I have read some articles on picture books recently. Here’s my top ten advice:

Sue Bradford Edwards said to . . .

1. think like a kid, not an adult.

2. Use the character’s name to describe him/her.

3. Don’t waste time introducing the character.

Mem Fox says. . .

4. that if you don’t care what happens to the main character, your readers won’t either.

5. Do not use “Then they all woke up,” as an ending.

6. Rewriting is the key to good writing.

Marisa Montes thinks. . .

7. That you can break any rule of writing.

8. You need to know the rules before you break one and to do so, she suggests to read as many picture books in the genre you’re thinking of writing.

9. Be yourself, your piece will stand out.

10. When selling your book, sell it to an editor, then the marketing committee, then the bookseller then to the purchaser.