Picture Book Manuscript Critiques

Do you have a story that could use a fresh pair of eyes?  A manuscript you feel is almost working… but not quite… and you can’t put your finger on why? Or are you new to picture book writing and feel you could use some guidance?

I provide picture book manuscript critiques for writers at all stages.

The cost per critique is $70

I will provide feedback on any areas relevant to your individual manuscript including:

Your critique will include comments in the margin that address mechanical issues (punctuation, grammar, spelling etc.) and/or offer alternative suggestions for wording, phrasing, sentence structure, and sentence and/or paragraph order, to improve clarity and flow.

You will also receive an editorial letter that addresses any major areas that need attention, along with examples for clarification, or possible suggestions for fixes where appropriate, and that includes specific impressions of what’s working and what might be improved upon.

If you’re interested, please email me for availability.

Submitted manuscript should be a Microsoft Word Doc attached to an email or a link to a Google Doc.

When I have completed the critique, I will send you an invoice which provides options for payment via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.

Should you desire a follow-up critique on the same manuscript within 2 months of your original critique, the cost is $35.

I look forward to reading your story!

Please note that critiques are not a guarantee that your work will result in an offer of representation and/or publication.

Thank you.

Picture Book Mentoring

Whether you’re brand new to picture book writing, mid-project and wondering if you’re on the right track, or you have years of manuscripts and even publications under your belt but find yourself at an impasse, we all arrive at moments where we need a little help getting started, moving forward, or getting unstuck. Sometimes we need encouragement from someone who understands the writing life, and can help us navigate the inevitable bumps in the road.

Through one-on-one mentoring I can help you with:

• getting started
• brainstorming
• working through your idea
• structuring your story
• getting from start to finish
• developing your character
• adjusting your pacing
• punching up dialogue
• finding and developing layers in your story
• making sure you’re maximizing illustration potential
• choosing and polishing your 3 strongest manuscripts in preparation for submission to agents/editors
• staying accountable
• establishing/managing your writing life
• creating an online presence
• and more. . .
  

One-on-one mentoring is completely individualized. I can meet you wherever you are on your writing journey and help you move forward in your writing career with one picture book or with multiple projects. We can focus on exactly what you need at this particular time.

Mentoring Cost is $80 per hour with a minimum of 5 hours.

How you spend your mentoring time is completely up to you! I encourage an initial Zoom meeting, phone call, or email exchange to discuss your goals and establish a plan, but if you want to just send me a manuscript and jump right in, we can do that 😊 Your time can be used for brainstorming, verbal discussion via Zoom or phone, written feedback via Google Doc or Microsoft Word, strategizing a work schedule, keeping motivated, venting frustration, addressing areas of weakness in your overall writing – whatever you need! Together we will work on your manuscript(s) and move you forward in your writing.

We can set up a regular meeting schedule (encouraged) – once a week, once a month, whatever fits your writing life, or you can just let me know when you’re ready to communicate.

If you’d like homework or deadlines to keep you on track, I can provide those 😊

Please email me to inquire about availability and scheduling. We can choose a start date and I’ll send you a few questions about how you want to proceed.

I will provide an invoice for your records, and payment may be made via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.

I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your writing dreams in any way I can!

Please note that mentoring is not a guarantee that your work will result in an offer of representation and/or publication.

Thank you.