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 through honest, constructive critique and thorough in-line manuscript edits. Additionally, I provide a range of services from developing early concept to critiquing finished manuscripts, to ghost or co-writing the stories you’ve only dreamed about. My training as a children’s book editor and expertise in the field spans easy readers and picture books up to young adult novels and poetry. I specialize in developmental editing for middle grade novels and chapter books. I leave my clients with a manageable critique and edits for revision. Editing and Writing Services might include:
- Editorial Assessment
- Developmental Editing
- Copy Editing
- Beta Reading
- Work for Hire Writing
- Query Review
- Coaching
- Project Development and Book Planning
Children’s Book Editing Services
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is a comprehensive process that reviews the major backbone of your manuscript while also looking at the details, then figuring 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
Copy Editing
Copy editing is a process of tightening up a well-developed manuscript. Once all the structural issues are addressed through a developmental edit, then it is time for copy editing. This is the time to bring your manuscript to a professional level that is ready for submission to agents and publishers. It is also the next step towards self publication. My copy editing services include:
- Line edits to address: basic grammar, punctuation and spelling, sentence structure, diction and flow of text
- Global edits to address: minor restructuring and/or rewrites, consistency, overall style and tone of the manuscript
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
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. Projects may include, but are not limited to: Web content, Blogs, SEO articles, Creative fiction or non-fiction for online or personal use.
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 phone or video 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.
Project Development for Writers
I’ve heard so many people tell me, “I could never be a writer.” And my response always is, “Sure you can! Anyone can write!” As an experienced editor I offer a multitude of services that can help you reach your writing goals. And I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I would love to share with you. Whether you are in the early developmental stages or well into your first manuscript, I can coach you along the way.
With a range of children’s book editing services, each coaching or consultation package is tailored to my clients’ specific needs. I offer honest, constructive critique of your work. I can also suggest exercises for improving your craft or assignments to help get your creativity flowing. Programs are tailored for each of my clients depending on their experience and personal goals. What I love most about writing is how I can turn to a piece of paper and create something new and fresh in the world: whether it be a piece of poetry, a story, or a business document, every bit of original writing has flare. Anyone, with the right set of tools, can do just the same. I would love to help you realize and write your story!