What Publishers Want in a Children’s Book:
An Editorial Perspective, Part 2
from the collected notes of children's author
Barbara Jean Hicks
As children’s writers, our stories need to appeal to several audiences. We’ve already looked at the needs of the Child Audience. Last week and this week we’re looking at the needs of the Publisher Audience.
A manuscript that appeals to children’s book editors tells a compelling story, has a distinct vision, has emotional impact and uses language effectively.
Consider the following questions that address the final four characteristics publishers are dying to see in a manuscript. How does your work in progress meet these needs? The quotes come directly from ediotrs at a variety of houses. Again, a reminder: the answers to these questions make an excellent basis for a query letter!
5. Is my plot compelling? Why will my readers want to turn the page?
- The story has “a great beginning,” “a well-crafted narrative arc,” and “a satisfying ending.”
- The story is built on “conflict,” “friction,” “tension.”
- The story has “internal logic,” “believability.”
- The story is “artful,” “crafted,” “rhythmic.”
- The story “invites the reader to turn the page.”
- The story creates urgency in the reader: “Must…find…out…what…happens!”
- The story is full of “clever twists.”
- The story is “exciting,” “compelling,” “fast-paced.”
- The story “is not didactic.”
6. Does my story have a distinct vision? What is it about beyond the plot? Why does it matter? Why will parents love it?
- The story “makes a point without being heavy-handed.”
- The story “has a clear, concise message.”
- The story “has an important theme.”
- The story “has a strong ‘so what’ factor.”
- The story “has a hook for the parent to make it worthwhile to spend the money.”
- The story has “complexity,” “layered meanings,” “lasting value.”
- The story displays “sensitivity,” “generosity,” “passion,” “energy,” “wit.”
- The story is “philosophical,” “timeless,” “universal.”
7. Does my story have emotional impact? How will the reader respond to my story?
- The story has “an emotional subtext.”
- The story shows “a sure grasp of the child’s emotions.”
- The story shows “sensitivity”: e.g. “scary without being threatening.”
- The story makes the reader “cry and/or laugh and/or think.”
8. Do I use language effectively in my storytelling? How does my story read?
- The language is “rhythmic,” “fluid,” “resonant,” “economical.”
- The language is “visual,” “graphic.”
- The language depicts rather than explains actions and responses. “Show, don’t tell!”
- The dialogue is “natural” and “distinctive.”
- The story has a high “read-aloud-ability quotient.”
How does your work in progress hold up in light of these characteristics and questions? If you’ve been unsure what kinds of revisions to make on your next draft, analyzing your manuscript for these qualities is a great place to start. Make an editor happy. Know what she wants and give it to her!
Next Week: What Buyers Want in a Children’s Book: The Parent/Librarian/Teacher Perspective
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