As a seasoned children’s book editor, my strength is in helping authors reach their writing goals. My children’s book editing services focus on helping authors bring their books to their highest potential. I provide honest, constructive critiques alongside thorough, in-line edits. I provide a range of services from developing early concept to critiquing finished manuscripts. My training and expertise spans easy readers and picture books through chapter books and middle grade fiction. I specialize in developmental editing for picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels. I leave my clients with a manageable critique and notes for revision.
Developmental Editing for Picture Books, Chapter Books, and Middle Grade Novels
Developmental editing is a comprehensive process. During an edit, I review the major backbone of your manuscript. I look closely at the details, and figure out how it all works together. It is a global approach to editing with local line edits throughout the manuscript that aid the author through revisions and rewriting to create a solid draft. Developmental editing is the first editing step in getting a ready-to-read manuscript. My developmental editing services include:
- Line edits to address: dialogue and sensory descriptions, narrative voice and language, pacing and deep line editing for syntax, redundancy and phrasing
- Global edits to address: through-line, age or genre appropriateness, underlying premise and story, plot, character and/or subject development, and the craft and literary art of the manuscript
I will provide thoughtful editorial guidance for your children’s book project.
Specialized developmental editing for picture book manuscripts focused on story structure, pacing, voice, and the words/illustrations relationship.
Focused developmental editing for early and advanced chapter books, evaluating readability, themes, plot structure, character development and voice.
Comprehensive developmental editing for middle grade manuscripts, with a deep dive into plot, character, pacing, and the emotional heart of your story, across any genre.
Other Children’s Book Editing Services
Editorial Assessment
An Editorial Assessment is a great way to get an overview of your WIP. The assessment comes in the form of a separate document with extensive notes on the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, and how to improve. While there are few, if any, notes within the manuscript, this global critique will take into account the format, age of the readership, market standards, and lastly, the craft and literary art of the manuscript. My editorial assessment services include:
- Thoughtful, pertinent global feedback regarding all main elements of the manuscript
- Feedback concerning plot, characterization, structure, consistency, age appropriateness, genre standards, and style
- Evaluation of the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses
Children’s Book Consultation
Sometimes authors need a little nudge in the right direction. This is where a consultation might come in handy. I offer thirty minute or one hour consultations for writers of all levels. New authors may want to ask about format and genre standards, where to begin, or just bounce around some ideas. Veterans may have a query or synopsis they would like to discuss, or a section of their completed manuscript. Additionally, I will evaluate up to 2500 words (1hr) of material before the call. Materials might include a partial manuscript, query, synopsis, pitch, outline, or other project materials.
Children’s Book Coaching
Writing can be a solitary act, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with critique groups and partners, participating in workshops, webinars, and forums, and hiring an editor are all great ways to network, write, and work with other kidlit creatives. But sometimes authors need that little bit of extra guidance, and that is what my curated, one-on-one Children’s Book Coaching Services are for.
Work-for-Hire Writing and Editing Services
I do a select number of work-for-hire writing projects per year, in addition to offering children’s book editing services. Please inquire below for more information.