Picture Books: Nonfiction Revision

Facts are the bones of nonfiction. Unlike fiction, characters and plot don’t take center stage. Since facts make up the skeleton, the body of the story comes to life through an attention-grabbing, sparkling, and fresh presentation. When the revised draft is finished and polished, test out the following tips to make the story zing.

Does the story reflect the age of the audience?

Is the language—word choice and sentence structure—appropriate for the audience? Are technical terms explained so the reader can understand?

Is the subject suitable for the audience?

Do the facts and narrative provide the reader with a real understanding of the subject?

Does the manuscript flow from easy concepts to more complex?

Are the text and illustrations/photos/charts/visuals integrated?

Have you double-and triple-checked the facts for accuracy?

Is the material arranged in a logical manner?

When possible, have an authority in the field check the manuscript for accuracy.

Good writing springs from rewriting. Whether we love or hate revision, it’s the path to publication.

Call for submissions for adult writers:
The First Line, P.O. Box 250382, Plano, TX 75025-0382.
P(972)824-0646. Email: info-at-thefirstline.com. Website:
http://thefirstline.com/. Robin LaBounty, Manuscript
Coordinator. "The purpose of The First Line is to jump start
the imagination-to help writers break through the block that
is the blank page. Each issue contains short stories that
stem from a common first line; it also provides a forum for
discussing favorite first lines in literature. The First
Line is an exercise in creativity for writers and a chance
for readers to see how many different directions we can take
when we start from the same place." 95% freelance. Welcomes
new writers. Circ. [2000]. Quarterly. Pays on publication.
Publishes ms approx. 1 month after acceptance. Buys all
rights for 2 years only.

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