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. “I thought I was good at editing, but Sara's systematic methods were next level. She is the unrivalled expert in the field.” ― Sue Wallman, award-winning author of YA thriller I Know You Did It Sara Grant writes across genres, having authored comedic magical books, action-adventure series and edgy YA novels. Her books are published by Scholastic, Little, Brown and Orion. She is a plot editor, consultant for inclusive fiction studio Storymix, and a creative writing tutor at Goldsmiths, University of London and the University of Winchester.