Before I share Melissa’s wonderful post, there are a few things I want to announce.
The winners of my book and critique giveaways are Cathy Ogren and Kim Delude. Cathy has won a copy of Sienna, the Cowgirl Fairy: Trying to Make it Rain. Kim has won a critique on the first three chapters of her chapter book. Congratulations! Thank you to all who participated in the giveaway by commenting and sharing the link.
September is Chapter Book Challenge Lite month (a.k.a. ChaBooCha Lite). This is another chance for writers to challenge themselves, and to give themselves a deadline for writing a book. The goal is to write the first draft of an early reader, chapter book, middle grade book or YA novel within a month. Want to join the fun? Sign up here.
I am pleased to have my friend, Spork sister, and fellow Chapter Book Challenge member Melissa Stoller as a guest blogger today. She is offering a chance to win your choice of a copy of her book, The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection: Return to Coney Island, or a chapter book critique (first three chapters), or a picture book critique. All you have to do is comment. Be sure that your name is on the comment.
TOP TEN FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING TO WRITE A CHAPTER BOOK VERSUS A PICTURE BOOK
by Melissa Stoller
My debut chapter book, THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: RETURN TO CONEY ISLAND, released from Clear Fork Publishing shortly after Alayne’s chapter book, SIENNA THE COWGIRL FAIRY: TRYING TO MAKE IT RAIN. I enjoyed following Alayne’s posts about the differences between picture books and chapter books here and here. And I blogged about writing chapter books as well here and here.
When Alayne asked me to comment further about this topic, I wondered what I could add that would be new and fresh. I decided that a Top Ten List would do the trick. So here goes:
TOP TEN FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING TO WRITE A CHAPTER BOOK VERSUS A PICTURE BOOK:
- Length of the Book – In a chapter book, the author has room for more words. I tried to keep each of the ten chapters of my book to approximately five hundred words each. That was a general rule I used for my own planning purposes but I think it helped to keep each chapter on track. And in picture books, I aim for the sweet spot of approximately five hundred words. So just by doing the math, it is apparent that I would tell a story much differently in 500 words rather than 5000 words. I liked the longer format a chapter book afforded me to tell this story.
- Age of the Characters – My main characters are nine-year-old twins. Generally, young readers enjoy reading about characters who are a bit older than they are. The book is geared to children ages 5-8, with the main characters falling just above that mark. This older age of the main characters fits in perfectly with a chapter book structure.
- Age of the Reader – In a chapter book, the reader can be a bit older and may be more sophisticated than the reader of a picture book. The sweet spot for picture books is generally 3-5 years old. The sweet spot for chapter books is generally 5-8 year olds. These ages tend to fluctuate and the lines get blurry, but that’s how I categorize them in my mind. Writing for each age group has its rewards, you just have to know your audience.
- Number of Characters – The common wisdom is that the fewer the characters the better in a picture book. Picture book writers generally stick to a few characters so that the plot is tightly woven. In a chapter book, that general number of characters can expand. In my book, the main characters are twins. Plus, I include their grandmother and her dog Molly, and then Jessie and her two sisters Anna and Pauline, and finally Jack. They all had some character development (some more than others) and I had the time and word count to include relevant details and dialogue to shape them. In a picture book, there just isn’t the word count, the attention span of the young reader, or the availability of plot to include so many characters.
- Complexity of the Plot – A picture book usually focuses tightly on one problem or issue, and one or two characters who are somehow growing or changing. That is enough for the young reader who is the target audience for the picture book. In contrast, a chapter book’s plot can be more complex, and can have more sub-plots, twists, and turns.
- Dependence on Illustrations – Whereas the magic in a picture book comes from the meeting of the text and the illustrations, in a chapter book the magic usually comes mostly from the text. The chapter book illustrator enhances the story and helps bring the story to life, but usually there are only a few full-page and/or spot illustrations per chapter. The book is not dependent on illustration as a picture book is (hence the difference in title between a picture book and a chapter book).
- Dialogue – A picture book usually doesn’t have excessive dialogue because there is a potential for the characters to just seem like “talking heads.” Of course there are exceptions and there can be dialogue-heavy PBs, but generally I try to keep PB dialogue to a minimum. In contrast, chapter books are filled with more dialogue and description as they present a well-rounded view of the characters and plot.
- Enough Material for Ten Chapters – A typical chapter book is broken down into ten chapters. Ask yourself these questions: do you have enough story to fill in these chapters? Does your story arc have a complete and satisfying beginning, middle, and ending? Or could you condense the story into approximately 500 words that will be enriched by illustrations? Also, try to make sure that each chapter has a mini story arc with a beginning, middle, and end, and the transition to the next chapter contains a small cliff-hanger to help the reader maintain interest.
- Writing Time – Because chapter books are longer and the plots are more complex, the author can spend more time with the characters and plot (of course writing picture books and chapter books both take tremendous time in the brainstorming, writing, and re-writing phases). In my case, I love my chapter book characters and this story line so I’m happy to have more time with them. I enjoyed fleshing out their emotions, their characteristics, details about their appearance and dress, their dialogue, and their adventures.
- Series Potential – I know that an author is not supposed to be concerned with series potential when writing a picture book or a chapter book. However, I must admit that when writing THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION, I did think about, well . . . a collection! I envisioned twins shaking many snow globes in their grandmother’s collection, and each time they did, they would be transported to a different time period and location. When writing a picture book, I might think, wow, this could really lend itself to a sequel. In fact, SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH is my debut picture book being published by Clear Fork Publishing in 2018, and I’m hard at work writing the sequel. But I would not envision designing a whole picture book series.
So there you have it . . . ten factors to consider when deciding whether your story is more suitable to a picture book or a chapter book. And of course, these are my top ten factors . . . you might have your own distinct top ten. Whatever you decide, make sure you set yourself up for success: work closely with your critique partners; hone your craft by participating in writing classes such as The Children’s Book Academy Chapter Book Alchemist, and writing communities such as the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, The Chapter Book Challenge, The Debut Picture Book Study Group, KidLit411, and many others; join the SCBWI and your local SCBWI chapter; and immerse yourself in the world of children’s books. Reading, writing, and being part of the KidLit community has truly inspired my work – and it’s been so much fun as well!
I look forward to reading your books, and I know that whatever format you choose, it will be the best one for you.
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Thanks, Alayne! I loved being featured on your blog. And I’m excited to read more of your upcoming chapter books and picture books!
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Alayne: Thank you, Melissa! I look forward to reading more of your work as well.
About Melissa:
Melissa Stoller is the author of the debut chapter book THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: RETURN TO CONEY ISLAND (Clear Fork Publishing, July 2017); the debut picture book SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Clear Fork, March, 2018); and THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: THE LIBERTY BELL TRAIN RIDE (Clear Fork, April 2018). She is also the co-author of THE PARENT-CHILD BOOK CLUB: CONNECTING WITH YOUR KIDS THROUGH READING (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009). Melissa is a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, an Admin for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, an Assistant for Mira Reisberg’s Children’s Book Academy, and a volunteer with SCBWI-MetroNY. Melissa writes parenting articles, and has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy. When not writing or reading, she can be found exploring NYC with family and friends, travelling, and adding treasures to her collections. Find Melissa online at www.MelissaStoller.com, MelissaBergerStoller (Facebook), @MelissaStoller (Twitter), and Melissa_Stoller (Instagram).
Hi Alayne, Just saw this post today. Congratulations again on your book, and thanks for sharing these tips about how to choose between writing a pb or chapter book. Thanks.
Thanks, Sharalyn. Melissa’s post is good. We’ve added a giveaway if you are interested. All you have to do is let us know you want to be in the drawing via a comment.
Hi Sharalyn – thanks so much for commenting! I hope it was helpful for you! Good luck with your projects!
Thanks Alayne and Melissa. I’m so excited for you both having new books out. I’m writing a chapter book right now and really enjoy the freedom of expanding the text and characters compared to picture books. (Although I love getting back to writing picture books.) I can relate to the ten things about chapter books. Thanks again.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Kaye. How exciting that you are writing a chapter book! I totally get the love of writing picture books too. We’ve added a giveaway if you are interested. All you have to do is let us know you want to be in the drawing via a comment.
Hi Kaye – I’m so glad the post was helpful to you as you are writing your own chapter book! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
A terrific list. Thanks so much. I am a PB writer, but last year had a story that everyone, including an agent, said needed to be expanded. I didn’t think I could do it, but after a ton of work now have a chapter book that I love. I’m so happy I put in the effort. I enjoyed the format and am now looking at some of my other stories for possible expansion.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your chapter book journey with us, David. Congratulations on completing your chapter book. I think I see lots of chapter books in your future 😉 We’ve added a giveaway if you are interested (see the 4th paragraph in the updated post). All you have to do is let us know you want to be in the drawing via a comment.
Hi David – so great to get personal agent feedback! I know it does take a ton of work to convert a PB to a CB…I’m so glad to hear it’s working well for you now! Keep us posted!!
Great list, Melissa. Thanks for sharing your writing journey as you clarified the difference between PB and CB. Congratulations, on your Snowglobe series!
Thanks for stopping by Tracey. We’ve added a giveaway if you are interested (see the 4th paragraph in the updated post). All you have to do is let us know you want to be in the drawing via a comment.
Thanks, Alayne. Happy to be included in the drawing
Thanks so much, Tracey!!! Love sharing my writing journey (especially with my sweet CPs!).
Wow! This is a great list. Thank you. I love kid lit writers.
Of course I’d love to be in the drawing!!!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Mona. So glad you like the list. We’ll be sure to get your name in the drawing.
Hi Mona – so glad you found it helpful! I love kidlit writers too! The best community!
Hello, My name is Rocio Monroy
Hi Rocio. Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting on Melissa’s post. We’ll be sure to add your name to the drawing!
Hi Rocio — thanks for being here and taking the time to read and comment!!
Very generous and great advice. I’m keeping this post
Linda, I’m glad you find Melissa’s advice so helpful. Thank you for stopping by.
Hi Linda – I’m so glad to hear that you found the post helpful! I enjoyed writing it too!
I enjoyed reading your post! Congratulations to both Melissa and Alayne on your new books!!! I would like to be entered in your generous give away drawing. Thanks!
Thank you, Ginger! Thank you for stopping by my blog. We’ll be sure to add your name to Melissa’s giveaway drawing.
Hi Ginger – Thank you! I’m happy that you enjoyed the post and I appreciate your kind words!!
Great tips. I’m in the middle of my MG chapter book. Your info is timely for me!! I’d like to be entered into the drawing. Hoping to win the critique to make sure I’m following Melissa’s tips correctly. Fingers are crossed!
Yes, fingers crossed, Marcia. Thank you for stopping by – so glad the tips are timely for you. Best of luck with your MG. We will make sure your name is in the hat for the drawing.
Hi Marcia – wow good luck with your chapter book…I’m glad to hear that the post was helpful!
Thanks for giving us some guidelines to consider. They will surely prove helpful!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting Carmela.
Hi Carmela – I’m so glad you are finding the guidelines helpful…I love reading posts that help me as I go about my own writing!
Thank you Alayne & Melissa for sharing your tips and insights.
I’m interested in winning the chapter book critique as a gift for one of my writing partners. Her manuscript is just *this* close to being ready for submission & a pro critique would be nice thing to help her get there.
How thoughtful of you to enter the drawing for your friend Carrie. We will be sure to get your name in the hat!
That’s so nice, Carrie! Writers looking out for other writers is always a lovely thing!
I enjoyed this post a lot, thank you Alayne and Melissa. I have often struggled with picture book vs chapter book in my picture book group, but never finished a chapter book, so your clear list is very helpful to me. Congratulations to both of you, and I’d love to be entered in your drawing as well.
Thanks for the congrats, Annina. I’m so glad that Melissa’s post is possible encouragement for you to get a chapter book completed. We will be sure to enter you name in the drawing. Best of luck.
Hi Annina – thanks for reading and commenting! And I look forward to reading your book soon as well!!!
Thanks for posting, Alayne, and thanks for the tips Melissa! Great information as I look to expand into the chapter book writing world. Congrats to you both, and please also enter me in the drawing!
Thanks for the congrats, Sandra. How exciting that you will be expanding into the chapter book writing world – good for you. We will be sure to get your name in the hat for the drawing.
Hi Sandra – please keep me posted as you embark on writing chapter books! Happy to see you in this group as well!
Great article. Thanks so much for the information.
So glad you like the post, Lisa. Thank you for letting us know.
Hi Lisa – thank you so much for your kind words!!! I’m glad the information is helpful!
Thank you for the informative interview! Congratulations on both of you for the “birth” of your chapter books this year! I’d love to be entered into the drawing.
Thanks for the congrats, Julie. Your name will be added to the hat for the drawing.
Hi Julie – thanks so much for the congratulations and for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the post!!
Wonderful tips Melissa! All the communities you mentioned are priceless when writing for young readers. I look forward to reading your book- just ordered!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Ashley.
Hi Ashley – thanks for your comment and for ordering my book! I hope you love it. Will you let me know what you think? Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for your post. (I’m in Dutchess County, your northern neighbor!) I agree that the chapter book age certainly fluctuates, depending on whether the child is reading the book himself or being read to. (or both.) 🙂 Of course I’d love to be entered in the drawing.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Della. We will enter you in the drawing, for sure.
Hi Della – hopefully we can meet in person one day! Thanks for reading and commenting…I’m glad you found the post helpful!
Hi Alayne and Melissa 🙂 I am so glad to have this post in my in-box. I have long been trying to squeeeeeze a chapter book into picture book format…it jus’ don’t work!! At least, not the way I’d like to tell the story. Your ten tips have certainly solidified my inkling to put it into chapter book format. Thank you, so very much! Congratulations to both of you on your new books, too! And your upcoming releases. Happy September! Oh, and, if it’s still open, I, too would love to be entered into your drawing! Thanks! 🙂
Hi Rene, the drawing is still open and we will be sure to enter your name. I’m so glad the post is a step into getting some of those sqeeeeeezed picture books into chapter book format. Exciting! Thank you for the congrats.
Hi Rene – I’m really happy to hear that the post was helpful to you as you consider whether your story is a PB or a CB. Yes…it’s sometimes a struggle to figure out how to tell the story we want to tell!! Good luck!
I want to be in the drawing please.
Thanks for stopping by, Deborah. We will get your name in the drawing.
Hi Deborah – thanks for taking the time to read and comment on this post! Good luck with your work!
Melissa, What a great post! It is helping me come to terms with my (almost) decision to move on to chapter books. I have great stories in me but I can’t tell them in less than 500 words!
Thanks so much for this great explanation!
Gabrielle
Hi Gabrielle – give it a try! It sounds like chapter books might be the perfect vehicle for your stories. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Terrific post, Melissa! Lots of great advice. Congratulations to both you and Alayne on your new books!
I’d like to be entered into the drawing for the chapter book critique…. I am expanding 4 of my PB’s into chapter books and have 2 chapter books that I’m expanding into middle grade novels. No matter how hard I try I just can’t get the hang of keeping my word count down to 500 words or less
Thank you, Sharon. Congratulations to you on your decision to enter chapter book, middle grade land. We will be sure to get your name in the drawing.
Thanks, Sharon! So glad you found it helpful! I look forward to hearing how all your expansions work out…it’s great to shake it up sometimes and try something new! Thanks for commenting!
This post is a keeper. I’m trying to decide what my wip will be when it grows up, a chapter book or mg, so these tips help. I’d love to win your book, and I wish you much publishing success, Melissa! Thanks for hosting and posting, Alayne! Jane Heitman Healy
Thanks for stopping by and letting us know that the post will help you decide what your wip will be when it grows up 😉 We’ll be sure to get your name in the drawing, Jane. And by the way, my husband added the name of that rock formation on the Colorado blog post – I think it was something like Kissing Couple – I think he gave you credit for finding the correct name 😉
Thanks, Alayne! Yes, Kissing Couple, no credit needed. 🙂
Hi Jane – thanks so much for reading and commenting! I love your line…”I’m trying to decide what my WIP will be when it grows up.” I’m sure the story and format will reveal itself as you go along. Wishing you all the best!
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