There are some non-negotiable aspects in self-publishing that are needed for your book to compete in this oversaturated market—flawless text and a professional cover.
While many authors understand their writing can always be improved by a good editor, some children’s book authors think that editors aren’t necessary because they are writing for children.
I asked editor Tamara Rittershaus to share her thoughts on the importance of editing every book, but especially children’s books.
Here’s what Tamara has to say:
People will buy a great product.
Â
“Self-published books have a bad reputation because they are often bad products. They’re often not edited, have cheap-looking illustrations, and grammatical errors in the blurb.
Â
But with a good product and focused marketing, it can be successful.Â
Â
The Traditional Publishing Process

Â
In traditional publishing, an author should have their manuscript critiqued, beta read, and professionally edited before sending it to their agent.
Â
The agent offers editing. The agent sells the manuscript to a publisher, which would also have an editor.
Â
So a book that is traditionally published has a stamp of approval from at least three editors (sometimes more than that).
Â
Readers can trust these to be quality products.Â
Â
The indie-author community needs to focus on putting out better products.
Â
In order to compete against traditionally published books, indie authors must hire professionals to work with them on creating the best book possible.
Â
Here is what I recommend to an indie author:
Â
After you write and revise a manuscript, find a critique partner!
Â
Starting out, I swapped my picture book manuscripts with dozens of other writers through a Facebook group called “KidLit411 Manuscript Swap.”Â
Â
Over time, I have found the four or five critique partners who I trust the most.
Â
Once you’ve had it critiqued and made revisions, hire an editor!
Â
Ask for developmental editing. A good editor will have an eye for how to really enhance the story.
Â
They will explain how you can improve your story arc, the tone of the story, how to create better scenes, and more.
Â
If you make significant changes, send it back to your critique partner or hire your editor for a second round of developmental editing.Â
Â
Â
When your story is solid, have another round with your trusted critique partner(s) or look for “fresh eyes” in a beta reader.
Â
Now is the time to have the story line edited. This is the final check through for grammar, punctuation, syntax and minor inconsistencies.
Â
If you’re hiring an illustrator, I suggest you wait to start illustrations until the manuscript is ready for line editing.
Â
A change to the manuscript text is easy, but changes to illustrations will cost you.Â
Â
Create a relationship with your editor.
Â
Editors want our clients to succeed, especially the loyal clients that we know well. I offer my picture book clients a free once-over before publishing, because I don’t want to see any avoidable mistakes getting published.Â
Â
If you write in poetry, I suggest having your manuscript checked over by a poetry specialist.
Â
I offer “poetry coaching” for clients who feel compelled to write in rhyme, but haven’t been trained in writing in meter.
Â
I use the client’s own manuscript to teach them how the meter could sound. This is a very effective teaching method and my clients have great success learning to write in meter.”
Bio
Tamara Rittershaus offers editing services for children’s literature authors as a picture book editor. She will give you a thorough and honest critique of your work.
Connect with Tamara on Facebook or Twitter for more information:Â
Â