Everyone assumes that writing picture books is “easy-peasy”. IT’S NOT! Which is why am now offering critique services to fellow picture book writers.
Having problems with “Show don’t Tell?” or struggling to “hook” your reader? Not sure what those mean? I can help! After 7 years in the picture book industry and learning from groups such as SCBWI, 12×12, and Inked Voices, I can share what I have learned and give valuable feedback on your manuscript.
Interested on having your manuscript critiqued? Please email me at deborahclaytonbooks@gmail.com.
Please see below for rates and fees.
(Prices are for non-rhyming manuscripts 800 words or less. For Non-fiction manuscripts 1,000 words or more – please see special rate below.)
Services
“Big Picture” Critique – $30
A one-paragraph evaluation of the overall manuscript. I will point out areas of strength and include suggestions on improving weaknesses.
Query Critique – $40
A query letter needs to grab the agent/editor’s attention from the very first paragraph. I will help hone your query letter to be concise and professional!
Rush Fee – $30
Need your feedback quick? For an additional fee, critique can be returned within 48 hours of payment.
Full Critique – $60
Line-by-line feedback on character development, plot, pacing, page turns, language choice, illustration notes, etc. I will point out areas of strength and weakness throughout your manuscript.
Non-fiction Critique – $90
Comprehensive feedback on all types of children’s non-fiction whether it is traditional, expository, biography, or narrative.
Please Note:
All critiques will be returned in 7 business days of payment. In a rush? See above for rush fee. Critiques will be done using Microsoft Word. If you do not have access to this program, another alternative can be discussed. My critique does not guarantee that you will land an agent or a book contract. My goal is to help you improve your manuscript and teach you the things I’ve learned these past seven years.
Sharing your work can be a scary experience. You can be assured that I will not steal your ideas. If I think your manuscript is too similar to something that I am working on, I will pass on critiquing it. If you are new to the publishing world, please note that publishing follows trends. So, if you write a book about unicorns, I cannot guarantee that in the future I won’t also write a unicorn book. (Even though I highly doubt I would write a unicorn book because EVERYONE has written a unicorn book…)
Deborah Foster Books 