Elements of a Picture Book Pitch

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!