Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
Designing
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Edit with a Final Read Aloud Before Sending to an Editor
How to Edit with a Final Read Aloud Before Sending to an Editor
Overview: After completing your self-edits, a final read-aloud is an essential step before sending your manuscript to an editor. Reading your manuscript aloud helps you experience the story’s flow, rhythm, and pacing in a way that’s different from reading it silently. This final check can help you catch any awkward phrasing or lingering issues that may have been missed during previous edits. Additionally, having someone unfamiliar with the story read it aloud can provide fresh insights into the clarity and overall readability.
Why a Final Read-Aloud Matters
Reading your manuscript aloud brings out elements that might be missed when reading silently, such as awkward transitions, clunky sentences, or uneven pacing. Hearing the story out loud helps you identify any places where the rhythm feels off or where the story doesn’t flow naturally. It also ensures that the language sounds conversational and that readers will be able to follow the story easily. Having someone else read it aloud adds another layer of review, allowing you to see how a fresh set of eyes (or ears) experiences the story.
Key Considerations When Performing a Final Read Aloud
1. Does the Story Flow Well?
During the read-aloud, focus on how the story flows from one sentence or page to the next. The transitions between scenes or moments should feel natural and smooth. If any sections feel abrupt or disjointed, they may need further revision.
- Ensure the pacing flows smoothly, with no abrupt changes or awkward transitions.
- Check that page turns or scene shifts feel natural and logical.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the story flow naturally from start to finish?
- Are there any sections that feel awkward or disjointed?
2. Does the Story Have a Consistent Rhythm and Pacing?
Pay attention to the rhythm of the sentences and the pacing of the overall story. In picture books, rhythm plays an important role in keeping young readers engaged. Each sentence should have a natural beat, and the pacing of the story should build and resolve in a way that feels satisfying.
- Listen for a natural rhythm in the language and pacing of the story.
- Adjust pacing where necessary, speeding up or slowing down the story’s tempo to match the tone.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the rhythm of the sentences feel natural when read aloud?
- Are there any sections where the pacing feels too fast or too slow?
3. Are There Any Awkward Words or Phrases?
Reading your manuscript aloud often highlights awkward words or phrases that don’t sound as good when spoken as they do on the page. Listen for any moments where you stumble over words or where the sentence feels too long or clunky. These are areas that may need reworking.
- Identify awkward or clunky phrases and revise them for smoother flow.
- Listen for words that feel unnatural or difficult to say out loud.
Questions to Ask:
- Are there any awkward or clunky phrases that disrupt the flow?
- Do the words and phrases sound natural when spoken aloud?
4. Have Someone Else Read It Aloud
Having someone who is unfamiliar with your story read it aloud is a great way to get fresh feedback. If they stumble over certain parts or if the story feels unclear, it’s a sign that those sections may need further revision.
- Ask someone unfamiliar with the manuscript to read it aloud and provide feedback.
- Listen for any moments where they stumble, which could indicate areas that need improvement.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the person reading the story stumble over any parts?
- Is the story clear and easy for them to follow?
How to Perform a Final Read Aloud Edit
Step 1: Read Your Manuscript Aloud
Read through the entire manuscript aloud, paying attention to the flow, pacing, and any awkward phrasing. If any sections feel off or clunky, mark them for revision.
Step 2: Adjust for Flow and Pacing
As you read aloud, make note of areas where the pacing feels too fast or slow, or where the transitions feel abrupt. Revise these sections to ensure a smoother flow and more consistent pacing.
Step 3: Listen for Awkward Words or Phrases
Pay close attention to the words and phrases as you read. If you stumble over a sentence or it feels awkward when spoken, revise it to improve readability and flow.
Step 4: Have Someone Else Read Aloud
Ask someone unfamiliar with your story to read the manuscript aloud. Listen to how they experience the flow and pacing, and take note of any areas where they hesitate or struggle with clarity.
Performing a final read-aloud before sending your manuscript to an editor is a crucial step in ensuring that the story flows naturally and reads smoothly. By checking for awkward phrasing, listening for pacing and rhythm, and having someone else read it aloud, you’ll catch any remaining issues and polish the manuscript for a professional review.