In the Picture Book Pitch Formula, we gave you a template to use as a starting point for writing your pitches. As a reminder, this is the template:

You’ll notice that this template incorporates all the key components of a great pitch.

• Who is your HERO?
• What do they want in the story? What’s their GOAL?
• What or who is standing in their way? What OBSTACLES/PROBLEMS are getting in the way of pursuing their goal?
• What ACTIONS DO THEY TAKE to solve the problem?
•  What do they LEARN or how have they changed by the end?
• What is the TAKEAWAY OR THEME of your story for the young reader?

The template is powerful because it removes the guesswork around how to fit so much information into just 1-3 sentences.

Let’s show you what this looks like in action by using a classic picture book we’re all familiar with – WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.

Here’s how all the key components are included in this pitch:

• Who is your HERO? Max is our hero.
• What do they want in the story? What’s their GOAL? Max’s goal is to be wild.
• What or who is standing in their way? What OBSTACLES/PROBLEMS are getting in the way of pursuing their goal? Max’s mother sending him to bed without supper is the obstacle.
• What ACTIONS DO THEY TAKE to solve the problem? Max’s actions involve embarking on an adventure.
• What do they LEARN or how have they changed by the end? What is the TAKEAWAY OR THEME of your story for the young reader? By the end, Max learns that being where someone loves you best is even better than being wild.

Now try the template with your own picture book pitches!

Want more help with picture book pitches? Grab our FREE Picture Book Summit Pitch Formula HERE!

Focusing on Obstacles and Stakes

A great picture book pitch isn’t just about conveying what your hero wants—it’s about what’s standing in their way. It’s about conveying the dramatic tension in your story, and what’s at stake for your hero.

Understanding the role of obstacles and stakes is key to creating a pitch that resonates with agents, editors, and ultimately, readers.

Hero and Goal

Every pitch starts with a hero and their goal. But achieving a goal without obstacles is too easy… why should the reader care? It’s the challenges and conflicts that make a story engaging.

The Role of Obstacles in Picture Book Pitches

Obstacles are the hurdles your hero must overcome to achieve their goal. They add dramatic tension and drive the plot forward. The actions the hero takes to overcome the obstacles create and inform their emotional journey. When crafting your pitch, clearly identify the obstacles and show how they complicate your hero’s journey.

Why Stakes Matter

Stakes are what your hero stands to gain or lose. High stakes make your story more compelling. They give the reader a reason to care about whether or not your hero succeeds. In your pitch, make sure to highlight the stakes to show why the story matters. Why does this story deserve to be a picture book?

And remember, in picture books the stakes don’t have to be life or death to be important—learning how to tie your shoelaces can make the difference between walking into a classroom with confidence and falling flat on your face. Make sure what’s at stake in your manuscript and pitch resonates for, and is relatable to, young readers.

Make Your Picture Book Pitch Dynamic

Incorporating obstacles and stakes into your pitch make it more dynamic and engaging. By showing the challenges your hero faces and what’s at risk, your pitch will be that much more likely to capture the interest of agents and editors.

Want more help with picture book pitches? Grab our FREE Picture Book Summit Pitch Formula HERE!