Editing a Book: 10 Tips Checklist for Children’s Writers Part 2
We're back with tips 5 through 10 of Editing a Book: 10 Tips Checklist for Children’s Writers. If you haven't read Part 1, click on the link:
Editing a Book: 10 Tips Checklist for Children’s Writers Part1
Now, off to Part 2
5. Editing a Book - Use spell-check
Make sure you write with spell-check on or use your word processor’s spell-check when you’re finished with your manuscript. I like writing with it on.
Just be careful here because while spell-check will catch misspelled words it won’t catch words that are spelled correct, but are the incorrect word in regard to meaning.
Example: He was to tired.
Correct: He was too tired.
These words are called homonyms and spell-check will not catch them.
A homonym is a word that sounds like another word, but is spelled different and has a different meaning. Examples of homonyms are: hare/here/hair; bare/bear/; stationary/stationery; peek/peak; principle/principal; capital/capitol; compliments/complements; cite/site/sight.
6. Editing a Book - Use your Find function on your word processor
This is a great tool to check for “ly” words, “ing” words, weak verbs, and over used words such as “was.”
7. Editing a Book - Watch for redundancy
Check the story for repeated phrasing and even paragraph beginnings. You don’t want several paragraphs in a row beginning with “the” or other repetitive wording. When editing your manuscript use the Find function in your word program and look for overused words.
Another aspect of redundancy is using unnecessary words.
Example: Sit down on the chair.
The word ‘down’ is redundant; ‘sit’ implies down.
Example: She whispered quietly.
The word ‘whispered’ is redundant.
8. Editing a Book - Check for tight writing
In today’s market, tight writing is important—readers have a shorter attention span. So, get rid of unnecessary words and text.
Example: Joe had a really hard time lifting the very heavy and big trunk.
Alternative: Joe struggled to lift the huge trunk.
Also, watch for words such as “began” and “started.”
Example: He began to lift the trunk.
Alternative: He lifted the trunk.
9. Editing a Book - Check for punctuation and grammar
There are a number of great books and even online articles that will help you learn proper punctuation and grammar. Two books that I use are: The Frugal Editor by Carolyn Howard Johnson and The Great Grammar Book by Marsha Sramek.
You can also do a Google search.
10. Editing a Book - Children’s writers: Take illustrations into account
When writing a picture book you need to allow for illustrations. Picture books are a marriage between content and illustrations—a 50/50 deal. So, watch for text that an illustration can handle. With picture books your content doesn’t have to describe every little detail—the illustrations will embellish the story.
Well, this completes the 10
0 Comments on Editing a Book - 10 Tips Checklist for Children’s Writers Part2 as of 10/7/2011 4:51:00 AM
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These are some wonderful tips, thanks for sharing.
Sh Sh Sh Let the Baby Sleep
Trouble on Earth Day
Author Kathy Stemke (my sp
Hi, Tony, I'm so glad you found the tips useful!
thanks for stopping by.