#Picture book manuscript title page movie

As we know, that’s one of the biggest no-nos for today’s writers. Second, it makes me think that I’m going to have to suffer through some picture book lessons. The lesson is usually learned at the end, so this kind of title is a variation on a theme. First, it suffers from the malaise I discussed above. Don’t Give Away the Lesson in Your Picture Book TitleĪ picture book title like Josie Learns to Share is poisonous on two counts.

#Picture book manuscript title page movie

Imagine a movie where someone has spoiled the ending–how much do you really care about all the stakes rising throughout if you know they’re going to be overcome? Sure, as adults, we can suspend our disbelief and follow a story, even if we know how it turns out, but picture book-age kids are a little less skillful at this. While that’s a relatable conflict for a picture book and might keep reader attention, the ending is revealed in the title–she finds the cat!–and the manuscript loses all power because the reader never feels the tension of the conflict. Don’t Give Away the Ending in Your Picture Book TitleĪ picture book title like Josie Finds Her Cat is not great because I’m guessing that the main action of the plot is that Josie loses her cat and looks for it. Choose your picture book title carefully. However, there are a few things I often see in slush that you’d do best to avoid.

Of course, most children’s book titles change on the path to publication, so what you pick may or may not be set in stone. Just a quick post for my picture book readers: take care when selecting your picture book title.