Self-Editing Your Book Layout: Fitting the Story to the Format

Once your manuscript is written, the next step is to ensure your book layout works well for the genre you’re writing in. Whether you’re creating a children’s picture book or a graphic novel, the layout directly impacts the reader’s experience. Here are key questions and tips to guide you through self-editing your book’s page count and layout.

Does Your Story Fit Standard Genre Formats?

Different book genres often follow specific layout conventions, which can affect everything from pacing to how the story is absorbed by readers. For example, children’s picture books typically follow a 32-page format. When self-editing, check if your manuscript fits within the typical structure of your genre:

• Picture Books: Does your story fit the 32-page format (or multiples of 8)?
• Graphic Novels: Do your chapters align well with a natural flow of events and provide breaks at logical points?
  If your story doesn’t fit the standard format, you may need to condense or expand certain sections.

Does the Text Fit Well Page by Page?

Once you’ve confirmed your story fits the overall page count, it’s time to focus on how the text will flow across individual pages. Each page turn should feel intentional, keeping the reader engaged. Consider the following:

• Is there enough text per page? Make sure the amount of text fits comfortably within each page, without feeling overcrowded or too sparse.
• Do certain pages have too much or too little content? Watch for pages that might feel heavy with text, as well as those that seem overly empty or disconnected from the next.

Balancing the text across pages helps maintain a smooth reading experience, especially for younger audiences with shorter attention spans.

Are There Natural Breaks That Encourage Page Turns?

One of the hallmarks of a well-laid-out book is the use of page turns to create suspense, surprise, or curiosity. When reviewing your manuscript, ask yourself:

• Does each page lead naturally to the next? A good rule of thumb is to end each page on a note that makes the reader want to turn the page. This could be a question, an unresolved action, or even an exciting illustration.
• Are there cliffhangers or moments of anticipation? Use page breaks to heighten the impact of important plot points or emotional moments.

Effective page turns are especially important in genres like picture books, where the visual elements work in tandem with the text to create rhythm and engagement.

Are Parts of the Story Too Long or Too Short?

As you self-edit your layout, it’s important to identify sections of the story that may drag or feel rushed. Pacing is key to keeping your readers’ attention throughout the book. Here are some questions to guide you:

• Does any part of the story feel rushed? If some sections feel too short, consider expanding them by adding details, dialogue, or action to balance the pace.
• Are there sections that feel too long or repetitive? If a particular part of the story feels like it’s dragging, it might be a good idea to trim unnecessary descriptions or dialogue to keep the pace moving.

Consider the Visual Layout

Your book layout isn’t just about the text—it also involves how the illustrations or images will work alongside the story. Even if you’re still in the writing phase, think about how the visuals will complement the text:

• Do the illustrations align with the story’s pacing? In picture books and graphic novels, the illustrations play a critical role in pacing. Ensure there’s room for the visuals to breathe, particularly on pages where the story slows down or reaches a key emotional moment.
• Are there opportunities for full-page spreads? Full-page illustrations can be powerful tools for drawing readers into the world of your book and emphasizing pivotal moments.