about book layout that may help! brookevitale.com/blog/childrens-book-layout

I read to my children each night. We have our favourites but also read new. I've thought the same as you on all your points. It's a real craft! You can see the effort made for the ones that are popular

Great video with tons of sensible and thoughtful advice. Thank you! 😊

Thank you very much for your input! I appreciate these valuable pointers. Great video!

It tells me you not only know the subject but you also have a mastery over it. Kudos!

Thank you for the great tips, I'm going to do a word count on the story I'm working on!

Good Info. Very good. Thanks.

So nice to get such solid advice from a professional. I'm working on my first book and knowing the facts about what is important to a publisher is so helpful. Thank you.

@BrookeTalksBooks

9 ай бұрын

You're very welcome.

Absolutely love your services!

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. That’s so kind of you!

Brooke, an excellent and helpfully informative video. With material like this your channel deserves audience growth, good luck and thank you it has been very beneficial.

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I am so glad it was helpful!

Thank You! Useful and clear. 🙂

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad to hear that!

Thank you for the informative video

Great advice, TFS

Thank you for taking your time to help and inform other aspiring writers/illustrators! 🤗 It’s very much appreciated 👍🏼👍🏼😊.

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome, Melinde.

@melindedemmers264

Жыл бұрын

@@BrookeTalksBooks I’m actually busy drawing and writing my first children’s book ever. I want to publish on KDP or Ingram Spark. I do not know anyone personally who is working in this field of interest, so I’m grateful when professional writers/illustrators share useful info, tips and tricks. 😊👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 How did you start out in children’s book industry? Do you have an uncle/aunt who is a writer/illustrator? My late father used to draw and paint (oil paint) a lot and he also had an endless imagination and interest in art.

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

@@melindedemmers264 actually, no. I just knew I loved books, so out of college I got an internship at Sterling Publishing. A few months in, a job opened up in the children’s department, and I never looked back!

You're way up there with your advise. Thank you!

@BrookeTalksBooks

11 ай бұрын

You're very welcome. I'm glad it helps!

Thank you for your posts! I am a new author and a good number of the tips offered me real time advise. Blessings 🎉

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Great video and advice! ThNk you. ❤

@BrookeTalksBooks

9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Excellent video!

Thanks 😊 Am working on my first picture book

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

Great 👍 Best of luck. Let me know if you have any questions. you can check out my website (link in description) for a ton of information on the children's book publishing process.

This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing :)

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

you're so welcome

Heartfelt thanks from Bangalore , India . Your video inspired me to come up with more than 20 ideas to write children book. 🙏

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

That's wonderful, and so exciting. Congratulations!

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your tips with us. Im a newbie self taught writer, illustrator and now wanting to learn how to edit my own books as well. Im also looking at self publishing with either kdp or ingrem spark but im not sure yet. Anyway i have a lot of work to do so thank you once again for your videos. I look forward to learning more from you :) Have a great week. Kia Ora from NZ - Marie

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome!

Thank you for giving great information. I had to suffer through 5-6 videos on "writing a picture book," to actually get someone to talk about writing a picture book! Thank you

@BrookeTalksBooks

11 ай бұрын

You're welcome. And check out my full site for more detailed breakdowns!

I'm onlyat 4:17 and I have already gained so much! Wow! Can't wait for the next 15mins!!! Thank you!

thank you so much :0

thank you :)

"Kids at that age can't handle something heavy." The 1st graders I teach in Japan really liked the Demon Slayer movie, which handles death, delusions, and a lot of other heavier themes. Their picture books also deal with heavier themes, such as Gon, the Little Fox. I think we in the West underestimate what children can handle.

@user-ee7hn3oj3g

7 күн бұрын

I agree with your perspective.

Can you do a video on what to include in an en early readers chapter book?

Great, well-presented info! Thank you!! It's also encouraging to hear you say 1000 words is the cap, because many others (Mary Cole, among them) say 500-600 is the cap in today's market. It's really hard to do much character or story development in that amount of words! I know Frog and Toad achieved this, but still... Beatrix Potter books are way over 1000 words and they still sell.

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

Honestly, 500-700 is ideal. But most agents have a hard line at 1,000 words on their query guidelines.

@h.a.s.7336

Жыл бұрын

@@BrookeTalksBooks thanks for your reply! I miss the days of picture story books. 2500 words...ahhh, now there's a good story length. ; )

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

@@h.a.s.7336 but hard to read to a 4-year-old with a limited attention span!

@h.a.s.7336

Жыл бұрын

@@BrookeTalksBooks Agree... Sorry if my response was confusing. I was referring to the fact that the current publishing industry only publishes short picture books. It's incredibly rare for an agent or publisher to pick up a longer picture story book manuscript...the longer format for older children. I doubt THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY or THE YEAR OF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE or ONE MORNING IN MAINE or PADDLE TO THE SEA would be published in today's market. Well, maybe last two would since they are author illustrator books.

Thanks for the Video. How do you write a compelling picture book manuscript for submission without illustration. I’ve been looking at several picture books trying to get an idea on how to write one, and without the pictures they seem hard to sell.

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

In an ideal world, a book SHOULD be able to stand alone without the art. Art should complement and enhance the story, but if you are relying solely on your art to TELL the story then I would go back and reconsider which pieces of story aren't making their way into the text. If a piece of art truly is needed, there's nothing wrong with including an art note that explains what would be seen. But if every page needs art for the story to make sense then I'd suggest trying to weave some of that storytelling into the actual text.

@Johnlmooring

Жыл бұрын

@@BrookeTalksBooks I appreciate the advice. Thanks so much! I’ll definitely use those tips!

Hello, I’ve noticed kids like scary characters in books but I’m not sure if it’s really the case. Maybe it’s seen as cool but when I was a kid I loved “Where The Wild Things Are.” In this day and age I’ve seen kids with plushies from horror games… I’m not sure the reason but just an idea. Probably parents wouldn’t like the idea of their kids having these books but kids do. Also the pigeon book I liked it because the pigeon was dumb, I’m 10 prob not a kid anymore lol

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

There’s certainly a place for scary books on the market. Every kid and every parent is different in what they like.

Is it fine if my picture book only contains drawings?

Hi lm.making my first picture books and illustrating them my self my idea is to publish them on Amazon and Kdp ...my stories and characters are all original ...lm.a bit confused about writing the word count can l still write a bit over 150 words more after a 1000 for 32 page book stories can they still be accepted to publish or is it a MUST to write it only up to a thousand...lm writing the best stories possible ...can you give me some advise ...really appreciate Than you good video

@BrookeTalksBooks

3 жыл бұрын

If you are seeking a traditional publisher, the best word count is between 500 and 700 words. Definitely do not exceed 1,000 words. That being said, if you plan to self-publish you have more wiggle room but I’d still advise you to try to stay under 1,000 words.

Thank you very much for all your advice, it really helps me out. Q: What age would you say this story book is for? Can you give me feedback on it before I publish it please. 30 pages Once upon a time, in a land far away, Lived a kangaroo named Tommy, who loved to play. From dawn till dusk, he would hop and bounce, But when bedtime came, he would pout and announce, "I don't want to sleep mum, I want to have fun, I want to jump high and race in the sun!" But Mama Kangaroo, with a loving smile, Said, "Tommy, my dear, it's time to rest for a while." She pulled him close and began to say, "Let me tell you a story, to end your day. In a magical forest, where the moon shines bright, Lived a kangaroo like you, named Delight." Delight loved adventures, just like you do, But she knew the importance of sleep, it's true. Each night, she'd tuck herself in her cozy bed, And dream of the things that she loved the best. She dreamt of hopping through fields of green, Of chasing butterflies around the trees. She dreamt of playing with her kangaroo friends, Of laughter and joy that seemed to have no end. But most of all, Delight dreamt of the stars, Their twinkling beauty, seen from afar. She knew that to see them, she needed her sleep, For dreams were a treasure, she wanted to keep. Tommy listened intently, his eyes growing wide, As Mama Kangaroo continued with pride. "Remember, my dear, dreams are your guide, They fill your heart with joy, far and wide." With a yawn and a sigh, Tommy understood, The importance of sleep, for it did him good. He hopped in his pouch and snuggled up tight, Ready to dream of adventures all through the night. So, the moon shone down on Tommy's sweet face, As he drifted off to a dreamy place. Through the night, he hopped and played, In kangaroo dreamland, where kangaroos stayed. He hopped over rainbows and danced with the stars, Explored magical forests and flew to Mars. He met friendly animals, big and small, And had grand adventures, having a ball. He swam with dolphins and climbed tall trees, Laughed with monkeys and buzzed with honey bees. He discovered treasures buried deep in the sand, And he flew with birds, over a magical land. When morning arrived, the sun painted the sky, Tommy woke up, feeling joyous and spry. He thanked Mama Kangaroo for her wise words, For teaching him the importance of sleep like the chirping birds. From that day forward, Tommy knew, That bedtime was special, and dreams would come true. So, he'd jump and play with all his might, But when bedtime came, he'd say, "Goodnight!" And so, my dear child, it's time to rest your head, To snuggle up warmly in your cozy bed. Remember Tommy's story, and close your eyes tight, For dreams are awaiting you, in the starry night. For dreams are the magic that make us feel, They hold our wishes, and help us heal. So dream big, my dear, let your imagination soar, For in dreamland, adventures await, forevermore. The end.

How many books have you released?

what if your book is 74 pages long? would you break that up into 24 pages? Making it 3 books?

Some very useful information there but it does sound like you're talking to a room full of kids, in the style of a picture book. 😆

You need to be a little louder can just hear you

@BrookeTalksBooks

2 жыл бұрын

New videos now have a microphone :)

@aileenzaziart

Жыл бұрын

It was really annoying.😊

interesting content.. but really hard to hear. I couldn't get my volumes up high enough to comfortably listen to this video

@BrookeTalksBooks

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, we are planning to refill these with a microphone

Ugh. The American market kills good books. Please know that in proper countries word count for picture books is 2000 and up, and these plastic fake themes around commercial events are thankfully not a big thing outside the states.

Orrible this juts bring my energies down. I ll appreciatate if the way you comunicate be yap realistic but still ENCOURAGING, Not dropping my energy...

Your video was extremely insightful and super helpful! It was like having a one on one with an art instructor giving important feedback haha! This was great, thank you! 🫶🏼

@BrookeTalksBooks

11 ай бұрын

Really happy to hear it helps!