[Shelly Posts: 138 Status: Offline]

A few people have asked to see the manuscript progression of my recently released picture book, from first draft to final. I don't have time to compile every revision, but I'm willing to share the first draft and maybe one or two in between. Once I'm putting this together, I may as well share it with a wider audience, since many writers would find it interesting. However, I'm reluctant to post the complete drafts/revisions publicly. I'd appreciate all thoughts, suggestions and feedback. Thanks!

[lisa-katzenberger Posts: 69 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

If you have a blog or website, maybe an excerpt there. Or, you could suggest being a guest blogger for someone and provide some excerpts there. I've read a few articles like this and found them very helpful! Thanks for being willing to share!

[Shelly Posts: 138 Status: Offline]

Thanks, Lisa. I don't have a blog or website anymore. Guest-blogging would be a possibility. (If anyone is interested, feel free to let me know.)

[Andi W. Posts: 546 Status: Offline WWW]

Hi Shelly!
There's a group on FB called Debut PB study group. They've had some fantastic authors do sessions live (Julie Falatko, Josh Funk, Sherri Duskey Rinker) just to name a few. This would be a great forum to presents parts of drafts, engage with readers & writers and promote your book too! It's a fun group :-) and you learn so much about everyone's process.

[Shelly Posts: 138 Status: Offline]

Thanks for the suggestion, Andi. I'm aware of that group but I figured debut meant debut...

[Andi W. Posts: 546 Status: Offline WWW]

Nope, I don't think so. There have been people leading the discussions about their 2nd and 3rd..books. The group leaders are fantastic and I'm pretty sure they'd love to have you. It's all about the journey. Why not give it a try?

[Tammi Posts: 1,342 Status: Offline WWW]

I like that you are thinking about doing this.

Linda Ashman shares the manuscripts behind many of her books on her website, lindaashman.com.

Seeing how she presents texts with a minimal amount of words was hugely beneficial to me as I worked on TRUCK,
TRUCK, GOOSE (HarperCollins, 2017). That manuscript came in at 29 words.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,952 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

Hi Shelly,

I'm wondering what your actual concerns are. If the book is coming out, you're beyond where someone stealing it would be an issue. I can see why including every step in the process might be too much. I have manuscripts with more than 20 drafts. Drafts that show the evolution of a character or the plot would be good for those who study process or are still building their own. This may be something to discuss with your editor. I wonder if there is a standard or norm for this type of sharing. An editor might know.

Just thoughts. Happy sales to you.

-Debbie

[Margaret G Posts: 38 Status: Offline WWW]

Hi Shelly,

I am a moderator for the Debut PB Study group on Facebook and we would love to see whatever manuscript progression you are comfortable sharing. We've done author chats and often there is some sharing of how their manuscript changed from acquisition to publishing. If you are interested, please feel free to message me!

Thanks Andi W. for thinking of us.

-Margaret

[Anne Marie Posts: 2,855 Status: Offline VAMPIRINA season 3 is on Disney Junior now! WWW]

I am wondering along with Debbie.  The book is published so there wouldn't be plagiarism possibilities, right?

[darshana Posts: 298 Status: Offline WWW]

Shelly,
Have you seen Helene Boudreau's guest post from 2013. In that guest post she shares revisions and editorial notes from her editor (with permission of course). http://inkygirl.com/inkygirl-main/2013/6/10/picture-book-writing-process-how-helene-boudreau-wrote-i-dar.html

The Debut PB Study group is a wonderful gathering. Personally, I love to see the evolution of a draft and learn from it.
Look forward to reading your book. Congrats!

[Andi W. Posts: 546 Status: Offline WWW]

Hi Margaret!
Love the PB study group. It's the best FREE intensive study group for PBs I've ever come across. 

[Shelly Posts: 138 Status: Offline]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all of your input. (Margaret, I'll pm you.)

[Arona Posts: 449 Status: Offline The house didn't fall on me. It fell on my sister.]

Is Debut PB Study Group on FB public? I'm not on FB, but I don't see even a FB page with that name. I clearly see there's a Twitter account for it by that name, though.

[Margaret G Posts: 38 Status: Offline WWW]

Thanks Andi! I'm so glad you are getting something out of it! 

Shelly, I replied to your PM.

Arona, it is a closed group, but you can request to join. Search "Debut PB Study Group." If that doesn't work, let me know.

[iyerani Posts: 243 Status: Offline I love kids' books! WWW]

Margaret G, do you have NF writers too? I am looking to join a NF focus group. Thanks!

[alan-jordan Posts: 952 Status: Offline Writing that Entertains and Empowers]

I am wondering along with Debbie.  The book is published so there wouldn't be plagiarism possibilities, right?

Alas, it is possible that someone will grab the manuscript, and beat the publisher to release by doing it in China, etc.  I like the idea of showing some, but not all drafts. I've been grappling with this same issue, and I've decided to share first drafts and possibly one or two more steps in the process, and I'm doing this in videos where I show the development. 

[Margaret G Posts: 38 Status: Offline WWW]

Iyerani,

We do occasionally study NF debut books. We studied Little Melba's Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell and One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul.

-Margaret

[iyerani Posts: 243 Status: Offline I love kids' books! WWW]

Thank you Margaret G, how can I ask to be added to the group? Thanks!

[Shelly Posts: 138 Status: Offline]

Update: I will be sharing my manuscript progression on Debut PB Study Facebook group November 1. https://www.facebook.com/groups/debutPBstudygroup/
I will not be sharing the published version so I highly recommend you have a copy onhand during the event.

Looking forward to 'seeing' you there!

Arona, did you manage to join?

[Andi W. Posts: 546 Status: Offline WWW]

I'll be there cheering you on, Shelly!

[Shelly Posts: 138 Status: Offline]

Thanks, Andi!

[Margaret G Posts: 38 Status: Offline WWW]

Iyerani,

I *think* you can just go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/debutPBstudygroup/

Let me know if that doesn't work!

Margaret

[alan-jordan Posts: 952 Status: Offline Writing that Entertains and Empowers]

Margaret,

Your group sounds interesting.  I've just applied. Let me know if you want more  information about me.

[iyerani Posts: 243 Status: Offline I love kids' books! WWW]

Thanks, Margaret. I applied just now!

[Margaret G Posts: 38 Status: Offline WWW]

In case anyone is interested in seeing the manuscript development of Shelly's story, we opened an event through the Debut PB Study Group on Facebook. It is a private event, but anyone who is in the Debut PB Study group can attend (and it is easy and free to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/debutPBstudygroup/). Shelly will be available for Q&A until November 10.

[alan-jordan Posts: 952 Status: Offline Writing that Entertains and Empowers]

I just entered a comment or two, and I look forward to participating.

[J.D. Silverwood Posts: 10 Status: Offline Patience is a writer's only free lunch WWW]

This is the best thread I've come across in a while... So many useful links to educational blogs and sites...

One of my favorite classes at the LA summer conference a few years back was when Justin Chanda took us through the evolution of ROBOT ZOT, from submission to final publication.  It was an eye opening experience, to say the least.  Thank you, Shelly, for sharing your process!

-John

[Vijaya Posts: 7,387 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Late to this thread but a very useful book is Writing it Right by Sandy Asher. There are many examples of various drafts of short stories, PBs and novel excerpts from different authors.