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 Plan Your Story Using Flow
How to Plan Your Story Using Flow
Overview: The Flow feature in our software is designed as an open space for brainstorming and planning your story before you start writing your manuscript. It’s a place where you can capture all your ideas, describe major plot points, flesh out characters, and outline any details you want to remember as you move forward. Use Flow to write as if you’re telling your best friend about the story you want to create, getting all your thoughts out without worrying about structure or format. This article will guide you through how to use Flow effectively to plan your story.
Why Using Flow is Important for Story Planning
Flow gives you a dedicated space to think freely and capture your story ideas before diving into the structured writing process. This helps you clarify your thoughts and gives you a reference point for when you begin drafting your manuscript. By using Flow to brainstorm and outline your story, you’ll be better prepared to write a cohesive, engaging narrative.
Key Considerations When Using Flow for Planning
1. Use Flow as a Freewriting Space
The Flow space is meant to be a place where you can write freely and get all your thoughts down on paper. Don’t worry about organization or formatting—just let your ideas flow naturally. Describe your story as if you were telling a friend about it, capturing every detail you want to remember.
- Use Flow for freewriting, capturing any ideas that come to mind.
- Write as if you’re sharing your story with a friend, focusing on getting your thoughts out without editing or revising.
Questions to Ask:
- Am I using Flow to capture all my ideas, without worrying about structure?
- Have I described my story in a way that captures the essence and key elements?
2. Brainstorm Plot Points and Character Details
Flow is a great space to brainstorm major plot points and flesh out your characters. Write about the main events of your story, how your characters will grow or change, and any significant details you want to include.
- Outline major plot points that define the story’s progression.
- Describe your characters in detail, capturing their personalities, goals, and conflicts.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I outlined the major events of my story in Flow?
- Have I described each character in enough detail to understand their role in the story?
3. Capture Any Other Story Ideas
In addition to plot points and character details, Flow is a place to capture any other ideas or details that come to mind. Whether it’s the setting, themes, or specific scenes you want to include, write them down in Flow so you have a complete picture of your story before you start drafting.
- Use Flow to record settings, themes, or scenes you want to explore in your story.
- Capture any other details that will help guide you as you write your manuscript.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I captured all the important details of my story in Flow?
- Is there anything else I want to include before I start drafting?
How to Use Flow to Plan Your Story
Step 1: Start with Freewriting
Open the Flow space in your software and start by writing freely about your story. Describe the plot, characters, and any other ideas you have in mind, as if you were explaining the story to a friend.
Step 2: Brainstorm Plot Points and Character Details
Next, outline the major plot points of your story and describe your characters in detail. Write about the key events that will shape your story and the characters’ journeys.
Step 3: Capture Additional Ideas and Details
Use Flow to record any additional ideas, settings, themes, or scenes that you want to include. This will give you a comprehensive overview of your story before you start drafting your manuscript.
Step 4: Review and Refine
After brainstorming in Flow, review your notes and refine any ideas as needed. Use this as a guide when you begin drafting your manuscript, referring back to your notes to keep the story focused and cohesive.
Flow is a powerful tool for brainstorming and planning your story before starting your manuscript. Use this open space to capture all your ideas, describe major plot points, and flesh out your characters, giving you a strong foundation for the writing process. By using Flow effectively, you’ll be better prepared to create a cohesive, engaging story that flows naturally from start to finish.