When it comes to creating children’s and YA fiction there is often a focus on how to start and write until you reach an ending … But what happens when you have a finished manuscript of hundreds of pages? How do you transform your rough draft into a publishable one?

Expert author, editor, mentor and lecturer Sara Grant provides the answer through a systematic approach to editing. Her step-by-step guide demystifies the process of preparing a manuscript for submission to agents and publishers or for those self-publishing. It is a lifeline for new writers and those intimidated by the world of publishing; for more experienced writers it is an invaluable diagnostic tool to dip in and out of.

This practical workbook includes exercises and examples for:

- Interrogating your idea

- Enhancing your plot

- Scrutinising characters, chapters and scenes

- Analysing sentence and word choice

- Honing your unique voice

- Writing with sensitivity for young readers

- And finally, polishing your manuscript for submission.