(Reblog – This post was first published on Write2Ignite.com.)

Do you have a picture book in the works? If so, you know they are a lot harder to write than most people think. Whether you’re just starting to write your manuscript or you’re in the final stages of revision, here are some things NOT to do:

1. Do not write down to children. Children are smarter than we think! And since picture books are designed to be shared aloud to children, vocabulary and word choice doesn’t have to match reading levels.
2. Do not think about the words only. The illustrations are half of a picture book. The two should work together to create the story.
3. Do not write too much dialogue. Dialogue is difficult to illustrate.
4. Do not include too much description. Leave some room for the illustrator to work his or her magic with your manuscript.
5. Do not have a passive main character. Your main character needs to take action!
6. Do not have a parent or an adult resolve the conflict in the story. Your main character should be the problem-solver.

There are still four more to go! You can read them on the original post at Write2Ignite.com.

Photo by jdurham