After leaving art school some 10 years ago with a mountain of student loan debt from my working-class background, the system didn’t seem geared towards allowing me to pursue a creative career. I didn’t know how to have a creative career. So, I focused on paying my debt.
After paying off student loans through 9 years of teaching, I finally became curious about my creativity again.
Having spent years in education, I witnessed firsthand how literacy can be a struggle, especially for underprivileged children. Reading had been an invaluable escape for me growing up, and I wanted to craft something that could provide that same joy of storytelling to others.
A children’s picture book it was – combining visual arts, literacy, and community.
However, it took me about a year of writing and meeting challenge after challenges to appreciate the publishing industry has complex conventions I needed to understand for success:
Format: 32-40 pages, standard sizes, hardcover/paperback
Story: Simple plots via illustrations, age-appropriate language, common arcs
Illustrations: Vibrant, consistent, diverse representation
Layout: Clear text/art separation, strategic page turns
Production: Sturdy binding, safety standards, quality design
While the creative drive sparked this journey, respecting industry conventions is crucial for crafting a captivating picture book. It is taking time, but understanding these elements is allowing me to build a sustainable strategy to becoming the kid lit author I intent to be
