In many of my manuscript critiques, I discuss the importance of titles. As a matter of fact, the only part of a story posted for my Picture Book Peek Weeks is a working title. I understand that titles submitted are often not finalized – maybe a first thought or afterthought. Perhaps the writer intends to… Read more »
Picture Book Peeks
Thoughts from Picture Book Peek Week #3
Picture Book Peek Week #3 brought me three highly original and beautifully written stories. And as always, I’m learning by critiquing. Four important questions for all PB writers popped up from this Peek Week. 1. What is your story really about?Hopefully you can answer this in one brief sentence. Then examine your text for any… Read more »
Picture Book Peek Week #3 – And the Winners Are…
What a terrific batch of titles. And it looks like everyone was able to post without a problem this time – I hope. So without further ado … the winners of Picture Book Peek Week #3 are IT’S A SECRETFAR ABOVESANDY ANDY Please e-mail your manuscripts as Word attachments to reidy(dot)jean(at)gmail(dot)com.
Picture Book Peek Week #3 Coming September 21st!!
Back by popular demand: Picture Book Peek WeekFree critiques of select PB manuscripts – including those wretched rhymers (Yup, 3 of my upcoming PBs are written in verse!) Peek Week #3 begins September 21st. I’ve changed up the format a bit. Here’s how it will work: Sign up for a critique by entering your PB… Read more »
When is the next Picture Book Peek Week?
If you would like e-mail notification of all future Picture Book Peek Weeks, please send your e-mail address to reidy(dot)jean(at)gmail(dot)com and write “I love PB Peek Week” in the subject line. I’ll notify you whenever a new PB Peek Week is scheduled.
Thoughts from Picture Book Peek #2
After this round of critiques, including my Take the Dare, Show You Care critique, I think I’ve hit on a good number. Three or four manuscripts per Peek Week feels about right. Some of you may wonder why not more. The answer – they take a ton of time. The initial read through and text… Read more »
Picture Book Peek Week #2 – And the Winners Are …
Oh, I hate that I only have time for 3 this week. There were so many titles I loved. So many manuscripts I wanted to read -proving I need to do this more often. But I’m absolutely thrilled with the winners. And I’ll have you know that the selection process was extremely official. My husband,… Read more »
Sudipta’s Top Ten Rules of Writing Picture Books
You might want to take a look at Sudipta’s list before Peek Week. Rule #5 is my favorite.
Get Your Picture Book Ready for PB Peek Week #2!
Picture Book Peek Week #2 is coming July 20th. Is your manuscript ready? Check out this helpful video.
PB Peek #1 – General Observations
I just finished my last critique for PB Peek Week #1. What fun to read and analyze 7 totally unique manuscripts. Hurray for all the participating children’s writers!! What a stellar group. After reviewing my letters to the authors, I’ve found some recurring comments that I thought might be helpful to note and share. Here… Read more »
My Books
