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.
