Beginnings: why the first 50 words of your picture book must really grab an editor
So,
you’ve written a picture book, but does your beginning really grab readers? It must hook young readers and before that, the editor or agent to whom you are pitching, and not let them go!
Start quickly:
Remember,
picture books are only 12 spreads and under 800 words. With this limited word
count, your opening needs to be snappy and exciting. You don’t have time for
lengthy explanations or set-up. Also, this will make your young reader lose
interest.
Engage the reader:
It
is your chance to quickly engage the
reader with the main character, their problem and setting.
Hook the reader:
The
best beginnings are memorable and hook the reader into wanting to turn the page. You need to get readers to want to go on a journey with you.
Include Who, What and
Where?
What:
what is the story about?
Where:
where is the story set?
What:
what does the main character want and need? Set up the main problem or
conflict.
Make it vivid and memorable:
Get
right into the characters' shoes and their situation – make readers feel like
they are really there and want to find out what is going to happen next. Use
interesting phrasing and sights, sounds and smells to hook in readers. Make
your words create a rhythmical pattern that readers might want to join in on.
Each
picture book beginning has a unique voice that fits the story and your voice as
an author.
Here’s
a trick to writing really great beginnings: Go to your bookshelf (or a library or
good bookshop). Pull out 5-6 different sorts of picture books. Read the first
spreads aloud. Now, go back to your story and re-work it in the same style as
the picture book you’ve just read. Try out different ones for size. Ta-da! You
will start to get a feel for the kind of voice that is going to hook the reader
for the story that you are writing.
Make it come full-circle:
The
best picture books have echoes of their beginnings in their ending – the story has come full-circle. The character
has somehow grown and changed as a result of the action, and the problem has
been resolved in a satisfying way. Check your story for this pattern and edit
accordingly.
Natascha Biebow is
an experienced editor, mentor and coach, who loves working with authors
and illustrators at all levels to help them to shape their stories. www.blueelephantstoryshaping.com
Check out the Cook Up a Picture Book Coaching Courses.
Its really good idea for editing a book thanks for share it affordable book editing services .
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