Preparing Your Novel to Send to a Publisher.

Why You Should Rewrite Your Story for Kids Before Submission

Nov 3, 2008 Helen Brain

Many writers are tempted to send their story to a publisher the moment the first draft is finished. However, a thorough rewrite and edit hugely increases its chances.

Finishing a long worked on story is almost always exhilarating. In the buzz of creativity and excitement, it is tempting to send the story off immediately to a publisher. However, this is a mistake.

Children’s Book Publishing

Children’s Book Publishing is a very competitive field. Publishers receive thousands of unsolicited manuscripts a year. Often they take only a cursory glance at the first page or two before making a decision to reject the story.

If the format is inconsistent and spelling and grammar errors are uncorrected, the editor will be put off. If your opening paragraphs are not gripping, your chances of the editor reading further are even slimmer. He or she will write a rejection letter and move on to the next manuscript in the slush pile.

You have one chance to grip an editor, so a polished, well constructed, tightly worded opening is essential.

Professional Writers Write and Rewrite

Professional writers can struggle for days or even weeks to get the opening paragraphs of their stories just right. Eight, nine or ten drafts of the whole story are not uncommon, with even more for the opening and closing chapters. If professional writers take this much trouble, consider how much more work beginners need to do. It takes time and a lot of thought to shape your story; one draft is never enough.

Editing

Writing a book is like baking bread. Once mixed and kneaded it must be left alone to prove. Many writers leave their first drafts untouched for at least six weeks before beginning to rewrite. This gives the subconscious time to work through the themes and storyline, and to come up with ideas for improvement.

An objective, long-term view helps you to see where the story needs shaping, tightening, or expanding. Going back to it with fresh eyes opens your eyes to errors and inconsistencies you will not have noticed while writing the first draft.

Book Doctor

If you really can’t see where or how to rewrite, consider employing a book doctor to give you a professional opinion. Choose someone who specialises in children’s books, and who understands your genre. Another option is to approach a children’s librarian at your local library. They are often very knowledgeable and willing to help new writers.

How to get published

One of the best ways to get published is to carefully select whom you send your story to. Randomly sending your story off to any publisher is sure to bring disappointment. Research the market, and choose a publisher who specialises in your kind of book. Alternatively, approach an agent.

Ready to start rewriting? Read Editing for Theme and Structure.

The copyright of the article Preparing Your Novel to Send to a Publisher. in Writing for Children is owned by Helen Brain. Permission to republish Preparing Your Novel to Send to a Publisher. in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Oliver Reading