Look, I know what you’re thinking. Right now, you’re probably asking, “But how can book dummies help me? I’m a writer.” Well, my friend, you are very mistaken. You see, if you want to write a good picture book, you need to keep reading to learn exactly how book dummies can transform your manuscript. But first, what even is a book dummy?
What is a book bummy?
A book dummy is a physical mock-up of a picture book. It’s a janky, stapled-together prototype. No, it doesn’t need to look pretty. Stick figures and scribbles? Perfect. Just your text on folded paper? Even better. Always remember that a book dummy is a working draft, not a finished product.
For free book dummy templates, visit Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s website. She has resources that will make the whole process even easier.
But now that you understand what a book dummy is, let’s go into the five ways a book dummy will help you become a better picture book writer.
1. You’ll Finally Understand the 32-Page Format (And Stop Overwriting)
Picture books are 32 pages. Always. Why? Because books are printed in multiples of eight, and 32 is the sweet spot between “too expensive” and “actually tells a story.”
But here’s the kicker: you don’t get all 32 pages for your story. The cover takes pages. The title page takes a page. Copyright, endpapers, maybe a dedication if you’re feeling fancy. Suddenly, you’re down to about 28 pages, or 14 spreads.
When you physically make a book dummy and start laying out your text, this reality smacks you in the face. That 800-word manuscript you thought was “pretty tight.” Yeah, it’s not fitting. Time to cut.
2. You’ll Master the Art of the Page Turn
Page turns are your secret weapon. They build tension. They create anticipation. They make a 4-year-old yell “TURN THE PAGE!” But you can’t master page turns while staring at a Word document. When you lay your text into a book dummy, you immediately see where the page breaks fall. And then you can manipulate them like the puppet master you are.
Page turn techniques that actually work:
- Stop mid-sentence (the cliffhanger)
- Split a compound word across pages (butter…fly!)
- Use transition words (But, Then, Until).
- Set up cause and effect (She opened the box… SPLAT!)
Try placing “BUT” right before a page turn. Watch how the energy shifts. Feel the power.
3. You’ll Catch Your Terrible Word Balance
Picture books are a visual medium. If your words don’t look good on the page, something’s wrong.
When you write your text into a book dummy, you’ll instantly spot problems. One spread has 45 words crammed in. The next spread has 6 words floating sadly in white space. Your reader just got whiplash.
Good picture books have rhythm and balance. Not every spread needs the same word count, but wild variations create a jarring, clunky experience. Your book dummy will rat you out immediately.
Fix it now, before an agent sees it and moves on to the next submission.
4. You’ll Hear Where Your Read-Aloud Flow Falls Apart
Picture books aren’t meant to be read silently. They’re performed. Out loud. By exhausted parents at 8 pm who’ve already read this book twice today.
Your text needs to flow smoothly, or that parent will stumble, the kid will lose interest, and your book will go back on the shelf.
With your book dummy filled in, read it aloud while turning the pages. Actually turn them. Feel the rhythm. Listen for:
- Tongue twisters (she sells seashells = bad)
- Awkward syllable transitions
- Sentences that run out of breath
- Places where the page turn disrupts the flow instead of enhancing it
You don’t need to rhyme unless you’re a poet (please, I’m begging you, don’t rhyme unless you’re a poet). But you do need rhythm. Find your beat. Make it smooth. Make it singable.
5. You’ll Know If Your Story Actually Works
This is the big one.
Holding a book dummy lets you experience your story the way a reader will. You’re not just scanning text on a screen. You’re turning pages. You’re feeling the pacing. You’re seeing if spreads feel empty or crowded. You’re checking if that big reveal actually lands.
Get into that kid’s mindset. Sit down with your stapled-together book dummy and read it like you’re 5 years old, hearing it for the first time.
Is it engaging? Is it fun? Does it make you want to turn the page?
If the answer is no, you’ve just saved yourself from submitting a manuscript that doesn’t work. Back to revisions. Your book dummy just earned its keep.