Editing questions ???? and Writing Groups

[Vonnie]

I am a bit stuck on the editing of my book  ... Wondering if there are editing workshops available and also which editing programs are best? Also am looking for a meet-up writing group to join, any recommendations? 

[JodyJS]

What genre is your book? What specifically are your issues with editing--plot, characterization, grammar, punctuation?

[Vijaya]

Depends on what you need.

Writing it Right by Sandy Asher and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King are both excellent for honing your own editing skills. I've not used any software, except for the one that comes with most word-processing programs and often have to turn those things off so that they're not distracting me with their advice.

We have a critique board here https://www.scbwidiscussionboards.org/index.php?board=121.0  if you need some opinions--it's always good to state what you need, whether the story works or if you're looking for help with grammar. You may try to find a critique partner/group: https://www.scbwidiscussionboards.org/index.php?board=127.0  Many of us on these boards also offer services from developmental editing to copyediting as well as workshops: https://www.scbwidiscussionboards.org/index.php?board=272.0

You can try to meet other writers by contacting your critique coordinator of your SCBWI region. You can also post a notice at your local library and try to form a group to share your work.

[HaroldU]

Unfortunately you just missed the Revision Retreat that I give every year at the Highlights Foundation with Eileen Robinson. We teach a variety of revision and self-editing techniques and help you with the process. However, the Highlights Foundation has courses on almost year-round, so you might want to see what's coming up.

[Vijaya]

Eileen is amazing! She was my editor for Chota Chor!

[Vonnie]

Thank you so much , everyones info and questions are super helpful. Feel like i have a lot more direction now where to find my answers.
Vijaya, where would i find my critique coordinator of my SCBWI region so i can meet other writers?
HaroldU, would it be possible to please message me when you have your next revision retreat coming up?
JodyYS, my book is a fantasy book for children, my editing issues are partly because english is not my first language and while the grammar i use may still be correct it isn't the way most people would write/say things. But i just can't tell by reading it (not sure if that makes sense). The other difficulty i have is that while my book is written for young children it really needs to be read by a grown up to them as some of the words would be not easy to read themselves, yet they would understand them if they heard the words. Is there a specific name or category for those kinds of books?

[JodyJS]

How many words is your manuscript? What age is your main character? Is it a picture book?

[Vijaya]

Vonnie, your SCBWI regional chapter should have contact information on their website: https://www.scbwi.org/regions

Also, it sounds like you are writing a picture book--these are meant to be read aloud by an adult to a child, so there's no restriction on the use of language. In fact, it *should* be rich because you assume that a parent or teacher would be available to explain a difficult word or concept.

[Vonnie]

My book is divided into 4 chapter (seasons: autumn, winter, spring & summer) which are each a stand alone story (mini books) and would not need to be read in order but do flow more naturally if they are. The word count collectively (all 4 chapters) is 6561 words. Each chapter is roughly the same length. There are illustrations throughout (still in early draft stage as I feel i need to get the writing done first and then add illustrations that enrich the story and hold and captivate younger listeners attention). So it is kinda a very lengthy picture book. The main character is 6 years old.
Thank you so much for sending the link to my region 🙂. 

[Debbie Vilardi]

That is far too long for a modern picture book. (A traditional publisher i likely to reject based on the word count and category not matching alone.) It falls into the chapter book length and age category. But chapter books are sometimes read by the child and sometimes read to the child. A seven-year-old should be able to read it on their own. Of course, it's hard to categorize anything without actually seeing it. And many books contain words that a child has to use context to figure out. These are often the accurate or technical name for something. Think about dinosaur names.

[Vonnie]

Thank you so much Debbie. I can see what you mean about the miss-match. Thinking I will need to edit my book keeping my audience in mind (7-8 year old children, both as independent readers and being read to). When adding illustrations, limit these to fit with a chapter book for this age group. Thinking I should also break down the four main chapters into smaller ones within each season🌱🌷🍁☃️ chapter so they don't feel overwhelming for the children to read. The one question I still have is how do I know which words would pass for that age group to be accepted by a publisher? Is there a list of words or something that I can check to make sure I am not using words that are too difficult for that age group to read independently?

[JodyJS]

Rather than focusing on word lists, I'd recommend you go to your library and read books like the one you're writing. Ask the librarians where you can find books for young readers, aged 7 or so, and see what your research tells you. Make sure the books you consult are within the last 5 years. Anything older than that is not likely to be instructive, as trends change. Good luck!

[Debbie Vilardi]

I also recommend reading to get a feel for what works. It might be good to grad ten chapter books and ten picture books, some of which do have chapters. Ask for those. And then see where you feel you fit.

You can level your text too. Word has Flesch Kinkaid installed. You can also Google a term with the words "graded vocabulary" (sometimes) or use another text leveler. Just be aware that sentence structure matters in level also. For example, a semi colon will take your level up. There's also a book: The Children's Writer's Word Book. And critique partners can be very helpful for this.   

[Vijaya]

The four seasons is a great way to organize your book. Could they be four separate picture books? It would mean making a lot of art for it. A chapter book might be more doable but then you would have to control the vocabulary. I agree with the others to study the published books to see where yours fits, what your vision is for your book. Good luck!

[Vonnie]

All the information, suggested resources (just ordered a couple now) and ideas have been so so helpful   ... feel like i have a few different ways i can move forward now which makes me happy ... i can see how my book could be 4 different picture books or be a chapter book if i level the text to make it work ...

[Debbie Vilardi]

For a chapter book, you don't have to fully level. Just be close. For a leveled/early reader, level is key.