Overview: Redundancy in a manuscript can bog down the story and weaken its impact. While some repetition is intentional and can enhance storytelling, repeating words, phrases, or ideas unnecessarily can feel tiresome to readers. This is especially important in picture books where illustrations often convey part of the story. When self-editing, it’s crucial to identify and eliminate unnecessary repetition to keep your story engaging and streamlined.
Why Redundancy Hurts Your Story
When words or phrases are repeated without adding value, it can slow down the pace of your story and confuse readers. Additionally, in picture books, redundancy between text and illustrations can diminish the role that visuals play in storytelling. Reducing redundancy ensures that your story feels fresh, direct, and that your text and illustrations work together seamlessly.
Key Considerations When Self-Editing for Redundancy
1. Have You Avoided Repeating the Same Words or Phrases?
While repetition can be used for emphasis or rhythm, overusing the same words or phrases without intention can weaken your story. Look for any words or phrases that you’ve repeated unnecessarily and consider replacing them with synonyms or varying your sentence structure.
- Remove repeated words unless they’re being used intentionally for effect.
- Vary your word choice to keep the language fresh and engaging.
Questions to Ask:
- Are there any words or phrases I’ve repeated without realizing?
- Can I replace repeated words with synonyms or alternative phrases?
2. Is There Redundant Information?
Picture books often use illustrations to convey elements of the story, which means you don’t need to explain everything in the text. Avoid repeating information that’s already clear from the illustrations. If the visuals show a character running, for example, there’s no need to state “the character is running” in the text.
- Let the illustrations speak for themselves without over-explaining in the text.
- Remove redundant information that’s already conveyed through the artwork.
Questions to Ask:
- Am I explaining something in the text that’s already clear from the illustrations?
- Is any information repeated unnecessarily across different parts of the story?
3. Check for Intentional Repetition
Repetition can be a powerful tool when used intentionally, particularly in picture books where rhythm and pattern can enhance the reading experience. Make sure any repetition is purposeful and adds value to the story, whether for dramatic effect, humor, or to create a memorable rhythm.
- Use repetition intentionally to create a desired effect or rhythm.
- Ensure repeated elements add value to the story rather than feeling redundant.
Questions to Ask:
- Is the repetition in my manuscript intentional, or is it accidental?
- Does the repetition serve a purpose in the story?
How to Self-Edit for Redundancy
Step 1: Identify Repeated Words or Phrases
Read through your manuscript and highlight any words or phrases that you’ve repeated unnecessarily. Look for opportunities to replace these with synonyms or rephrase the sentence to avoid repetition.
Step 2: Eliminate Redundant Information
Go through the manuscript and cross-check the text with the illustrations. Are there moments where the text describes something that’s already clear from the visuals? Remove any redundant information and let the illustrations tell part of the story.
Step 3: Review Intentional Repetition
If you’ve used repetition on purpose, review it to make sure it adds to the story rather than detracting from it. Ensure that the repetition is enhancing the rhythm or tone of the story and isn’t simply redundant.
Self-editing for redundancy ensures that your manuscript remains clear, engaging, and streamlined. By avoiding unnecessary repetition and allowing illustrations to contribute to the storytelling, you’ll create a more dynamic and enjoyable reading experience for your audience. Remember that while repetition can be a powerful tool, it should always be intentional and add value to the story.
