Part 5: Editing & Self-Editing: Strengthening Your Manuscript
Last week, we discussed different checklists that authors can use as they are writing their books. In this blog, which is the final part of editing & self-editing, I’ll talk about common mistakes. Mistakes aren’t failures. They are opportunities to learn and grow as a first-time author. Every published picture book has gone through revisions, missteps, and careful adjustments before reaching readers. This checklist highlights the most common mistakes new authors make and, more importantly, shows you exactly what to do instead. Think of it as your secret weapon: by anticipating challenges before they arise, you can save time, avoid frustration, and create a stronger, more polished story that children will love.
Common First-Time Picture Book Mistakes Checklist
What to Watch For Before You Publish
☐ Rushing the Process
- ☐ Publishing before fully self-editing the manuscript
- ☐ Skipping beta readers or professional editing
- ☐ Choosing speed over quality
Reminder: A slower process often leads to a stronger book.
☐ Overwriting the Text
- ☐ Explaining things the illustrations can show
- ☐ Using too many words per page
- ☐ Describing every detail instead of trusting the reader
Reminder: Picture books thrive on simplicity and space.
☐ Ignoring Read-Aloud Flow
- ☐ Not reading the manuscript out loud
- ☐ Awkward phrasing or uneven rhythm
- ☐ Sentences that are too long for young listeners
Reminder: If it’s hard to read aloud, it’s hard to enjoy.
☐ Target Age Confusion
- ☐ Writing for “all ages” instead of a specific age range
- ☐ Using vocabulary that’s too advanced
- ☐ Including themes that feel too mature
Reminder: Clarity about your audience strengthens every decision.
☐ Over-Directing the Illustrator
- ☐ Including detailed art instructions in the manuscript
- ☐ Limiting the illustrator’s creative freedom
- ☐ Duplicating visual storytelling in the text
Reminder: Illustrators are co-storytellers, not technicians.
☐ Skipping Professional Help
- ☐ Assuming spellcheck replaces editing
- ☐ Avoiding editors to save money
- ☐ Not understanding the difference between editing types
Reminder: Professional input elevates your work.
☐ Weak Page-Turn Planning
- ☐ Forgetting that page turns create excitement
- ☐ Placing important moments mid-page
- ☐ Losing momentum in the middle of the book
Reminder: Page turns are part of the storytelling.
☐ Design & Formatting Errors
- ☐ Using unreadable fonts
- ☐ Poor text placement over illustrations
- ☐ Not checking trim size and bleed requirements
Reminder: Presentation affects how your story is received.
☐ Unrealistic Expectations
- ☐ Expecting instant sales or visibility
- ☐ Comparing your first book to seasoned authors
- ☐ Measuring success only by profit
Reminder: Your first book is a foundation, not a finish line.
Final Thought
Mistakes are part of learning, and most authors make several of these on their first project. Awareness doesn’t prevent creativity; it protects it. The goal isn’t to avoid mistakes, it’s to recognize them early and grow from them.
Common First-Time Picture Book Mistakes: Workbook Checklist: What to Do Instead
Instructions: Review your manuscript carefully. Check off each box as you complete the action, and jot notes in the space provided. This interactive page is your guide to catching common mistakes before publishing.
☐ Rushing the Process
- Action: Build in breathing room. Follow a realistic timeline, complete self-edits, and allow feedback before publishing.
- Reminder: A slower process often leads to a stronger book.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Overwriting the Text
- Action: Cut anything the illustration can show. Aim for clarity and emotional impact with fewer words.
- Reminder: Picture books thrive on simplicity and space.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Ignoring Read-Aloud Flow
- Action: Read the manuscript aloud multiple times and revise until it sounds natural and engaging.
- Reminder: If it’s hard to read aloud, it’s hard to enjoy.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Unclear Target Age
- Action: Choose a specific age range and edit every word with that reader in mind.
- Reminder: Clarity about your audience strengthens every decision.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Over-Directing the Illustrator
- Action: Provide a clean manuscript and trust the illustrator to tell the visual story.
- Reminder: Illustrators are co-storytellers, not technicians.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Skipping Professional Editing
- Action: Budget for at least one professional edit or seek a qualified children’s book editor.
- Reminder: Professional input elevates your work.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Weak Page-Turn Planning
- Action: Structure the story so key moments land at page turns to build anticipation.
- Reminder: Page turns are part of the storytelling.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Design & Formatting Errors
- Action: Use professional templates, readable fonts, and verify print specifications early.
- Reminder: Presentation affects how your story is received.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
☐ Unrealistic Expectations
- Action: Define success as learning, growth, and connection—not instant sales.
- Reminder: Your first book is a foundation, not a finish line.
- Notes: _____________________________________________
💡 Quick Tips:
- Take your time—don’t rush the checklist.
- Use the notes sections to jot down reminders for revisions or ideas.
- Each completed box brings you one step closer to a polished, professional-quality picture book.
Interactive checklists like this turn learning from mistakes into actionable steps and keep your creative process on track!
How to Use This Checklist
Read through this table after completing your manuscript and again before publishing. Each “instead” action is designed to guide you forward and not hold you back.
Once you have completed this part of the editing process, you should be ready to introduce your story to Beta Readers. One thing to remember is that your editing may not be over at this point. It will depend on the feedback you get from your different Beta Readers. In next week’s blog, I will talk about what Beta Readers are and the importance of having them.
