5 Mistakes To Avoid When Writing a Children's Book

[@DejanOfRadic]

Actually, Tolkien specifically said that he keeps his writing simple and free from too much description as well. He believed that the reader will use images from their own life, and therefore that too much description is actually a detriment.

[@IzzyBBooks]

He’s the GOAT

[@Tobirama_isHimju]

I can see it. Seems like that takes away from children exploring their own vast imaginations, and creating the characters themselves. That's such a skill to learn. But it's so beautiful.

[@MimiM-u2k]

Tolkien is awesome AND different people have different styles. Deep descriptions do have a purpose. I am now motivated to write a children's book WITH deep descriptions. Yay!

[@duffman238]

Izzy, you seriously rock. This advice plus your other videos have had me rewriting, changing words and story booking my manuscripts and reminding me why I started writing them. Thank you for this.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Wow! It’s comments like these that motivates me to make more videos.

[@mariaolicher9630]

Thank you so much! I honestly don’t have the words to express how grateful I am. You truly have a talent for explaining things in such an accessible way and for motivating others. Thanks to this video, I now feel equipped with the fundamentals to make my dream of becoming a children’s book writer come true.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Go kick some booty.

[@CreatedbySusanMontgomery]

So helpful, thank you! I am in the middle of a children's book series project and write and illustrate the stories. Storyboarding is so helpful! It's one of my favorite things to do. I make my thumbnail sketches and try to be consistent with each book. For example, I have two to three very large ocean creatures that stretch across the spread in the first two books. I am making sure I include larger-than-life creatures in books 3 and 4 as well because I've noticed that is something I've seen people really respond to when I've shown or sold the book in person. Can't wait to check out more of your videos and books!

[@jungleperry]

Wow, tonight for the first time I started researching "how to write a children's book" since I have two I have started on and then I found you. I did a bit of sketches on my favorite story, "The Adventures Of Esmeralda, The Wisest Cow That Ever Lived", but I was not happy all that much with my own illustrations even though I have an artistic side. So, for years I've sat on this story. I've recited it to friends along the way, turned it into campfire tales with backpacking friends, and everyone says I should follow through and get it published. But I had no idea there were people like you. I would like to contact you and get the ball rolling. Of all the creative projects I have, varying from authoring music, performing, software development, fiber arts and more I am deeply interested in getting my story about Esmeralda published for the kids. I want to inspire them to seek for ways to become wise in life, and encourage their emotional and mental development with a simple children's story. I believe this is how to impact the next generation the most. Not once they reach higher learning.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Awesome! Keep it up

[@ryanreeves1951]

I loved this video. I love writing and never thought of writing to children. Recently, my son asked that I tell him a story. I read something I wrote, but tried to keep it in language he'd understand. He loved it. This inspired me to create a children's book. I'm so excited to do this, but had no clue how to begin. Thanks for the video.

[@ryg4895]

it's tricky writing a children's book. I've been working on mine for the last year. started over several times. learning as I go. good luck!

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’re welcome

[@mardz229]

This is freaken AMAZING! The best tips ive ever come across in the childrens book field!! Thank you so freakn much! im so pumped! Im about to order the word book :) Cheers! I've found you on tiktok so im following you here and tiktok! cant wait to watch more content from you whooohooo!

[@mardz229]

p.s loved how you edited your videos too! so funny hehe and the build up of tip number 5 lol

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m glad they helped

[@vivlivbooks4143]

These are great tips!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I really appreciate the feedback! Thank you.

[@Stephaniekathaleen1]

Thanks this was a big help. I am dropping my first children's book and I am so excited. I think I followed a lot of your tips with some guidance from my illustrator.

[@IzzyBBooks]

That’s awesome!

[@ChristinaRodriguez-n6f]

Awesome tips. Thank you! Now if i could only get help on this one thing- i keep getting ideas for other books before i finish the one im working on. Im mid 4 to 5 stories lol i did get one out and published though! Thank God for that! Love your books! 🎉

[@IzzyBBooks]

This is a GOOD problem to have. The alternative is writers block. So don’t fret! Give praise for an active brain that is passionate about what you’re doing. I get this 100% and sometimes it’s straight up work to finish a story just so I can move on to another

[@lindamah9421]

I love your videos - so entertaining and you give the message in a straight forward way. Would like videos about - marketing and email lists, producing merchandise to go with books (t-shirts, stuffed animals, bags and whatever would be popular with kids), making activities books to go with the picture book. Big thank you for offering all your wisdom.

[@elizastar1973]

Thank you. I liked the humor commercials. Some of the other videos I've watched are too pompous, or boring and downright snoring. .... Anyhoo, I'm subbed.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Next time I’ll add explosions

[@gwendolynmukes8806]

Thanks a lot for I REALLY learned a lot of tips that I had never thought of!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Wonderful! That’s the goal

[@lavenderbookco]

As a children’s book author I appreciate ALL of these points. I agree with everything single one 👏🏼👏🏼

[@IzzyBBooks]

Good! Because I could easily be wrong haha

[@mugaska9098]

This a wonderful video! I already feel energized and ready ro write ha ha

[@keronica]

You're such a character! I enjoyed every bit of your video! Thank you Izzy! I have been sitting on my books for years. I will implement these and complete what I started!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I hope you have a best seller!

[@anjuupadhyay6510]

You are a great story teller. Good voice modulation and focused video.

[@carolienvandenbos7921]

Great tips Izzy ✨️✨️

[@nettierg]

Just ran into your YT Page. This is fabulous advice.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad you learned something

[@lakeartengrave]

loved this thank you so, much very helpful!!!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad I helped

[@reneeculpepper3564]

Blessings be. 🙏❤️

[@IzzyBBooks]

😀

[@BenMcNelly]

When working with an illustrator should I give them direction art style or samples of books I like how they are illustrated, or is better to just go with giving them a manuscript and letting them be creative with it?

[@IzzyBBooks]

This is a really awesome question. I’ll be making some videos on hiring an illustrator. I love it when authors send me an idea board full of what they envision for their characters and the story itself. The more you communicate what you’re seeing for your book the better the outcome. NOW!! What doesn’t work is when someone hires me and asks for me to create something that isn’t like my style at all. That doesn’t work. If you hire me and ask for a non whimsical water color then I’d be spending all my time trying to make something I wasn’t skilled with in the first place. So when hiring an illustrator make sure they match what you’re wanting first.

[@BenMcNelly]

@@IzzyBBooks Wow great answer and I look forward to those videos, keep em coming and thanks for making them!

[@Ririkins]

Thank you so much for these tips. I made the mistake of not using appropriate vocabulary. You've been really helpful. ❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m really glad they helped

[@megmathisen9072]

Really great tips! Thank you.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Yw

[@nathalieobrien9562]

Great tip about the Word Book! Just ordered a copy! 🙌

[@IzzyBBooks]

Whoever made that book put a lot of time into it. I use it a lot!

[@andreakurth2722]

That word book is great! Has been essential for me writing children’s chapter books.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Oh wow! I can't even imagine the stress of making sure 10,000+ words are age appropriate. That must be a real task indeed.

[@andreakurth2722]

@@IzzyBBooks only 8100. 😁

[@TheLocalsGroup]

Very helpful!! I will definitely be getting that book!! Thank you for making this video, can’t wait for more! - Jess Dailey

[@IzzyBBooks]

The next video is how to sell books at school visits! I think it's going to be a really beneficial one.

[@bentleyhippo1]

Awesome - love the video and the tips and this WILL be a great channel for new and seasoned authors. Very entertaining. I have a great tip on juggling haha!! Loved it, congrats and I will be following

[@IzzyBBooks]

I definitely need to practice my juggling. Okay… what do you think of this idea? I practice juggling throughout all the videos as a side note and see my progress 😂

[@bluebonnet95]

I’m so thankful I found your videos

[@IzzyBBooks]

Wow. I’m thankful you did too. This comment meant a lot to me.

[@victoriapat1]

Thanks so much ,you are a great teacher👌👍

[@IzzyBBooks]

You are welcome!

[@ummual134]

thank you for taking this video. it's help me alot

[@nargesbahadori-x5g]

thank you so much

[@MarthaFerro-e8k]

Thank you !! I am a teacher writing a book for the first time and I need all the advice I can get. Martha

[@IzzyBBooks]

I hope you rock it!

[@trudyhellqvist5085]

I need to get started ❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

😀

[@ellewood9140]

Good advice and love your transparency and authenticity while teaching

[@joslynspureclass]

Thank you so much for the free information! This is very helpful and easy to understand. God bless!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you! I’m glad it helped.

[@janedoe5229]

Thank you so much! I really need the "steps of procedure" and your videos are very helpful. :)

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad I could help

[@jas_094]

Just subscribed mate, thank you so much for all the info

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thanks for the sub!

[@vhcisternas]

My guess is that not every page has to be a page turner. Am I right? How many and how separated should they be?

[@Lavendercreates]

Thank you for these tips! Im planning on writing a childrens book, and i think this will really help me to think about when planning my book!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Awesome! I hope you get published! 😊

[@MikeEsposito-fr3cz]

thank you!! amazing tips

[@IzzyBBooks]

You're very welcome!

[@anglosaxaphone672]

Izzy, I can’t tell you how glad I am that this video was recommended to me. Not just for the video but for your way of teaching as well. Subscribed before I even finished half of the video

[@IzzyBBooks]

Wow! Thank you. I’m glad you liked it

[@andreaross3283]

Very helpful 😊

[@IzzyBBooks]

I'm so glad!

[@janagalhardo]

Awsome! Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you for watching! More to come so stay tuned.

[@BismaWaseem-m1y]

this is good for my children in my class you are so clear and funny

[@IzzyBBooks]

I love that! You used this in the classroom!? That makes me so happy seeing as how I was a teacher for 11 years

[@staciewexler961]

Thank you Izzy for all the advice. I am a new writer and trying to figure out publishing, copywriting, and putting it all together. I am creating a series, the first story and illustrations are done. I am working on the next two. Help please!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I can definitely help you out. Check out my website and reach out

[@MattLaughs]

Just here to support you man. You seem like a very genuine and talented children's book writer!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thank you. That means a lot. I try! It’s a tough world for children’s books.

[@Mehrkian-m5m]

Thank you it was helpful.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Good to hear

[@WitchDoctor87]

I really love this video. Thank you. I think I already had an idea on these things, but it feels great knowing I'm on the right track........ Subbed ❤️

[@IzzyBBooks]

Glad I could help!

[@Rachaelljw]

This was very helpful. I have now purchased the book. Thank you!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I hope it helps

[@victoriamatthewsbooks2797]

Hi Izzy. thank you for the great content! I am an aspiring author AND Illustrator. Currently trying to teach myself digital illustration as I had such a clear idea of what I wanted my book to look like visually. I am working on my first book at the moment - exciting times!! No real question - just a thank you for sharing and keep the content coming!! ☺️😋

[@IzzyBBooks]

I will be releasing videos on how to illustrate. I believe in you! Guess what… I 100% taught myself as well! And now it’s my full time job! If you need any help just hit me up. Is there an illustration video that would help you out most? I’m making one soon on how to format books.

[@victoriamatthewsbooks2797]

@@IzzyBBooks oh amazing!! At the moment I am really struggling with positioning of people and consistency of facial features throughout a book and expressions. I know this will come with time and practice but I am impatient lol, especially when I am determined and have a goal to work towards haha. Any tips in that space would be very much appreciated!!

[@msbernar1976]

Wow, at this stage I thought I had my book almost ready, now I am going to revise many of the things based on these great tips! Thanks. I would LOOVEEEEEEEEEEEEE to see a video on books that use rhymes and tips on that subject (not sure if you already have any as I have just landed on you channel), but if you don't, please make one! ;-)

[@IzzyBBooks]

That’s a great idea for a video!

[@msbernar1976]

@@IzzyBBooks thanks for the reply! I'd also love to know how to tackle the translation of your children's book (I work as a professional translator from several languages into Spanish) regarding the translation itself and the KDP process. What are some important things to look for? Are they considered different books? Etc. Thanks!

[@littleravendesigns5587]

I appreciate the advice! I am an inspiring illustrator who is interested in children and fantasy themes! I thrilled to see someone give real advice besides just follow by our dreams videos.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Go for it!

[@kamaniverse582]

I’m glad I’ve found this Chanell

[@IzzyBBooks]

It's so awesome that you're here! New videos dropping every week for you!

[@kamaniverse582]

@@IzzyBBooks thanks

[@elsh332]

I'm finally looking at making my childhood dream of writing books come true. This video is only the 3rd one I've watched on writing children's books and is so helpful 🎉 thank you Izzy! I wish we could meet, you seem to be a wellpool of writing wisdom ❤

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’m glad I helped! My biggest advice is don’t give up. This is a job of determination

[@syazwanitmt3509]

Thank you. My friend and I have just started writing our first book. keeping these tips in mind! Hope it will be as successful as yours. also, just subscribed 🥰

[@IzzyBBooks]

I hope so too

[@karenrobinson4926]

I’m just starting out & I’m really glad I found you! Thank you, thank you, thank you 😊

[@IzzyBBooks]

Good to hear!

[@carlsouthern6292]

Loved the video and you as a character. You're a natural. Really fun and engaging content. I'm an illustrator wants to write a children's book this New Year that weve arrived in. Any tips on your methods for ideas brainstorming and inspiration.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Read read read. Reading children’s books helps. Hang out with kids. That also helps. Know your audience.

[@RebeccaBielawski]

Thanks for your insight!

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’re welcome! I love sharing my experience to help others! More videos coming soon!

[@RainaMarshall-r9j]

Hello there. I have 3 grandchildren. the oldest is 14 and the youngest is 4. I have told them my story (by word of mouth) from the first grandson but now that I finally have a granddaughter, I really wanted my story on print. I wrote it out, but do not understand how to illustrate it. I watched your video on how you illustrated your chicken wig book, but without sitting next to you and being tutored, it makes it difficult to know where you go and all of the steps. I am not good with art or artistic at all and would love to have some assistance with this if at all possible.

[@leslieheard3434]

I’m writing a children book but finding that I get stuck especially drawing the picture the illustration I want to draw my own picture but I was told to allow someone else to do this but I’m not sure.

[@Beatboxbob]

So, about including the illustrator, what do you want to see in a manuscript? I've been warned about writing too much instruction to an illustrator, stepping on toes and restricting what they do, Is there anywhere I can find an example of a manuscript with the right level of instruction for the illustrator?

[@IzzyBBooks]

I am an illustrator. The more you tell me the happier I am. I want to know what you’re envisioning for your book.

[@Beatboxbob]

@@IzzyBBooks okay, if I can follow up a little. What kind of thing is useful? And how much. Are we talking about a summary of the vision, storyboards, page-by-page annotations? You'd still think the more the better? The other thought here is whether that belongs in a submission to a publisher, or would that come in later when collaborating with an illustrator?

[@sreelekha5939]

How do you know if your idea works? And how it build it into something wholesome and engaging? Typically, how long should on sit on an idea/story to make sure it's adequately fleshed out?

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’ll know pretty fast when you put it out into the world. Trust me…. People love giving their opinions.

[@lauriehudson7425]

thank you :)

[@IzzyBBooks]

You’re welcome

[@vermontmike9800]

What a fantastic, easy to follow video. Great presentation. Subscribing.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Awesome!

[@gabeandlaiaburke]

hi there! your video was amazing. I used to write and illustrate books for my two boys as they greew up. I always wanted to send my books off to see if anyone may take one up but never did. I still to this day, write down and sketch children's book ideas as I see them in my life. but, I am too afraid to try anymore. My question may be... How does one step into the children's book industry?

[@IzzyBBooks]

I illustrate books for others and help them with this. You can always email me [e-mail]

[@ffi5733]

Really love this video. Are there specific things that make a manuscript stand out to you?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Making sure it flows well. Focus on voice! That’s what all publishers want…. A distinct voice

[@sarahmparlane]

Izzy, what if I have a great concept for a book but absolutely no experience in writing and may need help figuring out the story? Are there resources or people to help with this process? Thank you, in advance.

[@jodiegarris2220]

On illustrations, when you mentioned leave a spot for the illustrator. What spot is that ?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Mainly what I mean is to remember your illustrator has a job of telling the story too. You don’t have to dive deep into descriptive language because the illustrator can carry the weight of that too. And should

[@melissacarty2643]

Thanks!

[@RBlanc-zl1hh]

Hey love learning from your videos. but where is the link for the word book link?

[@IzzyBBooks]

It’s in the comments if you click more.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Not the comments sorry. I meant the video description

[@IzzyBBooks]

Not the comments sorry. I meant the video description

[@JamesDBeers]

IzzyB - I've got a children's book story I've had in the hopper for about 10 years (wow...I guess it's been a while) and which I really want to finish. However, it's kind of taken on a life of its own and it just keeps going and I can't figure out how to end it. So, it's over that golden 500 words number. It's so long - just under 2,000 words! - you'd probably call it a children's book novel. It's also a rhyming book, which is probably part of the issue (at least for me, anyway...you gotta fit everything in there and still match the rhyming pattern - ugh!). How do I hack this thing down to size and actually wrap it up with an ending? Probably need to find myself a good children's book editor or mentor.

[@IzzyBBooks]

It rhymes too! Sounds impressive. Can you make it a long picture book with chapters? Nothing wrong with that at all! Have you read Wonder Struck or Hugo Cabret? Check those out. Your book can be long as long as you stress that’s the purpose of it.

[@JamesDBeers]

@@IzzyBBooks Oh, okay! I'll have to look at those two you suggested. I was thinking that picture books had that sub-1,000 word limit with the 500-700 word sweet spot. But I also know that several of Dr. Seuss's picture books are quite long...so.. I guess there are exceptions out there. Not sure how chapter picture books work - don't know that I've seen one - but are they similar to "regular" 32-page-spread picture books with illustrations on every page? I think my story is more conducive to a format with an illustration on every page, but I don't know now. Maybe a chapter picture book would work. Thanks, IzzyB!!!

[@HajiMuhammad-uv3wd]

Great tutorial! Any tips on writing chapter books?

[@IzzyBBooks]

To make chapters books profitable you have to write a lot of them. Unless you mean novels. There’s a big difference between chapter books and novels in the world of books

[@ciskid23]

My ? As someone writing, illustrating for myself I plan to self publish. So Im researching on KZbin how it all comes together but no one ever seems to talk about isbn numbers. Meaning where do you get them, and when do you use them because they need to be made apart of the pdf to publish correct? Also I hear it’s better to get your own rather than be given one so you keep more profits from your book. And buying them in bulk etc. thanks

[@IzzyBBooks]

I use Bowkers and it’s never failed me.

[@DorinaCasapu]

first 2 minutes and already love you

[@IzzyBBooks]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@IzzyBBooks]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppWTeoKpjrJlpdE Check out this episode. I really go wild for this one.

[@VictorGonzalez-to6zw]

awesome Izzy

[@IzzyBBooks]

😀

[@FrenchAction1]

Very interesting and useful. I have a question. If you want to do a bilingual book, how would you put the two versions. How would they appear on the book? Thanks.

[@IzzyBBooks]

So you want both languages in the same book? Great idea. I’d just do one font color for one language and one for the other and stay consistent

[@FrenchAction1]

@@IzzyBBooks That is a good idea. Many thanks for your suggestion.

[@MandahSwift]

Great video! I am a book illustrator already and aspiring author working in my own book series. Do you think the writing format should be “normal” or when is it (if at all) good or best to use rhyming couplets? Trying to decide the writing style and would love to hear your opinion. Thanks! 😊

[@IzzyBBooks]

I would only suggest using rhyming couplets if you're confident in this style. It can be difficult to master. My first book that did well was a rhyming book. The cool part about this is I turned the story into a song that you can play on all major listening apps (like Spotify). I love telling my Alexa to play my book! BUT picture books are meant to be read out loud. If you're book doesn't flow well (and lacks out loud readability) it won't go over well. So this is my advice. If you're uneasy about rhyme then study up on it and get a good foundation before attempting it. I will also say that I play around with rhyme even when writing a normal story. It's just a fun way to have my words dance around the page. Would a video on writing in rhyme be helpful?

[@MandahSwift]

@@IzzyBBooks yes, it would definitely be helpful to have a video about this! Found you in one of the Facebook groups by the way Another question (and video idea) is how to get an agent for illustrators, or for author/illustrators. Or how to get in with traditional publisher (as an illustrator or author/illustrator). Another video idea is how to best market kids picture books. There’s a lot for novels but not much for picture books (that actually convert to sales) I’m sure I have more ideas, haha! Give me time 😂

[@IzzyBBooks]

I'm definitely going to do a video on marketing. It's actually something I'm pretty decent at. At least at marketing myself! I think marketing has a lot to do with the individual too. I like to think outside the box when it comes to this. I focus a lot on spreading my brand because if people know me, then eventually they'll find my books.

[@mardz229]

@@IzzyBBooks yes thatll be cool :)

[@denisedean3012]

Once one has the children’s book written … does one send it to a particular publisher..? Which one do you recommend for a series of stories about Midwest families doing Midwest things .. a family called the Peppernoodles with six red headed children .. Thanks

[@IzzyBBooks]

This sounds like a BLAST! If you’re going traditional publishing I’d check out query tracker and start hunting for an agent. But get ready to wait…. Patience is the name of the game. Big publishers take their dear sweet time. I’m a small publisher in this game. But even still, the work we do looks different than most.

[@vermontmike9800]

Must every right hand page be a “page turner” or just use that method conservatively?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Page turners mainly is just a mindset to make sure you leave the reader wanting to continue. For me it’s important to think like the reader.

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

Are there directions on the specs needed to submit a manuscript to you?

[@IzzyBBooks]

I do illustrate and publish books for others. Email me [e-mail]

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

@@IzzyBBooks great thank you :D!

[@chelseaponce8427]

Who wrote the book like how do you make the cover more interesting and how do you actually get ideas from making a book😊 cuz I cannot think of anything and I want to make a book so bad but I never know what to do😊😅

[@IzzyBBooks]

Covers are tricky. There’s definitely a specific art to keeping it simple yet focused. As far as ideas go I’d say start with reading a lot of children’s books to get inspired

[@gina8761]

How do I decide if my characters should be people or animals personified ?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Most people stick to animals because there’s no drama. No drama with a llama

[@kellytownsend5368]

I would like to do my own illustrations and I have an ability to draw, but I just have a total block on doing it. Is there anything you recommend to get me unblocked and going?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Hmmm I’d start by drawing just for fun. Take concepts you have in your head and bring them to life. Then build a story.

[@OliveBranchRanch]

What program do you use to illustrate? I just found you(God send). I am the founder of a youth ranch, and a 14 year old girl who attends our sessions has a tremendous dream to draw & be recognized for her work. I told her to put it on her vision board. I am writing a children's book, and the Lord laid it on my heart to ask her to illustrate it. So I did. No words can describe this childs mental,physical, and emotional change when i asked her if she would illustrate the book. I can't give much details but her parents said it saved her life. I've never written a children's book & some may call this whole idea crazy bringing on a kid to illustrate, but if it saves a life and redirects focus, it's worth trying. So, any advice on affordable software illustrators use? Thank you for what you do. Be blessed!

[@IzzyBBooks]

I use photoshop and procreate

[@msllubin8]

Thanks sooo much! How do I illustrate and still make it look professional if my drawing skills aren't that great?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Practice! There’s no real trick here other than put in the time and work. It’s very doable. I taught myself.

[@JoeAjzenszmidt]

Loving your videos thank you I would love yo send you a book I just got done writing for you to critique

[@IzzyBBooks]

I do critique the work of others

[@Fairy_tayl]

How do you go about getting your work published

[@IzzyBBooks]

Step 1 is find an agent. But make sure your work is fine tuned

[@raghdaaa.k.1247]

I have a manuscript of 1000 words, and it's meant to have images spread on both pages with a few comics here and there. Need to know if I'm creating a picture book. I think it's for ages 5-8.

[@IzzyBBooks]

1,000 words is still a picture book. Anything more is a bit too much.

[@kevinhollis1229]

What's the illustration to word ratio? Should I write with the idea that the illustration will take up most of the page? Or can the illustration be less than half the page? I've never written a children's book before, but I think I can spin a few from the fantasy world I am building for my novel, which will be geared more or less for adults ( think LOTR not GOT). Thanks for the input!

[@IzzyBBooks]

Hmmmm honestly less is more in the children’s book world. Your illustration should tell WAY more of the story. Not the writing. We don’t need to know story details in a children’s book. Can you let us understand what’s happening in a sentence or two? There shouldn’t be a paragraph a page. Now… obviously there are books that do this! And it’s okay. But keeping a reader involved in your book takes practice.

[@mervinwrites]

Hi Izzy. Having just written an adult, urban, fiction novel (CardBoy) I have also just written a childrens book which i am very proud of, and Would prefere to use my real name on both books. Would you recommend using a different name because the books are at different ends of the readership spectrum,? Do you think it's just a matter of choice and do you think it will put one side of the readership off of the other in any form? A your video put a smile on my face as i have been through and thought about all the things you say in this. thanks for feeding us what we need to hear.

[@IzzyBBooks]

I’d say it’s 100% okay if your adult books aren’t too adult…. If you know what I mean. If your adult books have language, nudity, and sexual content I’d definitely 100% use a pen name. Kids research me like crazy. They scan the internet and eat up everything I do. I work hard to protect my brand because I want kids to trust that the things I put into the world are safe for them.

[@mervinwrites]

@@IzzyBBooks Thank you so much for your response, and yes, my adult book is very adult in all those areas which you mention. i Guess after choosing a pen name i shouldn't place the kids book on my website at all then eh?

[@conodelia5520]

Would you. E able total, about counting books . Thank you Ana

[@IzzyBBooks]

😅

[@jaydean7]

do i need an illustrater lined up before I began or will an agent assist in finding one. also is it ease to find an agent

[@IzzyBBooks]

If you can get an agent they’ll find a publisher who has their illustrators they use.

[@crystalvazquez4866]

I have never written a children' book but I would like to and I find myself puzzled thinking I can't draw anything so how would I illustrate a book? Do you have to hire an illustrator or how is this accomplished?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Hiring an illustrator is a must. It’s essential to having a quality book. Be careful and be picky. It will make or break you.

[@sonomaholiday]

Hello - I've been watching many of your videos- thank you . I have written and illustrated 5 books now and a few people have asked if I can illustrate their books. Question - I don't want to under or over charge . In the music business I would know the going rate for whatever job - but have no idea what it is for illustrating . I don't want to undercut others, and don't want to overcharge the client . Any thoughts on this ? Joe

[@IzzyBBooks]

Figure out what you’d charge per page. Time yourself and see how long it takes to illustrate a page. Go with an hourly rate based off how long it took.

[@marynix8613]

What exactly is an illustration mark

[@IzzyBBooks]

It’s just a mark that is used to make sure no one steals your work

[@alayneswillinghands]

What are illustrator marks?

[@IzzyBBooks]

It’s just additional notes I write next to the page to help the illustrator see the story in my head. I am the illustrator, but I added these when I sent off my stories to be reviewed by agents.

[@BaseballDogCoda-r8s]

What’s an illustration mark?

[@IzzyBBooks]

Typically used to make sure people don’t steal your art

[@berthafisher2408]

I am a retired teacher. And would like to go into writing books. for children for the first time. I need guidance . Thank you.

[@IzzyBBooks]

Well publishing books is now my full time job

[@pattipalumbo1162]

I have a great idea for a childrens book audience 3-5. The story is focused on my dog, mt idea is unique and I believe would be a best seller, I HAVE NEVER written a book. Can you help?

[@IzzyBBooks]

I now have a publishing company and I help with pretty much every step of the way.