Should You Write High Concept, Lyrical, or Combination Picture Books?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  When brainstorming picture book ideas, you're most drawn to...

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  • A.
    Those with a clear hook that can be described easily in a single sentence.
  • B.
    An evocative setting or scene with high emotion.
  • C.
    Depends on my mood. Might prefer funny and silly one day, and lyrical or serious the next.
  • D.
    Ideas that combine commercial appeal with musicality or lyricism.
• 2.
  Which best describes your preferred writing style?

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  • A.
    Poetic writing in support of a strong commercial hook.
  • B.
    Punchy text that drives the plot along.
  • C.
    You love to rhyme anytime!
  • D.
    It depends highly on the specific manuscript.
  • E.
    Use of poetic devices and techniques.
• 3.
  Based on the title alone, I would pick up this picture book

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  • A.
    THE PRINCESS WHO TAMED A T-REX
  • B.
    SUNFLOWER SERENADE
  • C.
    MOON DOG AND STAR CAT
• 4.
  What are you most likely to ask your critique partners about your manuscript?

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  • A.
    Is the language evocative?
  • B.
    Does the premise grab you?
  • C.
    Does the writing style reinforce the hook?
  • D.
    It could be question 1 or 2 depending on the manuscript
• 5.
  If I HAD to choose from this list, I'd say my favorite picture book creator from Picture Book Summit is:

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  • A.
    The Steads
  • B.
    Meg Medina
  • C.
    Vashti Harrison
  • D.
    Mac Barnett
  • E.
    Adam Rex
  • F.
    Nikki Grimes
  • G.
    Yuyi Morales
  • H.
    Jane Yolen

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  High-Concept Connoisseur

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  You live for big ideas, mashups, pop culture, and books that can be understood and summarized in a single sentence. Check your email for writing tips and mentor texts for high-concept picture books! picturebooksummit.com
• 2.
  Lyrical Luminary

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  You are all about the words on the page, how they sound, and most importantly, how they make you feel. You may not know it, but you're a poet (or at least, you prefer poetic/lyrical picture books, whether quiet or bold). Check your email for writing tips and mentor texts for lyrical picture books! picturebooksummit.com
• 3.
  Creative Combo Type #1

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  Why choose one when you can choose both? You like reading and writing BOTH high-concept and lyrical picture books. But, as a Type 1, you gotta keep 'em separated. No mixing the two in a single manuscript for you. They're separate arts.Check your email for tips on writing both high-concept and lyrical picture books, plus mentor texts! picturebooksummit.com
• 4.
  Creative Combo Type #2

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  Why choose one when you can choose both? Better yet, why not combine them into a single manuscript? As a Type 2 Hybrid, you'll eat that cake and have it, too. You love to find a way to tap into the zeitgeist while also writing lyrically. Check your email for tips on writing combination high-concept and lyrical picture books, plus mentor texts!picturebooksummit.com