Publishers look for great ideas in children's literature. Publishers divide books into writers and illustrators and seldom are they the same person. There are two great ways to get ideas for childrens' picture books. One is to be around children in libraries, schools, churches or public places like malls or civic centers. The other is to browse through the children's section of libraries. Libraries own hundreds of picture books that appeal to kids that stimulate creativity. Visit children's libraries while traveling to see books local libraries do not own.
Instructions
1. A picture book has standard thirty-two pages with text beginning on page 5, printed in multiples of eight page segments or signatures (a split segment is four pages.) The publisher sews four eight-page segments together to create a book. There are two ways of binding the book. Saddle sewn is where the publisher glues eight pages signature together. Side sewn makes allowance for artwork.
2. The children's picture book, skeleton, dust jacket, plus front and back cover are designed catch the eye from a great distance and attract a buyer. The front flap of the jacket whets the appetite of the child or the adult buyer to the story. The back flap of the jacket provides a synopsis of the story and author information. The end papers (pasted insider the covers of the book) are where great illustrators provide the mood for the writers' story.
3. The title page, or page i, contains the name of author, illustrator, printer and publisher. The copyright is on page ii and there is usually a blank page on page iii and iv. Text and illustration begin on page 5.
