A while ago, I was asked to look over a children’s fiction picture book manuscript. This was not a paying job, just a favor.
The ‘new to writing’ authors, both health care professionals, had already been calling major publishers to find submission requirements. They were told their manuscript would not be looked at without an agent.
So, they went to the library to find a book on top agents.
While this is a worthy endeavor, there are some basic first steps to take before shooting for the stars.
Just glancing at the manuscript, I knew it needed a lot of work. And, interestingly, I was surprised to see so many errors in a simple 600-word story.
It seems as we progress in learning the craft of writing, we forget that we didn’t know the bare basics at one time either.
I then had to figure out what to say to the authors without alienating or completely discouraging them.
When critiquing or giving writing advice, it’s important to begin with the positive aspects of the manuscript. If the errors are basic, and there are a lot of them, you may also want to state them in generic terms, so not to offend the author/s.
What does this mean?
Well, it’s not a good idea to say, “You shouldn’t have the children’s picture book manuscript formatted in lists, numbered, or in Australian Sunrise 10pt font.”
Instead, you might say, “Manuscripts are usually preferred typed in New Times Roman 12pt font and are double spaced using a free form flow with the first sentence of each paragraph indented.
See the difference?
To help with clarity, you could include a first-page example of a manuscript you have or rewrite the first paragraph or two of the author’s manuscript.
If there are just too many errors, for time’s sake, you can make a list of proper manuscript formatting tips. This is the approach I took.
I started out with the ‘positive:’
This is a wonderful idea for a children’s book and has great potential, especially that both of you are professionals in the health field. Children will certainly benefit from the story’s information. It could use some tweaking, though.
Then, I added the following:
Here are a few tips for writing and formatting a manuscript to help get it submission-ready:
• Manuscripts should be formatted in 12 pt Times New Roman Font
• They should be double-spaced
• They should be in free form without numbering for pages or in list form
• The first sentence of each paragraph should be indented
• Children love action – actions are better shown through ‘showing’ rather than ‘telling’
• Notes for illustrations after each of your intended pages are usually frowned upon by publishers
• Most publishers, especially the major ones, use their own illustrators
• Manuscripts are more likely to make it past the slush pile if they are polished
• Usually, writers go through a process of one or two critique groups and writing groups. After rewrites and editing, it gets to a point where it looks perfect. That’s when it needs to be professionally edited.
These tips are part of the advice I offered the authors, and I kept it as generic as possible.
After you note the manuscript errors, you should end your advice on another positive note. You might say, “With rewriting and editing, you will have an engaging story that children will be sure to love, and it’ll be submission-ready.”
I then provided several writing links about writing for children and editing.
Since every author’s personality is different it’s usually best to use the gentle approach when offering writing advice.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
PICTURE BOOK AND CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
Four to ten-week coaching programs.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE PRESS.
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
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