First the chainsaw. Then the scissors.
I've said it before but it's worth repeating. Want to
guarantee nobody will buy your picture book manuscript? Make it long. I know,
sounds harsh (I'm sorry!), but it's true. Every year the average length of picture
book texts shrinks (and shrinks). So when you are in those glorious editing
sessions, cut and cut and cut. Is it hard to tell a story, create characters,
build scenes, develop tension, and do all the other key writer-y stuff in
500-700 words (300-500 is better). Yea. It is. But you can do it. And here are some tips from an editor to help:
