Whew! The first draft
is finished looks more like a lump of coal than a polished gem, but coal is
good. The revision process starts now. Here are some “coal” hard facts:
The manuscript needs
structure with a tight arc that clearly defines the beginning, middle, and
ending. Many picture books suffer from an ending that’s too short or a
beginning that’s too long. Writers accomplish this with a setup of three
obstacles the character must face, each obstacle increasing in difficulty and
leading toward a climax. Ideally, the beginning is about 20% of the manuscript,
the middle is 60%, and the ending is 20%.
Here’s a burning
question I always ask myself: Does the character accomplish what s/he sets out to
do and without intervention by an adult? If not, rethink the plot.
Condensed writing. Keep
the story less than 600 words, under 500 words is preferable with many
publishers. The key to tight writing is to cut, cut, cut words. If the words
don’t promote the plot or develop the character, axe them. Every word must help
tell the story. Chop words that don’t paint pictures: it, there, just, that.
Allow illustrations to
work for you. Since I’m not a writer, I have to constantly think about what can
be shown with art. Facial expressions, color of clothes, etc. Think visually.
Burning question number
2: Have I communicated a particular idea? If so, it doesn’t need to be
repeated, unless I’m using a repetition phrase intentionally for the purpose of
rhythm and storytelling.
In my next blog, I’ll
continue with more tips on how to polish that lump into a gem.
Call
for Submissions for Adult Writers:
HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE.
Highlights for Children is a general-interest, advertising-free magazine for
children up to age 12. Stories for younger readers (ages 3 to 7) should have
500 words or fewer and should not seem babyish to older readers. Stories for
older readers (ages 8 to 12) should have 800 words or fewer and should be
appealing to younger readers if read aloud. Frequent needs include humor,
mystery, sports, holiday and adventure stories; retellings of traditional
tales; stories with urban settings; and stories that feature world cultures.
Payment $150 and up. Rebuses should have 120 words or fewer. Pays $100 and up.
Nonfiction pays $150 and up.Submission guidelines at https://www2.highlights.com/contributor-guidelines
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Check out her blog at www.nancykellyallen.com
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