Beginners Guide to Creating the Pefect Children's Story 7/19/2012 6:28:57 AM
Let’s imagine that you’ve worked very had to create a children’s story. You think this is the one, the story of your dreams. How do you know what elements you need to include? How do you know what the editors prefer? Here are some suggestions of things you should check before you mail your manuscript off to the editor.
•Does your opening have a “hook?”- A “hook” is something that will peak your reader’s interest and make them want to know what happens next. It’s very important because without an interesting opening, your readers won’t want to finish the story.
Typos: Have you proofread your manuscript for typing errors? Have you checked for correct grammar? These things are very important. They help show the editor that you’ve carefully reviewed your work.
•Conflict: Does your main character have a problem to solve? Did you create enough suspense so your young readers will keep turning the pages?
•Is the story age appropriate? Is the language in your story correct for your age group?
•Dialogue: Does the dialogue move the story along? It needs to advance the plot. You don’t want dialogue included that doesn’t have a purpose in the story.
•Have you done enough revisions? From my own experience, as the author of 4 children’s stories, I find it’s most important to read through your story. It took 13 revisions before I was pleased with my first book,"Tails of Sweetbrier."Think carefully about revisions. What would you like to change? Maybe you have too many of the same word in one section. Maybe the language is a little boring in one part. These things are all important to check so that you present your best work.
•Finally, are you proud of your story? In my opinion, it’s vital that you present a manuscript that reflects your best efforts. Your readers deserve nothing less.
I hope these little hints are helpful to you so that you can create the story of your dreams.
