TOP TIPS

• To help see your story with fresh eyes, put it away for two or three• Ask a critique group or friend to read it. Ensure you communicate that you’re after honest feedback. A ‘yes, it’s lovely’ is kind, but not helpful for editing. The SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) has lots of regional critique groups. Visit for more information.• Be prepared to kill your darlings. There might be a certain moment in the plot, or a certain character in the story, which just has to go. (You can always save an old version of the text).• Use Post-it notes and write down major plot points. Jiggle them around in different orders, and add in or take away different moments to see how it alters the story.• Be absolutely honest with yourself. Denial won’t help you improve your story.