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 Narrative Point-of-View (POV)
How to Plan Your Narrative Point-of-View (POV)
Overview: Narrative point-of-view (POV) is the perspective from which a story is told. It shapes how readers experience the story and how much they know about the characters and events. Choosing the right POV is a crucial step in planning your story, as it influences the reader’s connection to the characters and the way the plot unfolds. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of POVs and how to choose the best one for your picture book.
Understanding the Different Types of Narrative Point-of-View
1. First-Person POV
First-person point-of-view uses pronouns like “I,” “me,” “we,” and “us.” It’s told from the narrator’s perspective, giving readers a direct view into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. First-person can create a strong, intimate connection between the narrator and the reader, but it’s limited to what the narrator knows and experiences.
- Pronouns used: I, me, we, us.
- Perspective: The narrator’s personal view of the story.
Example:
"I watched the sun rise over the hills, feeling the warmth on my face."
Questions to Ask:
- Is my story better served by a close, personal perspective?
- Do I want the reader to see and feel everything through the narrator’s eyes?
2. Second-Person POV
Second-person point-of-view addresses the reader directly, using the pronoun “you.” This POV can make the reader feel more involved in the story, as if they’re a character within it. However, second-person is less common in picture books and can be challenging to maintain consistently.
- Pronoun used: You.
- Perspective: Addresses the reader as if they’re part of the story.
Example:
"You step into the forest, feeling the cool breeze against your skin."
Questions to Ask:
- Do I want to directly engage the reader and make them feel like they’re part of the story?
- Can I maintain second-person POV without it becoming awkward or forced?
3. Third-Person Limited POV
Third-person limited POV uses names or personal pronouns like “he,” “she,” or “they” and tells the story from the perspective of a single character. The reader sees and experiences the world through this character’s eyes but doesn’t know what other characters are thinking or feeling unless it’s shown through action or dialogue.
- Pronouns used: He, she, they.
- Perspective: Focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character.
Example:
"Emma wondered what was behind the locked door, but she didn’t dare ask."
Questions to Ask:
Does my story benefit from following a single character closely?
Do I want to limit the reader’s knowledge to what one character knows?
4. Third-Person Omniscient POV
Third-person omniscient POV uses names or pronouns but has access to the thoughts, feelings, and actions of all characters. The narrator knows everything that’s happening in the story, offering a more complete view of the world and characters.
- Pronouns used: He, she, they.
- Perspective: All-knowing narrator who understands everything happening in the story.
Example:
"Emma worried about the locked door, while James, in the other room, felt a sense of dread he couldn’t explain."
Questions to Ask:
- Does my story require a broader perspective that includes multiple characters’ thoughts and feelings?
- Do I want to offer readers more information than the characters themselves know?
5. Third-Person Objective POV
Third-person objective POV describes what’s happening in the story without revealing any character’s thoughts or feelings. It’s like an outsider looking in, describing the events without commentary or insight into the characters’ minds.
- Pronouns used: He, she, they.
- Perspective: Observes and reports what’s happening without revealing thoughts or feelings.
Example:
"Emma glanced at the door, then turned away, her expression unreadable."
Questions to Ask:
- Does my story benefit from a neutral, unbiased viewpoint?
- Do I want the reader to interpret characters’ actions and emotions on their own?
How to Choose the Right POV for Your Story
Step 1: Consider the Type of Story You’re Telling
Think about the themes and style of your story. Do you want readers to experience everything from a single character’s perspective, or do you need a broader view? Are you looking for an intimate connection or a more detached, observational style?
Step 2: Decide How Much the Reader Should Know
The POV you choose will determine how much information the reader has access to. Decide whether you want the reader to know everything that’s happening (omniscient), or just what one character knows (limited).
Step 3: Try Writing a Scene in Different POVs
Experiment with writing a scene in different POVs to see how each one feels. This can help you determine which POV best suits your story and creates the effect you’re looking for.
Step 4: Consider Your Audience
Think about your target audience and how they might engage with different POVs. For picture books, a more straightforward and accessible POV is often preferred, but don’t be afraid to experiment if it suits your story.
Final Notes:
Choosing the right narrative point-of-view is essential for shaping your story and guiding the reader’s experience. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each POV, you can decide which perspective best aligns with your story’s goals. Use Flow to experiment and plan your POV, and find the voice that brings your story to life.