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 Theme
How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript for Theme
Overview: The theme of your picture book is the core message or lesson you want to convey to your readers. It could be about friendship, bravery, perseverance, or any number of values or life lessons. When self-editing, it’s important to ensure that this theme comes across clearly and naturally. The key is to convey your message without sounding too preachy or heavy-handed, while making sure it resonates with your target audience’s developmental stage.
Why Editing for Theme is Important
A picture book’s theme helps children connect with the story on a deeper level. Whether it’s a moral lesson or a simple message of kindness, the theme should feel authentic and align with the experiences of your young readers. At the same time, the theme should not overshadow the story itself. Readers are drawn to stories that feel genuine, where the message is woven seamlessly into the narrative.
Key Considerations When Self-Editing for Theme
1. Does the Book Have a Clear Theme or Moral?
Your theme should be easy to understand and resonate with your target audience. It doesn’t need to be overly complex, but it should be present throughout the story, subtly guiding the narrative without overwhelming it.
- Ensure your theme is woven naturally into the story, so it feels like a natural part of the plot, not a forced lesson.
- Keep the theme focused, avoiding too many competing messages or morals that could dilute the clarity of your message.
Questions to Ask:
- Is the theme clear without being explicitly stated?
- Does the story naturally convey the theme, or does it feel too forced or heavy-handed?
- Is the theme present from beginning to end?
2. Is the Message Appropriate for Your Audience?
The theme should align with the developmental stage of your readers. Younger children appreciate simple, straightforward lessons, while older readers may enjoy more nuanced or layered messages.
- Make sure the theme matches your audience’s level of understanding, so they can grasp it easily.
- Check that the theme reflects values or experiences that your readers can relate to, whether it’s about friendship, family, or overcoming challenges.
Questions to Ask:
- Is the theme appropriate for the age group you’re writing for?
- Can young readers relate to the message based on their developmental stage?
3. Does the Message Feel Natural, Not Preachy?
One of the most important aspects of a well-executed theme is subtlety. Your theme should be present throughout the story, but it shouldn’t feel like a lecture. Let your characters and plot demonstrate the lesson or message without overtly stating it.
- Use actions and consequences to convey the message, rather than having characters explain the lesson directly.
- Focus on showing, not telling, so the theme emerges naturally from the story.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the message feel natural, or is it too on-the-nose?
- Are there parts of the story where the theme is explained too directly?
How to Self-Edit for Theme
Step 1: Identify the Core Theme
Start by identifying the core theme or moral of your story. What is the central message you want to convey? Make sure you can summarize it in a sentence or two, and that it aligns with the overall narrative.
Step 2: Check for Subtlety
Go through your manuscript and look for places where the theme might be too explicitly stated. Try to rework these sections to let the message come across through actions, dialogue, and plot development instead of direct explanation.
Step 3: Ensure Consistency
Make sure the theme is consistent throughout the book. From the beginning to the end, the theme should be present in the story, helping guide the characters and plot. Ensure that all parts of the story contribute to reinforcing the theme.
Step 4: Match the Theme to Your Audience
Consider your target audience’s age and developmental stage. Ensure that the message you’re conveying is something they can understand and relate to. If needed, simplify or adjust the theme to make it clearer for younger readers.
Self-editing for theme is essential to ensure that your book’s message resonates with your target audience. A clear and well-integrated theme will add depth to your story without feeling preachy or forced. Take the time to review how your message is conveyed and ensure it feels natural, age-appropriate, and engaging for your readers.