I attended an online webinar from called picture book summit. They provided four reasons picture books get rejected. I will list the notes below. Any inaccuracies are the fault of the note taker.

Unoriginal ideas By Katie Davis

– Due to submitting an unoriginal idea.
– Key phrases to warn you the story feels familiar, it’s too similar. Does not feel fresh. I get a lot of submissions on this topic.
– What does the predictable look like? The agent/ edit can predict where the story is going.
– Taken a to4y line and just altered a little
– The story is very message-driven. For example, some character has a different trait that is used later to save the day.
– Limit character development by providing some stock traits. i.e.: all characters are spunky, boys who like sciences that are bad at dancing.
– You need to developed your manuscripts to devote your reader
– Authors are being impatient or lazy.
– What does an original idea look like?
– – Using the first idea you come up with.
– – The story using a theme rather than a plot
– Reading other books that may follow your idea.
– It’s important to read the most recent picture books.
– Not spending enough time with your characters to find their surprises. What if the bunny is a bully rather than soft and gentle.
– Reading books that have been done give you an idea of what is new.
– The words ‘I can’t’ will kill an original idea. The words ‘Why not’ can give a book potential
– Not everyone will like your idea.
– You need to first please yourself.

If you have additional recommendations, feel free to add them in the comment section of this blog.