Picturebook Manuscript Quiz: How do you measure up?

Take the Quiz

• Fourteen Sections–Structure, Plot:
  • Divide your manuscript into a minimum of fourteen sections, with each section a scene in the story. ( If you have fewer than fourteen sections, it’s probably a magazine piece, not a picturebook.)
    • Does each section have an action to illustrate?
    • Does each section make you want to turn the page?
    • Does each section advance the story? If you take out a page, does it destroy the story?
    • Does the plot have a narrative arc with a beginning, middle and end?
  • Overall:
    • Topic:Is the story kid appropriate, kid appealing?
    • Language:Is the story easy and fun to read aloud? Have you used interesting, fun language? Have you allowed places for kids to join in, such as a refrain to repeat?
    • Illustrations: Have you left space for the illustrator? Don’t describe every visual, but leave that to the illustrator. However, DO add things you touch, smell, taste and hear.

  
  
  Available on

  • Nook
  • Kindle
  • PDF
  • Look for it as an iBook