I am frequently asked how to crack the picture book business, and even though it's still honestly a mystery to me, I was delighted to share my to-date intel with Open Book. But don't believe the article’s headline—I do not hold the secret to writing a good picture book! But if you do find the guardian of this information—a person whom I suspect still lives magically in the year 1974—send me a DM.

In my interview, I provide a few ideas about how to approach writing your first picture book, but the best advice I can give you is to just START. I know that sounds sort of 2019 Instagram meme-y, but if you’re serious about writing books, you just have to begin (and from there you’ll find your own best/imperfect process). Making picture books is not quick, it’s not easy, but it’s enormously satisfying.

“I think it’s important to start by evaluating your project. Why do you want to write a children’s book? Does your story have broad appeal (if not, is it an important niche book)? Are you diversity-minded in your writing and approach? Has someone else told your story better? Sometimes the publishing industry wants books that are, in fact, iterative, but I think it's preferable to begin any creative endeavour with something truly your own.”

And a few other points:

• “Text and art should complement each other but not duplicate each other. If helpful, add illustration notes to each page so you can clearly separate words from what can be communicated through art.

• Every word on the page should need to be there. This simple but life-changing advice was given to me by savvy editor Karen Li (from Owlkids).”

Here’s a link to my full interview. But before you go, can we both just say that Open Book has the best typography on the internet?