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 Where Your Story Begins
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
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
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
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 Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
Designing
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated 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 Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
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 Find and Hire a Professional Editor for Your Illustrated Book
How to Find and Hire a Professional Editor for Your Illustrated Book
While self-editing is an important part of the writing process, hiring a professional editor can take your book to the next level. An editor can help you refine your manuscript, ensuring it’s polished, engaging, and ready for publication. Although not required, working with an editor is strongly recommended for self-published authors, especially if you’re working on an illustrated book. Here's everything you need to know about finding and hiring the right editor.
Why Hire a Professional Editor?
A professional editor brings an objective, experienced eye to your manuscript. They can help you with various aspects of your book, including:
- Polishing the Text: Editors catch grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies that you may have missed during self-editing.
- Enhancing Story Flow: A good editor will help ensure your story flows smoothly from one page to the next, which is critical in picture books where pacing matters.
- Improving Character and Dialogue: Editors can provide valuable feedback on character development and dialogue, ensuring that each voice feels authentic and true to the age of the characters.
- Ensuring Age Appropriateness: Editors, especially those experienced with children’s books, can ensure your content is appropriate for the target audience in terms of both language and themes.
Working with an editor is like having a partner who helps you fine-tune your book, making it the best it can be before publication.
Types of Editors and What They Do
There are different types of editors, each with their own focus. Depending on the needs of your manuscript, you may work with one or more of the following:
- Developmental Editor: A developmental editor helps with the big picture. They focus on the structure, pacing, character development, and overall flow of the story. They can help you make sure your book has a strong foundation and that your story resonates with readers.
- Line Editor: Line editors work on the sentence level, improving the flow and readability of your manuscript. They help refine word choice, sentence structure, and tone, making sure your story reads smoothly and keeps the reader engaged.
- Copy Editor: A copy editor focuses on the technical aspects of the text, correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency. They also check for continuity errors or inconsistencies in the narrative.
- Proofreader: Proofreaders are the last line of defense before publication. They focus on catching any remaining typos, punctuation errors, or formatting issues.
Depending on the stage of your manuscript, you may need to hire a combination of these editors or focus on one area.
How to Find a Professional Editor
Finding the right editor can feel daunting, but there are several reliable ways to connect with experienced professionals who specialize in self-publishing and illustrated books:
- Referrals: Start by asking other authors in your network or writing communities for recommendations. Personal referrals can lead you to trusted editors who have a proven track record.
- Editing Associations: Organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) or the Association of Canadian Editorial Professionals (Editors Canada) are great places to find vetted professionals who specialize in different types of editing.
- Freelance Platforms: Websites like Reedsy, Fiverr, and Upwork allow you to browse editor profiles, see reviews, and compare rates. These platforms are a great starting point for finding freelance editors with experience in your genre.
- Author Groups: Many self-publishing communities, both online and offline, offer resources for finding editors who understand the specific needs of indie authors. Look for groups that focus on children’s books, picture books, or your genre specifically.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Editor
Once you've identified potential editors, it’s important to have a conversation to make sure they’re the right fit for your project. Here are some key questions to ask:
- Do you have experience editing picture books or illustrated books? It's crucial that your editor understands the unique dynamics of working with text and illustrations.
- Can you provide samples of your previous work? Review their past projects to ensure their editing style aligns with your vision.
- What types of editing services do you provide? Clarify whether they offer developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, or all of the above.
- What is your turnaround time? Make sure the editor’s availability matches your timeline.
- What are your rates, and how do you charge? Some editors charge per word, page, or hour. Be clear about the costs up front to avoid surprises.
How to Work with a Professional Editor
Working with an editor is a collaborative process. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and productive experience:
- Be Open to Feedback: An editor's job is to help improve your manuscript, but that means they may suggest changes that you didn’t expect. Keep an open mind and remember that their goal is to make your book stronger.
- Provide Context: Let your editor know about your vision, your target audience, and any specific concerns you have about the manuscript. The more context they have, the better they can tailor their feedback to meet your needs.
- Communicate Clearly: Make sure you and your editor are on the same page regarding deadlines, expectations, and the scope of the work. Good communication will help avoid misunderstandings.
- Be Ready for Multiple Rounds: Editing is often a multi-step process. Be prepared for revisions after the first round of edits, and understand that this is part of refining your story.