The Narrative Impact of Plot Twists and Foreshadowing

There is no one correct way to write a book. As an author, you may have a variety of motivations guiding your writing process. Some write as a form of intimate self-expression, others to grow a following. The motivation behind your writing can determine how you write your story. When looking to grow a fan base, writing attention-grabbing books is helpful. You can do this by including plot twists and foreshadowing into your narrative.

Plot twists and foreshadowing are narrative tools that hook readers and make it a more memorable story for them. These tools should not be overdone, but sprinkling them in your text will hook readers. These readers may want to come back for your future books. 

When used appropriately and in moderation, these elements will enhance your writing across genres. This article will provide brief definitions and overviews of plot twists and foreshadowing. They are separate and distinct concepts, but plot twists and foreshadowing often interact with the other.

Defining Plot Twists and Foreshadowing

At a basic level, plot twists are when there are surprising or unexpected reveals in a story. Often, these twists will come towards the conclusion of the story to tie plot elements or characters together. Plot twists often linger as the lasting impression a book gives the reader. Sometimes, books, movies, and tv shows are even remembered for their plot twists.

Authors should take caution, however, that a plot twist is not a gimmick. There should be genuine artistic intention and vision when employing plot twists. There can be a fine line in being a gimmick and being an effective twist. Never be afraid to defy expectations, but take caution in going overboard.

Foreshadowing is slightly different. Instead of being a late surprise in the text, foreshadowing is done earlier in the text. This is when an author lays the seeds of a future plot development before it happens. There is no “twist” that is revealed, just future events or reveals hinted at. When something is outright stated, that is not foreshadowing (unless it is that is its own kind of complex foreshadowing). It is up to the author to integrate foreshadowing however they see fit.

Plot twists are not necessarily the payoff of foreshadowing, but they can be. That is why they are independent tools that can overlap if necessary. Without foreshadowing of a plot twist, it is important to recognize that lying to your readers is not a twist. Authors can write in intentionally deceptive or murky ways without completely misleading readers. Any plot twist needs to be justified by the plot, whether through foreshadowing or explaining after the reveal.

Considering Genres

Every genre of book, fiction and non-fiction, can successfully contain both plot twists and foreshadowing. They are not limited to narrative mysteries or crime books. Non-fiction books can integrate foreshadowing by introducing elements that come back in a different way later on. Plot twists can be the result of the real-life twists in someone’s life.

Foreshadowing is natural in detective stories to lay the groundwork for solving a crime. Plot twists, similarly, are expected in these contexts to reveal the criminal’s identity or motivations. However, other fictional stories can reveal secrets in the text. Authors should never feel limited by genres to subvert audience expectations. Even children’s stories can use these literary devices to engage and challenge young readers’ minds.

Integrating Literary Devices Into Your Text

As with any elements of writing, plot twists and foreshadowing must be well-integrated into the text. Readers notice when a book is poorly written. It is unavoidable and takes away from the reading experiences. Bad writing distracts readers, and they will not want to read your future endeavors.

It is always important to make sure readers do not leave your book with substantial questions about your book. Intentional open-ended musings can be a powerful takeaway, but unintentional confusion is not. For plot twists, that means that it must be justified. You do not want to add a plot twist just for shock value. They should make sense in context. Foreshadowing is up to the discretion of the author, but it can be helpful in setting up plot twists. You do not want foreshadowing that is either too obvious or too obscure, but that can be up to readers.

You can include your plot twists and foreshadows at any stage of the writing process. During outlining, you can simply place these and any other literary devices wherever you desire. Then, when you are drafting, you can include it when you write. If you want to change anything after completing your first draft, you can do so during the revision process. The team of professional editors at Cloverly Children’s can help with that process.

Until your book is published, you can make any changes you want. Every round of edits you go through will yield new discoveries about your text. The ultimate goal is for your book to be the best version it can be. That includes having well-done plot twists and foreshadowing to grab readers’ attention until the very last page.

How Copy Editors Tailor Their Work to Different Genres

A book’s author is the one to put ideas to paper; copy editors are the ones who fine tune it. Without a thorough copy editing process, books would be published with errors and typos from the first page. Even the most acclaimed and highly esteemed writers would never publish a first draft.

Editors of all levels are necessary to make sure every book is ready for publication. There are typically two kinds of editors in the publishing world: general and copy editors. General editors are more focused on guiding the creative process of book writing. They mostly offer suggestions to the author about the content of the book.

Copy editors are there for proofreading, checking that the book is written without significant grammatical or stylistic errors. Instead of looking at the content of the book, copy editors look at how the book is written. An author can have a great idea, but if it is sloppily written, it will not be successful. Good copy editing is invisible; the reader should never be distracted by grammatical errors or typos.

As with every part of the publishing process, copy editors must across a wide array of genres. Namely, fiction and non-fiction books have unique considerations to take into account during the editing process. Much of the actual work is the same, but the copy editor’s approach can be slightly different.

This article will break down the differences in copy editing fiction and non-fiction books. While most readers and authors are not copy editors, understanding their methods smoothens the publishing process.

Understanding the Book

The most important thing for any copy editor to do is to understand the book they are editing. While it is helpful to understand the book’s content, this mostly means comprehending the book’s genre, tone, and intended audience. Each copy editing assignment should be tailored to the book being edited. Appropriately copy editing a book contributes to its future success and readership. It is difficult to market a book riddled with mistakes.

This distinction can often be broken down to fiction and non-fiction books. Each requires slight modification to how one copy edits.

For non-fiction books, the subjects are often more serious and based in facts. There are lighthearted non-fiction books, but if the content is fact based, the text should be treated with care. Non-fiction book genres run the gamut from self-help to spiritual guides to memoirs and beyond. Copy editors should never suggest changes to the meaning of accurate non-fiction books. This could lose the spirit of the text. Therefore, a copy editor may be more limited to strict grammatical checks in their review process for a non-fiction book

For fiction books, the copy editor may have more room for creative input. While not as involved as a general editor, a copy editor can often suggest slightly more substantial changes. This should never change the content of the book from the author’s intention. Fiction covers almost every genre under the sun.

Each specific fiction genre has its own considerations. It is a copy editor’s responsibility to make sure their work is appropriate for the genre. In doing so, they should look at the book’s tones and themes to tailor their editing. The number one priority is making the book accessible to its intended audience.

Reacting to the Characters and Dialogue

Nearly all books, even non-fiction ones, have characters. In this context, a character is just who is being written about in the book, whether real or imagined. Copy editors should always be respectful to the author’s intention with their characters.

For non-fiction, the characters are likely to be real people, or inspired by real people. As such, there is less wiggle room for changing their characterization or dialogue. If someone said something in real life, that cannot be changed. A copy editor’s work here will be focused strictly on grammatical concerns.

For fiction books, a copy editor can have more of an active role. Sometimes, a copy editor can suggest alterations to the text to make dialogue flow smoother. Or, they can suggest minor thematic adjustments to ensure consistency. All work must be in conjunction with the author to ensure the author’s intent is never lost, just clarified.

Working Across Genres

No matter the genre, copy editors have a similar task. The ultimate goal is to make the book as readable and error-free as possible. This is the industry norm that all professional copy editors understand. This includes checking for grammatical errors, typos, misspellings, and formatting and style inconsistencies. Authors can purposely deviate from these norms, and the copy editors should be in the loop. Consistency is the key.

With Cloverly Children’s, our team of professional copy editors will thoroughly review your book from start to finish. We adhere closely to the Chicago Manual of Style, the industry norm. We never use artificial intelligence to review your book because we understand the importance of the human touch. You worked hard writing your book, and we want to make it the best version it can be.

Limiting AI Use in the Publishing World

It is nearly impossible to avoid artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern media landscape. For better or for worse, AI is everywhere. Some love it, some hate it. Either way, there are serious considerations to take into account when considering the role of AI in publishing.

People use AI for a wide range of purposes, both in and out of creative spaces. However, AI is a tool with a sinister side. Some people use it to assist with overbearing workload with overwhelming data. Others use it as a shortcut to replace their creativity. The pros and cons of AI are dependent on its individual uses.

Even though AI has gotten stronger and more human-like in recent years, everyone should still exercise caution. AI should never fully replace any creative project, including in the publishing world. Art is as powerful as it is because it comes from the human mind, not a computer’s code. Publishers should set a clear example with their authors for use of AI in writing and releasing books.

Two Types of AI

All AI is powered by computer programming. Within that broad horizon, there are two general categories of AI commonly used. They are each used for different purposes and play different roles in society.

Generative

The first type of AI is generative. This is artificial intelligence that generates new content based on an inputted prompt. This can include pictures, text, videos, and any other physical product. Generative AI is a hot topic because it has a high potential to produce incorrect or misleading information. AI chat bots—including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, etc.—are also examples of generative AI.

In the literature world, this means a computer creates the text or illustrations of a book. Sometimes, it is obvious when AI is used, resulting in “AI slop.” AI can have recognizable features that become easily identifiable by some eagle-eyed consumers. Other times, it can be convincing and truly convince people a human created it. This is a slippery slope because that information could be incorrect and be used for nefarious purposes.

Non-Generative

The second type of AI is general and non-generative, which plays a more traditional analytic role. Instead of creating new material, it analyzes and processes existing content for a specific purpose. For example, in highly complex data sets, AI can be used to sort the information and find trends. This is less common in publishing, but it can be utilized in book editing software.

Human Creativity Rules All

No matter how lifelike a piece of generated AI material may seem, it inherently lacks a human touch. Sure, a person does have to create the prompt that generates the content, but the result is machine-made. There is no replacing the human mind’s potential for creative excellence.

Before the last couple years, almost all media was crafted and produced by the human mind. Even imperfections in a piece of art can be noteworthy. People use programs to create (like with 3D-animated films), but a person is always in charge. People use the tools to directly design art. Even with animation software, for example, artists can add their flair to a project. That is gone with AI, no matter how many prompts you enter to get your desired result.

The same goes for writing a book, especially one targeted towards children. Some of the most classic children’s books are remembered for their memorable illustrations and charming characters. AI simply cannot create art like that. AI “learns” how to generate material from already-existing content, so nothing truly original can come from it. AI is limited by its technical parameters; the human mind is infinite.

Minimizing AI in the Publishing World

For the reasons above, AI should be used as sparingly as possible when writing a book. If needed, it can provide general guidance for outlining, but that should be the limit. Publishers should also minimize its use throughout the process and always review any AI output. Over-reliance on AI can diminish the reputation of both publishers and authors.

At Cloverly Children’s, we make sure every step of the publishing process is guided with a human touch. All of our books are edited by professional copy editors who thoroughly review each book. And all of our illustrations are hand crafted by our team of illustrators. Real people even the press releases we release after your book is published. You are in control of every step of your publishing journey, and nothing is finalized without your approval. Human creativity is the backbone of the literary world.

How Critical Feedback Will Help Your Writing

Nobody knows your writing quite like you do. You spent so much of your creative energy crafting your book to be exactly what you imagine. Naturally, when you share it with others, you want everyone to love it. However, the truth is that people have different tastes. Even the most beloved stories of all time have critics.

As an author, instead of hiding from criticism, you should embrace it in all its forms. Even when you disagree with certain feedback, understanding other perspectives is crucial. You will develop as a writer when you take time to process all the feedback you receive. This article will discuss several ways in which this is beneficial in the long term.

Critiques from Your Friends and Family

Even before your book is published, you might share it with friends and family. These are the people in your life who you trust the most. They also know you better than strangers who read your book. Therefore, they will likely offer feedback that is more honest and personalized to your relationship with them.

Embrace feedback from those closest to you. No piece of writing is going to be perfect and universally beloved. Allow these critiques to inform your future as a writer, either for this specific work or in the future. Your friends and family know you as a person, which can guide their feedback to you as an author.

It may not be natural to accept criticism. In fact, it can be much easier to push back against negative feedback. You may want to defend your work. Of course, you can disagree with criticism, but always make sure you understand the intention behind it. Be confident in your work without being overly arrogant and defensive.

Your Writing Can Be Subject to Interpretation

You may think you understand everything about your own writing, but people can interact with it in different ways. Readers may approach your writing with different perspectives. Their pre-existing opinions and biases can shade their feedback to your work.

It is important to understand that everyone approaches all art differently. Understanding different perspectives on your work can teach you about yourself as both a person and a writer. After fully digesting criticism you receive, you can look back at your work with a fresh perspective. Art is a medium that is always evolving, and as such, perspectives on it shift and adapt.

Evolving Your Writing

Your writing style will always be unique to you. Nothing can ever change the stories you choose to share with the world. However, receiving feedback from others can polish your writing in unexpected ways. Maybe you use phrases or allusions that some find confusing. Or maybe you tend to include excessive run-on sentences in your prose. Maybe your characters’ motivations are not clear in the text. No matter what, getting feedback can make your writer stronger to adapt to the tastes of others.

Writing always comes down to personal preference. However, you can still adapt to be more accessible to others. Or not, because it is always up to you. Understanding different perspectives is important in all aspects of life, especially when strengthening your writing. Your book should be true to your original vision, but it is helpful if others can appreciate it as intended. Whether you make edits to your current work or future ideas, embrace others’ opinions.

The Big Picture of the Publishing World

Writing is an art form, and there is no one way to do it. Everyone’s individual process is unique and personal to them. However, the overall publishing process across the industry has to accommodate each and every author. Therefore, criticism you receive throughout the writing process can help you understand the big picture of the industry.

Writing your book is far from the end of your journey as an author. You will receive feedback at every step of the process. You cannot let any negative critique of your work deter you from publishing your book with the world. Writers grow with criticism, as it allows you to adjust yourself. Never lose track of yourself and use all the feedback you receive to become the best artist you can be.

Reading Books to Boost Your Family’s Mental Health

People like to read for numerous reasons. Sometimes, books help readers escape into new worlds previously unreachable to them. Others use reading to learn about real-life figures or dig deeper into history. In addition, children and families can use books as both entertainment and education during a child’s development.

If it seems like reading soothes one’s stress or makes them feel better, that is because it does. Research studies have concluded that reading increases brain activity and benefits one’s mental health. In other words, reading has a biological effect on one’s brain. This effect is even used by some therapists or mental health providers through bibliotherapy, which uses reading in therapy.

Families can use books to support their children’s emotional and physical well-being. It is also a creative outlet to teach children as they grow up. Any book can achieve these effects, running the gamut of genres and subjects. This article digs deeper into some of the ways that reading improves one’s mental health.

Stress Relief

After a long, stressful day, winding down with a book is great way to decompress. Imagine reading a book in bed or in your living room. After a day of using your brain at work, reading uses your brain in a more creative, introspective way. Reading uses your brain, just in a different, more relaxing way. Of course, everyone’s individual stressors are unique and specific to them, but this is a general conclusion.

In particular, children experience new and ever-evolving shifts in social and environmental dynamics that can cause stress. Therefore, reading is a perfect solution for many children. Books can teach children important lessons, social norms, and endless creativity. This can be books that are explicitly about coping with stress and anxiety or any engaging fiction story. Illustrated books are particularly helpful in using literature to relieve stress.

For older readers and adults, any form of fiction or nonfiction can be used to relieve stress. Fiction of any genre can be a creative outlet, from steamy romances to dramatic family dramas to tense thrillers. There is no accounting for taste when it comes to recreational or therapeutic reading. Nonfiction allows readers to learn more about the world and people around them. No matter the type of book or genre, the act of reading helps relieve stress for audiences of all ages.

Inspirational Reading

Reading can help inspire change in people’s lives, enhancing mental health in a more indirect way. Having a guide or reference book for some of life’s biggest struggles is invaluable for some people. A straightforward seld-help guide is a great first step for handling almost any struggle in one’s life.

However, using books for life guidance needs to be safeguarded. You always want to make sure that the sources are offering actual guidance and will not harm you. Books can inspire immense personal growth in all readers brave enough to seek them out. Make sure these books are properly tailored to the intended use.

Building Perspective

Another indirect effect of books on one’s mental well-being is gaining a well-rounded perspective on life. This can also come from any genre, so long as it opens up some new way of life. Seeing others’ lives can change how someone sees their own life. There are books for everything, sharing every way of life. There will always be something that puts one’s own struggles into perspective.

Social Skills

Many readers, especially children, can use books to build one’s social skills and relationships. Any book with interpersonal dynamics can be presented as an example for building social skills and increasing cultural awareness. Even if not intended, simply reading new dynamics can help the reader strengthen their social skills. Doing so will create less anxiety or tension with other people, therefore helping mental health. The less interpersonal strife, the better.

Writing for Mental Health

Reading can inspire someone to want to write their own book. Writing is a common form of therapy or mental unloading to boost mental health. Whether inspiring someone to write a book for the world or just a personal journal, reading raises awareness.

If you write a book for distribution, there are ways to get your book out to the masses. Publishing with companies like Clovely gives you the freedom to write and publish the book of your dreams. The book you write can be the one that inspires someone else to begin their mental health journey.

An Overview of What an ISBN Is and Its Purpose in the Publishing World

Look at the back of any book on your shelf. You will see a barcode, usually on the bottom and directly over some numbers. Those are the barcode numbers that retailers use to scan for inventory, prices, and sales. However, an International Standard Book Number, commonly referred to as an ISBN, is similar but different. The ISBN is often above the barcode and is a 13-digit number. The ISBN identifies individual versions of each and every book on the market. For each book, the ISBN catalogs the title, author, edition, publisher, type of binding, and publishing date.

Every major retailer, library, or website relies on books’ ISBNs to convey information to the customer. Without it, there is no way of knowing which book they are stocking. Many books can appear similar from the cover, so ISBNs help distinguish them apart. Each edition of every book — hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook — needs a unique ISBN.

The 13 digits of an ISBN are specifically formatted to ensure consistency across the publishing industry. This article will detail the parts of an ISBN and their modern-day application.

The 13 Digits of an ISBN (xxx-xx-xxx-xxxx-x)

The 13 digits of an ISBN follow a strict format. It is based on the language and country of origin, publisher, and specific book. Although they are 13 digits now, before 2007 they were only 10 digits. The three new digits were added to accommodate the ever-growing supply of books on the market.

There are five sections of an ISBN: prefix, registration group, registrant element, publication element, and check digit. These are often, but not always, separated by hyphens to easily show the delineation.

The Prefix (xxx-xx-xxx-xxxx-x)

As expected, the prefix of the ISBN is the beginning. It is the first three digits in the ISBN, almost always 978 or 979. This section was added when the digit count increased to 13. 978 usually represents the older works that existed pre-2007, while 979 accommodates the more recent books. There is not much to discuss here because of the generally static nature of the prefix.

The Registration Group (xxx-xx-xxx-xxxx-x)

The registration group is the next section. It is sourced from the book’s country of origin and language. This element can range from one to five digits based on the location; some countries have multiple groups.

The groups for the English-language United States are 1 and 2 for ISBNs with prefixes 978. For 979 prefixes, the United States has group 8. Some countries only have one code; for example, Iraq (9922), Sweden (91), and Chile (956). Others have multiple: Jordan (9923 and 9957), Argentina (950 and 987), and Benin (99919 and 99982).

The Registrant Element (xxx-xx-xxx-xxxx-x)

An ISBN’s next element is the registrant element, which ranges from one to seven digits. This is the part of the ISBN that identifies the specific publisher or imprint of the book. Each publisher has their own  registrant element that is attached to all their books. For example, Cloverly Publishing’s registrant code is 89743, which can be seen on any of our releases.

The Publication Element (xxx-xx-xxx-xxxx-x)

Next is the part of the ISBN that identifies the specific book. Each edition of a book receives its own publication element to differentiate it from other editions. This is the part of the code that separates you from your publisher’s other authors. It can be up to six digits long. The length and combination of this and the registrant element are coordinated to ensure the ISBN is exactly 13 digits.

The Check Digit (xxx-xx-xxx-xxxx-x)

The final part of an ISBN is the check digit. This is a single digit that ensures the previous digits are all correct. There is a specific calculation to determine the check digit. As an author, however, you do not have to worry about this calculation — it comes built into your ISBN.

How to Get an ISBN

The Library of Congress tracks and catalogs books according to their ISBNs, but they do not issue them. The official provider of ISBNs in the United States is Bowker Publishing Services, which sells and distributes them to everybody.

For self-publishers, ISBNs are available to purchase online on Bowker’s website. They offer single ISBNs, as well as bulk orders of 10, 100, and 1,000 ISBNs. As mentioned earlier, make sure every edition of your book has its own unique ISBN. Other countries have different providers, so make sure you are getting the proper ISBNs for your book.

For authors working with Cloverly Children’s, however, we take care of obtaining ISBNs for all editions of your book. Your paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook will get individual ISBNs to adhere to industry standards. We handle the technicalities of getting your book on the market, so you can focus on your writing.

Embracing Irish Culture and Folklore to Craft an Engaging Children’s Book

Every March 17, people of all ages can celebrate all that St. Patrick’s Day has to offer. While it is commonly associated with drinking beer and partying, St. Patrick’s Day has its roots deep in Irish culture. Even the youngest children can find something about the day to enjoy and celebrate.

St. Patrick’s Day is full of imagery and lore that are perfect for writing about. It is the feast day for a real-life saint, Patrick, so it is based in religious traditions. However, you do not have to be religious to appreciate all that March 17 has to offer. From St. Patrick’s life to modern-day stories about “the luck of the Irish,” there is a whole world to explore. Literature is a unique creative outlet to dig into Irish culture and all that St. Patrick’s Day has to offer.

The Real St. Patrick

Who was the real-life St. Patrick who is celebrated on March 17? Born in the fifth century, St. Patrick was from Britain. Later in life as a missionary, he traveled to Ireland to spread Christianity. He is largely seen as the person most responsible for making Christianity prevalent in Ireland. In the Church, March 17 is St. Patrick’s feast day, which is the day dedicated to celebrating holy figures.

While never formally canonized as a saint (he died before this was common practice), he is regarded as one. As the patron saint of Ireland, he is a revered figure for people of Irish descent. Even though St. Patrick is a Christian figure, celebrations of his life can be secular and focus on Irish culture. Different places around the world vary in how they celebrate on March 17.

Images of Irish Folklore

Celebrating Irish folklore is the most common way people observe St. Patrick’s Day. Instead of focusing on St. Patrick’s Christian missionary work, many celebrations focus on the more fantastical elements of his story.

One of the most common stories told about St. Patrick is that he purged Ireland of all snakes. This tale has spread because there are no native snake species in Ireland. While he certainly did not actually do this, the story holds spiritual significance for Ireland. Snakes are often seen as a sinister symbol in Christian teachings.

Shamrocks are another significant feature of Irish folklore. Easily recognizable for their three-leafed structure and bright green color, shamrocks are a symbol of Ireland and luck. They are extremely common across Ireland’s green landscape. St. Patrick is said to have used shamrocks in his Christian teachings, with each leaf of a shamrock representing one part of the Holy Trinity. Therefore, shamrocks are an indispensable element of St. Patrick’s Day. Four-leafed clovers are rare variations of a shamrock that are seen as a good-luck charm.

Leprechauns are a symbol of Irish folklore that do not have any connection to St. Patrick. They are often pictured as short, mythical creatures in the form of a man with red hair and green clothes. Leprechauns are known to have playful attitudes and play pranks on unsuspecting mortals. The most famous leprechaun trick is leaving a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

St. Patrick’s Day Books for Kids

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday for all ages. While many adults have fun drinking beer and going to parties, children can also have their own festivities. Whether it is a party at school or celebrating at home, St. Patrick’s Day books are a great addition. Irish folklore leans heavily into fantastical elements, which is perfect for children’s literature. Any book can cover any or all of the amazing things Irish culture has to share with the world.

In addition to the whimsy inherent in St. Patrick’s Day, children’s books can really showcase the color green. In picture books, this can be obviously implemented with pages covered in green. In books for older children, the cover can have a green design that sets the tone.

There is not a single genre that a St. Patrick’s Day book has to stay within. It can be about celebrating the day itself or about Irish culture. From fantasy stories about mischievous leprechauns to heartwarming stories about lucky people, there is something for everyone in these books.

The Endless Importance of an Outside Editor

Every good children’s book starts with a bright idea. That idea is only as good as the work you put into it. Often, it takes a dedicated behind-the-scenes team to truly empower you along the way.

Every genre and type of book has a different path to publication. All your favorite books, including beloved classics from your childhood, had a comprehensive team pushing them past the finish line. Any successful book in modern publishing history had a support system that readied it for success.

A key member of your publishing team is your editor. Whether a standard editor or a copy editor, they will provide invaluable guidance and unlock new layers to your book. All professional editors give their authors the tools they need for success. It is then up to you, the author, to use them to your advantage.

What Is an Editor?

There is not one singular descriptor of an editor, nor is there a concrete list of functions. As a whole, editors are responsible for reading your manuscript and suggesting revisions. While it seems simple, the role of an editor  goes much deeper than that.

One type of editor is a general editor that works with you on big-picture parts of your text. They often suggest large, structural changes that are not as simple as quick revisions. Sometimes, your first draft will need a lot of work. Even the best books started off as less successful first drafts that became better over time. That is where an editor’s guidance is the strongest, providing a powerful force to support you along the way.

A copy editor is a more specific type of editor. Instead of looking at the specific content of your story, copy editors review your grammar, syntax, and style. They are not concerned with the story you are telling and only care that you are saying it correctly. This type of editor is crucial at making sure your book can be read by your audience. A book with subpar grammar and a lot of typos will struggle to be successful. Listening to the advice of your copy editor will make your book as well-written as possible.

Who Will Be Your Editor?

It can be great to have friends and family review your writing. They know you and can freely share their opinions to continue building your story. However, never underestimate the importance of having a professional editor review your manuscript. Friends and family can help guide your writing process and offer suggestions, but a professional editor knows the industry.

The difference an outside editor will have on your manuscript is astounding. You can read and reread your work as much as you want, but you will always miss something. As an author, you are the most familiar with your book, and you can begin to not notice weak points. An editor can even notice the smallest details that can be strengthened for publication. 

Further, seasoned copy editors know the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) like the back of their hand. It is of paramount importance that each and every book adheres to the CMS, the industry standard. No matter who your editor or copy editor is, you will always get final approval on all changes.

The Cloverly Publishing Process

All manuscripts have room for corrections, either grammatical or structural. That is normal and to be expected, even from the most seasoned authors. Your first draft will never be the same as your final draft; the changes made between drafts can vary immensely. Your editor will work with you to make the appropriate revisions to your book. Their only job is to make your book as good as it can be without losing your vision.

Cloverly Children’s is here to help. When you sign a publication agreement with us, you are entitled to our full arsenal of book editing services. Our team of in-house editors will review each and every manuscript before publication to ensure it meets the highest standards. Most importantly, your book will be edited by a human being — no artificial intelligence will edit your book. Only humans are able to know the nuances of the human experience.

Specifically, these editors are able to tailor their editing to your audience: children. They will guide your work to the finishing line and beyond, making sure your book is beloved by all readers.

Fostering Representation and Diversity in Children’s Literature

Representation is invaluable for all ages. While this is also true for adults, children are in their formative years. Growing up, children thrive the most when they see themselves on the page. Of course, they also benefit from seeing new worlds and cultures, but representation has a singular impact on young readers.

The publishing industry is crucial in fostering diversity in the books on the market. If authors write diverse stories but no publishers print them, what is the point? It is incumbent on each and every book publisher, especially those in children’s literature, to print a wide array of stories from different cultures and backgrounds. It is especially crucial to platform authors from different backgrounds to use their lived experiences to tell unique stories.

March is Women’s History Month. It is important to highlight diverse voices now and in each month in which there is a monthly observance.

Representation and Diversity in Media

In general, representation and diversity is stories showing a wide-range of cultures, backgrounds, and ideas. This is not limited to the publishing industry; it is also important across the media landscape.

The groups that often advocate for increased representation are those that have been historically underrepresented. This often includes different ethnic groups, races, gender identities, sexualities, ages, socioeconomic statuses, and religions. This is not an exhaustive list, and anyone can feel unseen in the media based on their life experiences.

When someone creates a piece of media, it puts their background on the page, either directly or indirectly. For example, an author can use their culture to influence a fictional story or discuss it in a memoir. Either way, this author would get their voice heard.

Growing up in a marginalized group is often alienating. When there is more representation in the media, it can make them feel less alone. No two peoples’ life experiences are the same, but seeing a story from someone with a similar background can make you understand your life and culture better than ever before.

The Benefits of Representation

Diversity on the page can foster literary growth in the youngest of readers. At the earliest stages of their reading journey, children yearn for engagement. It is exciting to get the tools to use words as an escape into different worlds.

There are classics in children’s literature that have stood the test of time. These are a fantastic first step because they are revered stories that are familiar to parents and children alike. However, this should not be the sole source of reading for any child. If everyone reads the same books, there is no individuality or uniqueness of experience. All children will have the same books. That is where representation comes into play.

When children read books that showcase different groups, they become more aware of their own identities, as well as others. It breaks them out of their personal lived experience and puts them into someone else’s shoes. This only helps and fosters their personal growth, builds understanding, and increases their creativity.

Young children beginning to read might grow tired of seeing the same things across books. Whether this is the same type of story, similar characters, or general monotony, this can become boring. But, when children read different types of books, especially those with characters who look like them, they become more engaged. It is also a bonus seeing yourself represented in the media, whether books, movies, television, etc.

Publishing Diverse Voices

The biggest hurdle in increasing visibility for underrepresented groups in the publishing industry is to simply publish more books. By increasing output, a publishing company can naturally boost all voices out in the world. This can happen without even purposely pushing for material from a specific group. As long as publishers lower barriers to entry for new authors, different voices can make an impact.

It is a dangerous path for an entire industry to solely platform one type of voice. Doing so can create a sense that one group is the standard, and everyone else is different. That cannot be less true. No one should feel like their background is not valued or important.

Children who steadily do not see themselves in books can lose interest in reading completely. That is the biggest thing the publishing industry must avoid. It is imperative that there are books available for each and every interested reader out there. Amplifying as many viewpoints as possible makes literature more accessible to all audiences.

Diversity is only possible through collaboration between creatives and those in positions of power. The resources available with all publishers are invaluable for new authors. As long as there are pathways to entry for every interested author, books representing all backgrounds can be published.

Cloverly Children’s provides each client with all professional resources they need to publish their book. Everyone is included and represented in the entire publishing process without fear of discrimination.

How to Use Storyboarding as a Tool for Success

The key to a successful book is a strong structure. A thorough storyboard will help build this robust backbone of your story. Children’s books come in all shapes and sizes, and you can use a storyboard for all of them.

Similarly, there is not a single template for a storyboard to follow. There are, however, common elements to take into account when creating your own storyboard. This guide will help you begin your storyboarding process, but customize it in ways that will help you.

Storyboarding 101

At the simplest level, a storyboard is a map of all the elements of your book. It is often a series of individual elements that make up your story, all laid out in front of you. This is a visualization tool that gives you a bird’s eye view of your book. Storyboards are often done on physical paper, usually with index cards or sticky notes. This allows you to be hands-on in the process.

It is most important to be consistent with your storyboard from start to finish. Each index card or sticky note should feature one element of your story. What those elements are can vary based on the type of story you are telling. Just make sure you have enough paper on hand for your full story.

Once you write all the elements of your prospective book, you will then arrange them in order. This will be a direct visualization of your book’s flow, as you are imagining it. Every important plot beat, character arc, and action piece will be sequentially placed in front of you. With this, you can rearrange, add more, or take away elements.

Starting the process of writing a book can be daunting. The main purpose of a storyboard is to clarify the many ideas you have of what you want to write. Many people find it helpful to have a set organizational structure when beginning to write.

Common Elements of a Storyboard

The elements of your storyboard are based on what your book needs. However, this will often include plot points, characters, and drawings (rudimentary or polished). Again, you can extend this to whatever you need to structure.

Plot Points

The plot of your book will likely take up a bulk of your storyboard. This guides the entire narrative of your book, no matter the length or genre. Without a compelling plot, your writing can feel aimless. Seeing how your story flows between plot points will be invaluably helpful in writing your book.

Having your plot in front of you will easily allow you to see where you need to do additional work. Physically moving your elements around will empower you to make beneficial changes. You might even see what parts of your story need more meat, or what may be overstuffed. Use this process to help you.

Characters and Dialogue

Second to the plot, your characters are what readers latch onto. Especially for children’s literature, characters are key. The most memorable characters in children’s books are ones that kids always want to rejoin. You want to create distinct characters that will be immediately recognizable to all readers.

Each character index card or sticky note should focus on one character. It can include their background, motivations, important plot points, and relationships to other characters. You can also include pieces of dialogue you want them to speak. Make these cards as detailed as you see fit for the story you are telling.

Illustrations

Storyboards for all books can feature illustrations — they are especially helpful for children’s books. Picture books are a natural source for this, but even non-picture books can use drawings in their storyboards.

For picture books, illustrations are key for what the story will show and what the final product may look like. These don’t have to be indicative of the final book, but it can lay the groundwork for your illustrator. For non-picture books, the storyboard drawings can be what you want the audience to picture while reading. You can use this to guide your writing to produce words that evoke these images.

Book Structures

A general rule of thumb for narrative plots revolves around a three-act structure. Most stories across media follow this, representing a beginning, middle, and end. These do not have to be explicit divisions in the book, just general guidelines for writing.

The Beginning

The beginning of your book, or the first act, sets up your book: the characters, setting, plot, etc. This is what draws the audience into your text and keeps them interested in reading the rest until the end. You do not have to stretch this out; set up your elements before moving on.

The Middle

The biggest section of your book will be the second act, or the middle and climax. This is the part of your book where the setup from the first act truly gets set in motion. The gears of the story pick up here and become the most eventful.

The plot beats of this section build to your story’s climax. This is the ultimate culmination of the conflict you explore from the beginning. Think of the climax as the big battle of an action movie, or the final game in a sports movie. The emotional stakes you set up earlier pay off here to a satisfying end.

The End

The end of your book wraps up the storylines and plot elements you featured earlier. It comes after the climax and is an emotional resolution of the themes you are exploring. This section should not be overly long because you do not want to drag the reader along after the main action of your book is done. If your book is standalone, make sure your characters have satisfying farewells to the audience. If you want to continue these characters’ stories, feel free to leave the ending open for continuation. End your book in a way that makes the most sense to you and the story you are telling.

Storyboarding Later in Writing

Your storyboarding process does not have to happen before you start writing. You can create a storyboard based on a completed draft of your story. This method can be helpful for writers who like to let their words flow freely. Once they get their ideas on the page, creating a storyboard can help with the editing process. Seeing the story you wrote broken down into elements in front of you shows you what revisions your story needs.

Whenever or however you decide to storyboard, customize your process to your own needs. Your storyboard is for your eyes only, so make sure it is effective for the story you are telling.