If you are looking for an honest, detailed, and educational fiction picture book manuscript critique with an editorial edge, you have come to the right place. I invest 2-4 hours into each critique which includes in-line feedback/edits and detailed comments with an educational outlook. The needs of each manuscript vary, but may include feedback on plot, structure, marketability, concept, character, language, details, voice, point of view, or other comprehensive components of great writing. Picture book manuscripts must be fiction, prose, and under 800 words.
$125 per manuscript
$75 for a second look (at a manuscript I've already critiqued)
Mentor Text Research Assistant Service: Good writing requires you to keep up with the current market through reading mentor texts. A little push in the right direction never hurts. This service provides a combination of the above mentioned fiction picture book critique, along with focused, in-depth mentor text research examples to improve your manuscript and overall writing.
$200 per fiction picture book manuscript of 800 words or less.
If my services sound right for you, please feel free to contact me using the button below. In your email, please tell me a little about your picture book writing experience and current project. I prefer that you send a pitch with your project. I will respond with availability and payment information. Thank you for considering my services.
My experience:
I began studying the picture book form 27+ years ago as a primary teacher. In 2012, I turned my focus to the craft of writing picture books through reading, SCBWI, online courses, and challenges. (See them here.) My mentoring service opened its doors in 2015. As a member of many writing groups, I am an experienced critiquer and participate as a Critique Ninja in the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge. It is difficult to "turn off" the teacher/librarian inside me and I find myself analyzing the six traits of writing, along with story elements, in every book I pick up. In addition to freelance writing projects, I was selected as a Round One Fiction Picture Book Panelist for the 2014 and 2015 CYBILS Awards, and enjoy contributing to various writing blogs including Writers Rumpus. I am the founder and co-coordinator of the ReFoReMo Challenge, or Reading for Research Month, which aims at inspiring picture book writers to reform writing through mentor texts. I have my Masters of Education in School Library Media and Literacy.
Testimonials:
"Thanks, Carrie for your carefully considered critiques. I appreciate the concrete suggestions for improvement and look forward to applying them. I knew there was a lack of energy, and I think you put your finger on several reasons why. I've had LOTS of critiques in my 10 year career. Your critiques are insightful and go beyond "something's wrong here" to "have you thought about trying x or y". Your value is VERY HIGH! Writers need your fine work!"
-Pat Miller, Author
"Carrie consistently provides awesome feedback assisting in the revision process. Her deep knowledge of the children's picture book market gives her excellent insight into what does and doesn't work in my manuscripts, as well as ways to take my stories to the next level. I plan on utilizing her expertise to improve my writing for years to come."
-Josh Funk, Author
"I engaged Carrie Charley Brown for three critiques and was "wowed" by her suggestions for improvement. I thought these ms were close to submission ready. They had gone through multiple critique groups and even other paid critiques. Carrie brought fresh ideas and insights to make these ms even better! She knows her stuff. Highly recommend!"
-Kristen Schroeder, Picture Book Writer
"Carrie Charley Brown's critiques are detailed and insightful. Carrie's knowledge and humor, combined with her ability to catch things I've missed, make her critiques invaluable. If you're unsure of what to do with one of your manuscripts, Carrie's feedback will make your story sing!"
-Kirsti Call, Author of The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall
"Thank you for your fine instruction, advice, and encouragement. You offer so much great advice to fit the sensibility of picture books in this time of life, and I really appreciate your reminders to use "formula" as well. Your knowledge of the children's picture book industry is extensive and admirable. I have several other stories I'm working on and I would not hesitate to use your services in the future!"
-Lisa Hyman, Writer/Illustrator
"Carrie has an incredible amount of knowledge and puts much time and thought into each of her critiques. I highly recommend using Carrie to help push that manuscript into becoming a book."
-Carol Gordon Ekster, Author
"Thank you for the amazingly thorough critique. You gave me direction, revealed various challenges with my own writing, and gave me focus. Thanks to your detailed analysis and helpful tips I have developed a plan for improving my writing style."
-Chris Perry, Author/Illustrator
"Carrie is very insightful and direct about what does and doesn't work in a story. Her wealth of experience in writing for children and teaching children is apparent in her specific comments. I'm always thankful for the concise, pointed challenges of her picture book critiques. I recommend her strong medicine!"
-Mike Karg, Children's Writer
$125 per manuscript
$75 for a second look (at a manuscript I've already critiqued)
Mentor Text Research Assistant Service: Good writing requires you to keep up with the current market through reading mentor texts. A little push in the right direction never hurts. This service provides a combination of the above mentioned fiction picture book critique, along with focused, in-depth mentor text research examples to improve your manuscript and overall writing.
$200 per fiction picture book manuscript of 800 words or less.
If my services sound right for you, please feel free to contact me using the button below. In your email, please tell me a little about your picture book writing experience and current project. I prefer that you send a pitch with your project. I will respond with availability and payment information. Thank you for considering my services.
My experience:
I began studying the picture book form 27+ years ago as a primary teacher. In 2012, I turned my focus to the craft of writing picture books through reading, SCBWI, online courses, and challenges. (See them here.) My mentoring service opened its doors in 2015. As a member of many writing groups, I am an experienced critiquer and participate as a Critique Ninja in the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge. It is difficult to "turn off" the teacher/librarian inside me and I find myself analyzing the six traits of writing, along with story elements, in every book I pick up. In addition to freelance writing projects, I was selected as a Round One Fiction Picture Book Panelist for the 2014 and 2015 CYBILS Awards, and enjoy contributing to various writing blogs including Writers Rumpus. I am the founder and co-coordinator of the ReFoReMo Challenge, or Reading for Research Month, which aims at inspiring picture book writers to reform writing through mentor texts. I have my Masters of Education in School Library Media and Literacy.
Testimonials:
"Thanks, Carrie for your carefully considered critiques. I appreciate the concrete suggestions for improvement and look forward to applying them. I knew there was a lack of energy, and I think you put your finger on several reasons why. I've had LOTS of critiques in my 10 year career. Your critiques are insightful and go beyond "something's wrong here" to "have you thought about trying x or y". Your value is VERY HIGH! Writers need your fine work!"
-Pat Miller, Author
"Carrie consistently provides awesome feedback assisting in the revision process. Her deep knowledge of the children's picture book market gives her excellent insight into what does and doesn't work in my manuscripts, as well as ways to take my stories to the next level. I plan on utilizing her expertise to improve my writing for years to come."
-Josh Funk, Author
"I engaged Carrie Charley Brown for three critiques and was "wowed" by her suggestions for improvement. I thought these ms were close to submission ready. They had gone through multiple critique groups and even other paid critiques. Carrie brought fresh ideas and insights to make these ms even better! She knows her stuff. Highly recommend!"
-Kristen Schroeder, Picture Book Writer
"Carrie Charley Brown's critiques are detailed and insightful. Carrie's knowledge and humor, combined with her ability to catch things I've missed, make her critiques invaluable. If you're unsure of what to do with one of your manuscripts, Carrie's feedback will make your story sing!"
-Kirsti Call, Author of The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall
"Thank you for your fine instruction, advice, and encouragement. You offer so much great advice to fit the sensibility of picture books in this time of life, and I really appreciate your reminders to use "formula" as well. Your knowledge of the children's picture book industry is extensive and admirable. I have several other stories I'm working on and I would not hesitate to use your services in the future!"
-Lisa Hyman, Writer/Illustrator
"Carrie has an incredible amount of knowledge and puts much time and thought into each of her critiques. I highly recommend using Carrie to help push that manuscript into becoming a book."
-Carol Gordon Ekster, Author
"Thank you for the amazingly thorough critique. You gave me direction, revealed various challenges with my own writing, and gave me focus. Thanks to your detailed analysis and helpful tips I have developed a plan for improving my writing style."
-Chris Perry, Author/Illustrator
"Carrie is very insightful and direct about what does and doesn't work in a story. Her wealth of experience in writing for children and teaching children is apparent in her specific comments. I'm always thankful for the concise, pointed challenges of her picture book critiques. I recommend her strong medicine!"
-Mike Karg, Children's Writer
