START RIGHT

The Writing Magazine Picture Book Prize is up and running again this year. Previous winners have gone on to sign publishing deals or sign with top agent, Julia Churchill, as well as receiving valuable feedback on their work. The Picture Book Prize has helped support and nurture emerging writers, as well as kickstart some careers. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity and delighted to see that it is making a difference.

This month, I’m focusing on the crucial opening lines of your picture book.

Setting expectations

Look at your opening spread (the double-page the book opens up on). What information are you conveying to your reader? Do you clearly set the genre? The tone? The setting? The character? From your opening spread, will your reader know what kind of book to expect? What could you guess about the story from these opening lines?

1.
Daisy had a box.
It was a special box.
A box which promised… adventure.

2.
The stars twinkled and the moon watched,
as Daisy snuggled into bed. She gave a yawn