In the ever-evolving landscape of children’s literature, the art of self-editing stands as a crucial pillar for aspiring picture book authors. This vital process can elevate your manuscript from merely good to truly exceptional. Through my experiences as an independent editor, I’ve observed many writers navigate the challenges of self-editing.
To assist you in refining your picture book editing manuscript before it reaches the hands of an editor or agent, I’ve compiled a collection of effective tips and techniques.
10 Effective Tips to Edit the Picture Book
-
Step Away for a While
When you completed your first draft leave the manuscript aside for a bit. Whether it’s a few days or a couple of weeks, taking a break allows you to return to your work with fresh eyes. This distance will help you identify inconsistencies, plot holes, grammatical errors, and other issues that may have gone unnoticed during your initial writing phase.
-
Print It Out
Trust me on this one! You’ll often catch mistakes on paper that you might overlook on a screen. To enhance this effect, consider changing the font from your usual choice. When you print it out, it will appear new and different, making it easier to spot errors. Just remember to switch back to a standard font like Times New Roman before you submit!
- Read It Aloud
In Children’s Editing, since picture books are meant to be read aloud, this step is crucial. Reading your manuscript out loud will help you identify awkward phrases, stilted dialogue, and pacing issues. It’s also a great way to gauge the rhythm of your story. Don’t just read it once try reading it multiple times! Better yet, have someone else read it to you and pay attention to where they stumble. Your story should hold up to repeated readings, especially for young audiences.
-
Prioritize Word Economy
In picture books word economy, every word must serve a purpose. With a typical word count of 500 words or less for fiction (and slightly more for non-fiction), it’s essential to make each word count. Look for opportunities to eliminate unnecessary words, phrases, or even entire sentences. Be vigilant about redundancies and avoid stating what the illustrations will depict. This is especially important for adjectives and adverbs each one should earn its keep!
-
Embrace the “Show, Don’t Tell” Philosophy
Illustrations in picture books should enhance the narrative rather than simply echo it. Instead of detailing every emotion, focus on the actions and dialogue of your characters. For example, instead of saying, “Sophie was sad,” illustrate her wiping away a tear or gazing downcast. Trust that the illustrator will bring your words to life visually.
-
Monitor Your Pacing
Story Pacing is key in picture books. You want to keep young readers engaged from start to finish. Ensure your story flows smoothly, balancing action, dialogue, and description. Avoid lingering too long on one scene or rushing through significant plot points. Also, think about where those critical page turns will occur are you enticing the reader to keep turning pages to discover what happens next?
-
Evaluate the Narrative Arc
For fiction or narrative non-fiction, does your story dive straight into the action, or does it begin with excessive backstory? Does it effectively navigate the resolution of a problem or the pursuit of a goal? Is the conclusion satisfying, inevitable, and perhaps even surprising? For concept books, ensure that the text has a coherent and engaging structure.
-
Seek Constructive Feedback
Before considering your manuscript complete, gather feedback from others. Share it with trusted friends, family, or fellow writers. Joining a critique group can provide valuable insights as you exchange feedback with other authors. To enhance professionalism, think about contacting a freelance editor for an in-depth evaluation. New insights can reveal aspects that may need refinement that you might not have noticed.
-
Revise and Refine
Editing is an iterative process. After implementing changes based on your self-editing and feedback, read through your manuscript again and do Book Revisions. Repeat the above steps as needed until you feel confident that your story is as polished as possible.
-
Know When to Move On
Finally, recognize when it’s time to let go and progress to the next stage. Striving for perfection can be counterproductive, and at some point, you must trust that your manuscript is ready for professional review. Remember, every manuscript will undergo further editing once it’s picked up by an agent or publisher.
Self-editing is a skill that requires practice, patience, and perseverance. By integrating these book editing tips and techniques into your writing routine, you’ll be well on your way to crafting picture book manuscripts that truly shine.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of self-editing is a crucial step in creating a picture book manuscript that stands out in the competitive world of children’s literature. By following these 10 essential tips, you’ll be well-equipped to refine your manuscript and increase its chances of success. Remember, self-editing is a skill that requires practice, patience, and perseverance.
With dedication and persistence, you can craft a picture book that truly shines. And when you’re ready to take your manuscript to the next level, Cosmics Publishers, providing editing services, is here to help.
