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 Your Story Using Flow
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
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
Registrations
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
Writing
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Designing
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In 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 Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
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
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Editing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
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 Story Structure
How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript for Story Structure
Overview: Before sending your manuscript to an editor or beta reader, it's essential to make sure the story structure is solid. Story structure is the foundation of any great picture book. By focusing on a clear beginning, middle, and end, you'll ensure that your narrative flows smoothly and engages readers. In this article, we'll guide you through self-editing your manuscript for story structure, an important part of the developmental editing process.
Why Story Structure Matters
Story structure is the backbone of your manuscript. It keeps readers engaged by providing a clear path from the introduction to the resolution. Without a solid structure, even the most beautifully written scenes can feel disjointed or confusing. A well-structured story:
- Keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- Provides a logical flow that is easy to follow.
- Offers a satisfying resolution that wraps up loose ends.
Key Elements of Story Structure
When self-editing for story structure, focus on these key elements:
1. Clear Beginning
The beginning of your story sets the tone and hooks your reader. It’s also where you introduce your main character and establish the setting. By the end of the first few pages, readers should know:
- Who the main character is and what makes them unique.
- What the setting is and how it shapes the story.
- The problem or conflict that will drive the narrative forward.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the story start with action or an interesting scene that captures attention?
- Is the main character introduced in the first few pages?
- Is it clear what challenge or problem the character will face?
2. Engaging Middle
The middle of your story should develop the plot and deepen your reader’s connection to the characters. This is where the bulk of your story takes place, including obstacles, conflict, and character development. Ensure that:
- The stakes are rising and the tension builds as the story progresses.
- Each scene pushes the story forward and deepens the character's journey.
Questions to Ask:
- Are there enough obstacles to keep readers interested?
- Does each scene build on the previous one, maintaining momentum?
3. Satisfying Ending
Your ending should resolve the main conflict and provide a sense of closure. In picture books, this can be particularly important, as young readers benefit from a clear resolution that ties up the story. Your ending should:
- Resolve the problem or conflict that was introduced early on.
- Leave readers with a sense of satisfaction or a lesson learned.
Questions to Ask:
- Is the resolution clear and satisfying?
- Does the ending feel natural, not rushed or abrupt?
How to Self-Edit for Story Structure
Follow these steps to review and refine your manuscript’s structure:
Step 1: Read Through Your Manuscript as a Reader
Start by reading through your manuscript from start to finish. Try to experience it as a first-time reader would. Take notes on moments where you felt confused or where the pacing slowed down. These are areas that may need structural adjustments.
Step 2: Break It Down by Sections
Examine each section—beginning, middle, and end—separately to make sure they are all well-developed. For each section, ask yourself the key questions mentioned above.
Step 3: Ensure the Main Character is Introduced Early
Your main character should be front and center within the first few pages. If you haven’t introduced your character early enough, consider rewriting the opening to focus on them right away.
Step 4: Focus on Transitions
Check how each scene or section transitions into the next. Are the shifts smooth, or do they feel jarring? Good transitions are essential to keep readers engaged and help maintain the story’s flow.
Step 5: Make Sure the Ending Resolves the Conflict
Finally, revisit your ending. Does it resolve the conflict or problem introduced in the beginning? Ensure that there is no lingering confusion and that readers are left with a sense of closure.
Self-editing for story structure is crucial to ensure that your manuscript is easy to follow and satisfying for readers. Before moving on to the next steps in your editing process, take the time to make sure that your story has a strong beginning, middle, and end, and that your main character is clearly introduced early on. This will give you a solid foundation before working with an editor or sending it to beta readers.