Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
Designing
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Editing
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Plan Page Turns with Spread Breaks in Made Live
How to Plan Page Turns with Spread Breaks in Made Live
Overview: Pacing is one of the most critical elements in creating a successful picture book. The way your story flows from one page to the next can build anticipation and keep your reader engaged. In Made Live, you can use Spread Breaks to establish page turns, ensuring that each transition feels natural and exciting. This article will guide you through the process of adding Spread Breaks to your manuscript and explain why they are essential for pacing and tension in your story.
What are Spread Breaks?
Spread Breaks in Made Live are markers you insert into your manuscript to indicate where a page turn should happen. They help you visualize how your text will be divided across the pages, especially when working with illustrations. Using these breaks strategically can build suspense, surprise, and delight, making readers eager to turn the page.
Why are Page Turns Important?
Page turns do more than just signal the end of a scene or thought. They play a pivotal role in the pacing of your story. With the right placement of page turns, you can:
- Build Anticipation: Lead readers to wonder what happens next.
- Create Surprise: Position reveals or twists on the next page for maximum impact.
- Control Pacing: Slow down or speed up the narrative to match the emotional tone of the scene.
- Engage Readers: Encourage them to keep turning pages by ending each spread with a compelling moment or cliffhanger.
How to Add Spread Breaks in Made Live
- Open Your Manuscript: Start by opening your manuscript in the Made Live editor.
- Identify Spread Points: Think about where the natural breaks in your story occur—moments of tension, action, or reveal are perfect spots for a page turn.
- Insert a Spread Break:
- Place your cursor where you want the break.
- Click on the "Insert" menu in the editor toolbar.
- Select “Spread Break” to mark the page turn.
- Review and Adjust: After inserting your Spread Breaks, review how the pacing feels. Make sure each page ends with a moment that motivates readers to turn to the next.
Best Practices for Using Spread Breaks
- End on a Cliffhanger: Every spread should leave readers eager to see what’s next. Think of the end of each spread as an opportunity to surprise or create curiosity.
- Balance Text and Illustration: Spread Breaks aren’t just about text—they also play a role in how your illustrations are laid out. Consider how the images will complement or contrast with the text to enhance the reading experience.
- Vary Your Pace: Not every page turn needs to be dramatic. Mix fast-paced, tension-filled turns with quieter moments to create a natural rhythm.
- Think Like a Reader: Put yourself in your reader's shoes. Ask yourself, “Would I feel curious enough to turn the page here?”
Adding Spread Breaks is an essential part of planning the flow of your picture book. With the right placement of page turns, you can create a story that keeps readers fully engaged from start to finish. Experiment with different break points to see how they affect your story’s pacing, and remember that Spread Breaks aren’t just about where the text stops—they’re about guiding your reader’s experience.