I offer the following picture book services:

Editorial Assessment (AKA: Manuscript Evaluation/Critique)

Starts at $150

I’ll give you big picture notes on your manuscript. This is not an edit–it’s more of a reaction and an overview of what contributed to that reaction. I’ll share where your work fits in the market and potential feedback you might hear from an agent or an editor and their respective publishing team (Publicity, Marketing, Sales–there’s a lot of cooks in the kitchen weighing in on what works or doesn’t!). I’ll also advise on what your next steps should be!

I do not offer this service for illustrated dummies.

Editorial Letter (AKA: Developmental Edit)

Starts at $350

I will provide a letter similar to the Editorial Assessment but going more in depth on the story. I’ll share notes on elements like character/voice/plot/pacing and provide specific direction as well as margin comments using Microsoft Word Track Changes. 

Manuscripts over 1k will likely be declined. I do not offer this service for illustrated dummies.

Proofread

$80

A final cold read of your picture book manuscript to make sure it is as polished as possible. I look for typos, grammatical errors, echoes, continuity, and formatting mistakes. Editorial feedback on story/voice is not included.

Query Letter Edit

$80

Ready to start querying agents? Send me your query letter and I’ll make sure it’s looking ship-shape! I’ll review for hook and positioning, advise on whether age/genre/format/audience seems accurate, and anything else that catches my eye in a good or eep way as an editor who has reviewed thousands of queries over the years! I’ll review your manuscript for reference but this service does not include notes on the manuscript.

Comp Titles

$60

I will provide at least five comp titles (comparison/competitive titles) of children’s books that are in the same age range/format as yours, and match in theme, hook, or other market comparisons (and will explain how they relate). At least one of those titles will have been published within the last three years. Editors are required to provide comp titles when they acquire your book, and again later when it comes time to sell it to book buyers! Having a good sense of what books yours will be compared to is an asset in knowing how to position and pitch your book. These can be used in your query letter or as mentor texts!

Pagination / Formatting

$40

I will paginate your manuscript to industry standard (32/40/48 pages, indicate frontmatter/backmatter, and whether it would be self- or separate-ends). If needed, I will also format your picture book for you to be submission ready. This service does NOT include editing. I’m just here to make your document look pretty and presentable. Note that your publisher may ultimately format to a different page count, but this at least ensures that you are within range, and is a great way to better understand how picture book pacing can be affected by page count and page turns!

I do not offer this service for illustrated dummies.

Phone Consultation

30min - $100

1hr - $175

+$50 for up to 800 words of review material

Have an idea for a picture book and want a sounding board? Stuck on a revision? Need help worldbuilding or fleshing out a character? Or maybe you want to talk about the ins and outs of publishing, get opinions on career strategy and discuss the current market! This call can cover any number of publishing topics. However it does not include recommendations on agents, editors, or publishers.

I offer sliding scale rates on a limited basis. If these rates are not accessible to you please make a note of your budget when you send your request. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee accommodation as I have not yet secured a sugar daddy myself!