Overview: Pacing is one of the most critical aspects of storytelling, especially in picture books. It determines how the story unfolds, whether it captures and maintains the reader’s attention, and how the emotional highs and lows are spaced throughout. A well-paced story keeps young readers engaged by building anticipation, excitement, and tension at just the right moments. In this article, we’ll explore how to self-edit your manuscript to ensure the pacing flows naturally from one page to the next.
Why Pacing is Important
In picture books, every page counts. The pacing must be just right to keep young readers turning the pages. If the pacing is too slow, readers might lose interest. If it’s too fast, the story can feel rushed, and important moments might not land as intended. A well-paced story gives each scene room to breathe while driving the plot forward.
Key Considerations When Self-Editing for Pacing
1. Does the Story Flow Naturally?
The flow of your story should feel seamless, with each event leading logically to the next. There should be no moments where the reader feels jarred by an abrupt shift in tone, setting, or plot.
- Ensure smooth transitions between scenes and page turns.
- Cut unnecessary filler that slows down the pace without contributing to the plot.
Questions to Ask:
- Does each scene transition naturally to the next?
- Are there any parts of the story that feel too slow or rushed?
2. Are There Moments of Tension, Excitement, or Humor?
A well-paced story has a rhythm that alternates between moments of calm and moments of tension or excitement. These emotional beats are crucial for maintaining engagement, as they help build anticipation and lead to satisfying payoffs.
- Add moments of tension or humor where appropriate to keep readers invested.
- Space out emotional highs and lows to create a balanced rhythm throughout the story.
Questions to Ask:
- Are there moments of tension or excitement that keep the reader engaged?
- Do you give readers time to breathe between emotional highs and lows?
3. Do the Page Turns Build Anticipation?
In picture books, page turns are critical pacing tools. Each page should end with a moment that makes readers want to keep going—whether it’s a question that needs answering, a surprise that’s about to be revealed, or a cliffhanger that builds suspense.
- Ensure each page turn serves a purpose, advancing the plot or building anticipation.
- Use page turns to your advantage, timing key moments like reveals or action for after the turn.
Questions to Ask:
- Does each page turn feel necessary, and does it advance the plot?
- Do the page turns create suspense or anticipation for the next scene?
How to Self-Edit for Pacing
Step 1: Read Your Manuscript Aloud
Reading your manuscript aloud helps you hear the rhythm of your story. Pay attention to how long each section takes to read, and note whether any scenes drag or feel rushed. This method can also help you identify areas where tension or humor needs more space to land.
Step 2: Check for Emotional Beats
Go through your manuscript and identify the emotional beats. Are there enough moments of tension, excitement, or humor spaced throughout the story? If the pacing feels too flat, consider adding a surprise or building anticipation with each page turn.
Step 3: Focus on Page Turns
Examine your manuscript page by page. Does each page leave the reader wanting to turn to the next? A strong page turn should either raise a question, heighten tension, or deliver a reveal. If your page turns don’t feel compelling, you may need to adjust where certain moments or scenes land.
Step 4: Cut Unnecessary Filler
Tighten your story by cutting any unnecessary details or scenes that don’t contribute to the pacing. If a section slows the story down without adding value, consider revising or removing it.
Self-editing for pacing is essential to ensure that your manuscript flows smoothly and keeps readers engaged from start to finish. By focusing on natural transitions, well-timed emotional beats, and compelling page turns, you can create a story that holds your audience’s attention and builds anticipation with every page.
