Overview: The process of transferring your manuscript to the Storyboard workspace is an exciting step in your picture book creation. Once you’ve finished editing your manuscript, or feel ready to explore the layout further, you can transfer your text to the storyboard. This feature allows you to manage text blocks, plan page turns, and begin building the visual flow of your story. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of transferring your manuscript to the storyboard and making adjustments.
Why Transferring to the Storyboard is Important
The storyboard is where the text of your manuscript meets the visual layout of your picture book. By transferring your manuscript to the storyboard, you can begin planning how the text will fit with the illustrations, explore page turns, and adjust the layout for a smooth reading experience. It’s important to note that while transferring the manuscript to the storyboard marks a significant step, you can still go back to edit the manuscript if needed.
Key Considerations When Transferring Your Manuscript
1. Finish Editing Before Transferring
Before transferring your manuscript to the storyboard, it’s a good idea to finish as much of the editing process as possible. While you can return to the manuscript for more edits later, transferring to the storyboard signals that you’re ready to start planning the layout of your book.
- Complete most of your manuscript edits before transferring to the storyboard.
- Use the storyboard to explore page turns and visualize the book’s flow.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I completed most of my manuscript edits before transferring to the storyboard?
- Am I ready to start planning how the text will fit with the illustrations?
2. Spread Breaks Determine How Text is Transferred
The text from your manuscript will be transferred to the storyboard based on where you’ve placed spread breaks. Each spread break creates a new page turn in your storyboard, helping you plan the pacing and layout of the book.
- Use spread breaks to determine page turns, as each break transfers text to a new storyboard page.
- Ensure the pacing of your story feels right, and adjust spread breaks if needed.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I placed spread breaks where I want page turns in the storyboard?
- Do the spread breaks create a smooth pacing for the story?
3. Text Blocks are Transferred as Separate Units
Each line of text in your manuscript will be transferred to the storyboard as a separate text block. These blocks can be moved and managed individually, giving you flexibility in how you arrange the text on each page.
- Each line of text is transferred as its own block, allowing you to move and adjust the text placement freely.
- Manage each text block separately, arranging them to fit the visual layout.
Questions to Ask:
- Am I ready to arrange the text blocks on the storyboard?
- Do I need to adjust the text blocks to match the flow of the illustrations?
4. Initial Text Overlap and Adjustments
When the manuscript is first transferred to the storyboard, text blocks may overlap but will be staggered slightly. This allows you to click and drag each text block to its desired position on the storyboard. After transferring the text, take time to arrange the blocks to fit your vision.
- Text blocks will initially overlap, but can be clicked and dragged apart for easier placement.
- Arrange the text blocks to create a cohesive layout that aligns with your illustrations.
Questions to Ask:
- Have I adjusted the text blocks to avoid overlap?
- Have I arranged the text in a way that complements the storyboard layout?
How to Transfer and Manage Text on the Storyboard
Step 1: Transfer Your Manuscript
Once you’re ready, use the “Transfer to Storyboard” function in the software to move your manuscript into the storyboard workspace. Your text will be transferred based on the spread breaks you’ve entered.
Step 2: Arrange Text Blocks
After the text has been transferred, click and drag each text block to arrange it on the storyboard. If the text blocks are overlapping, stagger them to avoid clutter and ensure each block is in the right position.
Step 3: Adjust for Flow and Layout
Review the storyboard and make sure the text blocks are arranged to match the pacing of your story. If needed, go back and adjust spread breaks or rearrange text blocks to ensure a smooth reading experience.
Transferring your manuscript to the storyboard is a crucial step in creating your picture book. By organizing text blocks, planning page turns, and visualizing the flow of the story, you’ll be able to see how your text fits with the illustrations. Take the time to arrange your text carefully and adjust the layout to enhance the overall reading experience.
