Ready to Write a Picture Book? Start Here

Ready to write your own children’s picture book? Great, you are at the right place to learn about this journey. Children’s picture books are usually around 50-1000 words in length. It may not seem like much but in a way, it is harder to write a good story using fewer words than a classic length novel. Each of those words will need to be carefully chosen to make the story move forward, capture the intensity, build the plot and bring it to a logical conclusion. All- while sticking to the less than 1000 word limit. If you are ready to take on this challenge, then publishing your own children’s picture book is a rewarding experience indeed. To start, let’s break down the process into the 10 main steps. 

1. Write down a central idea for your book
2. Identify the genre and audience for your book
3. Decide if you want to rhyme or not to rhyme
4. Structure the plot
5. Build your main characters using a template
6. Write your story and please - Show!! Don’t Tell
7. Find a professional editing service and then Edit, Revise, Rewrite, Edit and Revise some more 
8. Choose an illustrator whose portfolio matches your picture book style. 
9. Get the details sorted out (Title,Blurb,Media Kit,ISBN,LCCN and so many others)
10. Time to publish!!

There, now you know the main steps you need to take to get going. Each of our blog posts in the coming weeks will focus on one of the steps and help you write a great picture book that will find a loving spot on children’s book shelves. 

Publishing a book is a lot like planting a tree. You start with a tiny seed—an idea—that takes root in your mind. You nurture it with words, shape it into a story, and after countless revisions (and maybe a few existential crises), it grows into something real.

At Pink Reed Books, we’re learning firsthand that the journey from manuscript to bookshelf is equal parts exhilarating and unpredictable. Writing is only the first step. After that comes editing, illustrating, formatting, marketing, and—oh yes—impatiently refreshing tracking updates as you wait for your first proof copy to arrive.

One thing we’ve discovered? Publishing isn’t just about books; it’s about community. From collaborating with illustrators to working with printers to connecting with readers, every step is a lesson in creativity and resilience.

So, to all the writers dreaming of publishing: Keep going. Keep writing, revising, and believing in your stories. Because one day, that tiny idea you planted will be in a reader’s hands—and that’s where the real magic begins. 

Why You Should Write Down the Central Idea of Your Book

Before the characters come alive, before the plot takes shape, and long before the final chapter is written—there’s one essential thing every writer should do: write down the central idea of the book.

Think of it as your North Star. 

A clear, concise central idea keeps your story grounded. It helps you stay focused when the plot starts to wander or when your characters take unexpected detours (as they often do). 

It’s not a full outline or a detailed synopsis. It’s a single sentence—maybe two—that captures what your story is really about at its heart.

For example: 

“A boy tries to save a neighborhood flower shop before it gives up the space to build a car showroom.”
Or: 

“A girl learns to embrace her cultural identity through her mom's sarees after resisting it her whole life.”

It’s simple. 

It’s specific. 

And it gives you clarity.

Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or something in between, nailing down this core idea early can save you hours of second-guessing later. 

Revisit it often. 

You’ll be surprised how much it helps.

Need help refining your story’s central idea? 

Let’s connect.

You’ve poured your heart into your picture book draft—yay, you! 

But before you race to illustrations or layout, here’s the truth: editing is where the magic really happens.

Editing isn’t about nitpicking commas (though we’ll get there). 

It’s about shaping your story into something unforgettable for young readers. 

Does your main character shine? Is the pacing tight? Does every sentence earn its place? 

Kids are brilliant—and brutally honest. 

If your story doesn’t grab them by page two, they’re gone.

Great editing enhances rhythm, clarity, and connection. 

It makes your story re-readable (the holy grail of picture books!). 

Whether you’re revising on your own or working with a professional editor, don’t rush the process.

Trust me—editing is where your story finds its sparkle.

In the next post, we’ll dive into how to find the right editor for your picture book—and what questions to ask before you hire one.