How to Mock-up a Picture Book

When you’re happy with the revisions of your picture book manuscript, it’s time to make a mock-up, or what is usually called a dummy.

Why Make a Dummy?

Picture books combine text and words in a short 32 page book. The structure is so unusual, that you need a dummy to refine and polish your text. It can tell you which section of text is too long, let you look at pacing of the story across the pages, help you spot needless repetitions and much more.

How to Make a Dummy

1. Take 16 sheets of typing paper and staple along one side. You may use either a portrait or a landscape orientation, your choice. Some like cutting the paper in half and using 8.5? x 6.5?, in a landscape orientation. The late Sue Alexander recommended using brightly colored typing paper to simulate art and text better.
2. Number the pages in the bottom corners, if you wish. It will begin with a single right-hand page as page 1, and end with a single left-hand page as page 32.
3. Now, get out the scissors! Cut and tape your text into the dummy. Put the title on page 1, but leave pages 2-3 blank, as these are usually front matter, such as copyright page, half title page, or dedication. Now, you have a choice: you can start your text on page 4, for a double page spread, or just on the right-hand page 5. After that, the text should lay out across the full spread.
4. If you have an author’s note or other back matter (glossary, sources, etc, such as for a non-fiction story), you’ll need to reserve a couple pages for that at the end.

USE THE DUMMY TO REVISE

Here are some things you might notice:

1. The story doesn’t fill up 32 pages; or, there’s too much text to fit. (Revise for length.)
2. Read the dummy aloud and listen to it. The story sounds awkward when read aloud. (Smooth out the language.)
3. Each page has enough text, but some spreads have a weak illustration possibility. (Strengthen your verbs.)
4. The story doesn’t make me want to turn the page. (Add tension; or use one of the page turn ideas.)
5. The story doesn’t change a bit if you skip reading a page. (Omit page; or add essential plot elements.)
6. The story is unclear; no one can figure out what is happening. (Tighten the story; check transitions; write clearer.)

OVERALL

1. The story feels too wordy. (Cut in half!)
2. The pacing feels jerky. (Consider where you want the reader to speed up and where you want them to slow down. Revise accordingly.)
3. The story all takes place in one setting. (Consider moving the story around for better illustration possibilities.)
4. The story has too many settings. (Reuse some settings, but with a different perspective, different actions, etc.)
5. The story feels flat. (Work on the emotional impact of the story on the characters; work on language and voice.)
6. The story’s narrative arc is weak. (Create more tension; put more at stake.)

Mocking up a picture book, making the dummy, can’t be under-estimated for its help in pointing toward weak spots that need revision in a picture book text. Get out the paper, stapler, scissors and mock up your book!

WHEN USING THE DUMMY, REMEMBER

1. The picture book dummy is just for you. This mock-up is just for you to use as you revise to make sure you fit the format. You would never send it in to the editor.
2. The published book may have different page divisions. The editor, art director and illustrator may decide that the story should be divided differently. That’s fine. Your job is to give them enough illustration possibilities that they can visualize this as a complete book. If you’ve done that, then your job is done and their job of actually making a book begins.
3. Keep the Dummy Updated. As you go through the next few lessons and make changes to the text, cut and paste the current text into the dummy and go back through the questions again. Make sure all changes keep the story within the parameters of picture book structure.

ACTION POINTS

Make a dummy of your picture book manuscript and evaluate each section. Rewrite as needed.

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Related posts:

1. Did you Write a Picture Book or Something Else?
2. Picture Books: Those Confusing 32 Pages
3. Picture book standards: 32 pages
4. Check Your Picture Book’s Story Arc
5. 10 Suggestions for Picture Book Titles