It is rare to write a perfect book on your first attempt. That is why all writers must revise what they write. It is part of the process of creating a successful book. Each time you revise your work, you are seeing it with new eyes and can improve it.

When you are satisfied with your story, put it away for a while, and then look at it again. Here are some things to look for when you revise:

THE MAIN CHARACTER: Does his personality stay the same throughout your story? If he suddenly changes his personality, the reader will be confused. If he is shy at the start of the story, he still has to be shy at the end.

PACING: Be sure every scene or turn of the page has a new action. Think of picture possibilities for the Illustrated by; divide the action and spread it out evenly.

LANGUAGE: Can your verbs be more interesting? Do they reveal a lot about your character? For example: Does your character walk, or does she skip, run, or tiptoe?

VIEWPOINT: Is the story told from a single point of view? (In picture books, this should be the main character.)

DIALOGUE: Does it sound natural? Have you avoided slang? Read all dialogue out loud to "hear" how it sounds.

LENGTH: Cut words that are unnecessary. Avoid details that can be left to the Illustrated by. Write shorter sentences if you can.

TENSION: Be sure the story problem is one the reader will worry about. Don't solve it too soon, and let the reader worry a little before the story ends happily.

Fran Manushkin & Barbara Seuling 09/30/01

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