Helpful Hints

CPBs (children’s picture books) are always 32 pages (because of the way paper used to be cut), and because we use Ingram as our printer, the last page must be blank. Odd pages are always the right hand side (recto). Page 1 is the title page, and page 2 is for copyright notices, etc. Your text begins on page 3.

CPBs are 500-1000 words, 1500 tops.

Submit your story to the illustrator and/or book designer in a list numbered 3-31, corresponding with pages. Remember that the last words on odd pages should be “page turners,” sort of mini cliff-hangers that make the reader want to keep reading.

Single pages versus full page spreads, vignettes versus full-bleed, etc. all should be left up to the illustrator. If the illustrator is experienced in how to illustrate children’s books, give them nothing at all but your list of text as explained above and let him/her do the rest. Illustrators are artists, not mind readers. If you already have in mind exactly how you want your illustrations to look, you will no doubt be disappointed with any illustrator you find. Although you may search for a certain “style” that a particular artist uses, and seek to employ that artist, attempting to make him/her see and paint the exact image that only exists in your mind will only drive you both insane.

If you use an outside illustrator, and/or designer, he/she will have to coordinate with the publisher for trim size.