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 Self-Edit Your Manuscript for Consistency
How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript for Consistency
Overview: Consistency in tone, character names, settings, and tense is essential for creating a cohesive and engaging story. Any inconsistency in your manuscript can confuse your readers or disrupt the flow of the narrative. When self-editing, it's important to ensure that everything remains consistent from beginning to end, including the way your characters are portrayed, the tense you use, and the tone of your writing.
Why Consistency is Important
In a picture book, inconsistencies—whether in character names, settings, or tone—can be jarring for young readers. Shifts in tense or character traits can make the story hard to follow and break the immersive experience. A consistent narrative ensures your readers stay focused on the story and feel connected to the characters and world you've created.
Key Considerations When Self-Editing for Consistency
1. Is the Tone Consistent Throughout the Story?
The tone of your story sets the mood and helps readers connect with the emotions you’re trying to convey. Whether your story is playful, serious, or adventurous, the tone should remain consistent from beginning to end, unless there’s a deliberate shift for dramatic effect.
- Ensure your tone fits the story's overall theme and remains consistent.
- Avoid sudden tonal shifts that could confuse or distract readers, unless done intentionally for effect.
Questions to Ask:
- Is the tone of the story consistent from start to finish?
- Have I unintentionally shifted the tone to something that feels out of place?
2. Are Character Names, Traits, and Settings Consistent?
As you edit your manuscript, check that your characters’ names, physical traits, and personalities remain consistent throughout the story. Additionally, ensure that the settings you describe stay the same and don’t unintentionally change between scenes.
- Check that character names and descriptions remain consistent across the manuscript.
- Ensure the setting descriptions don’t contradict each other from scene to scene.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I consistently used the same names and traits for all characters?
- Is the setting consistent across different scenes?
3. Is the Tense Consistent Throughout the Story?
One of the most common inconsistencies in a manuscript is shifting tense—accidentally switching from past to present or future tense. It’s important to choose one tense and stick with it throughout the story unless there’s a deliberate, clear reason to change.
- Ensure the story is written in a consistent tense—either past, present, or future.
- Double-check for unintentional shifts in tense, which can confuse readers.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I stuck to one tense throughout the story?
- Are there any moments where I’ve accidentally switched between past, present, or future tense?
How to Self-Edit for Consistency
Step 1: Check for Consistency in Tone
Go through your manuscript and pay attention to the tone. Does the mood or emotional atmosphere remain consistent throughout the story? Highlight any sections where the tone feels off or out of sync with the rest of the story, and revise them to maintain consistency.
Step 2: Ensure Character Names, Traits, and Settings are Consistent
Review your manuscript for any inconsistencies in character names, physical traits, or settings. Create a simple list of key details for each character and setting, and cross-check it with the story to make sure everything lines up.
Step 3: Review Tense Usage
Carefully read through your manuscript and check that the tense remains consistent from start to finish. Highlight any places where you may have accidentally switched tenses and correct them to maintain consistency.
Self-editing for consistency helps create a smooth and cohesive reading experience for your audience. By ensuring that your tone, character traits, settings, and tense remain consistent throughout the manuscript, you’ll avoid jarring shifts and create a more immersive and enjoyable story for your readers.