Hey, friend! I see you’re writing a children’s book. How exciting!
It probably won’t surprise you to hear that I have some expertise in writing children’s books, particularly picture books. But did you know that I also help others write children’s books?
I have helped authors identify themes and find direction in their rough drafts, apply agent/publisher feedback to manuscripts, and work through sticky parts that just aren’t working quite right in their stories.
In 2024 alone, I critiqued over 100 manuscripts. Some of those manuscripts have gone on to land offers of representation from agents, some are out on submission, and some are even published books found on store shelves right now.
I would love to be a small part of your writing success story. Soooooo… how can I help you?
PICTURE BOOK MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE
Need another set of eyes on your manuscript? Look no further! Whether you’re stuck in the midst of revisions or putting the final polish on a manuscript acquired by an editor, I can help.
I offer a professional critique of one picture book manuscript (700 words or less, non-rhyming). This includes a summation of what is working well, suggestions for elevating your manuscript, and a few paragraphs of general feedback. Additionally, I will provide some scene and line level comments. While I may point out some grammar issues, I generally do not look for or correct grammar errors. Currently, I do not offer critiques of stories written in rhyme.
Cost for non-rhyming manuscripts up to 700 words: $95
LET’S GET STARTED!
TESTIMONIALS
Here’s what others have to say about my critiques:
April has a gift for being able to offer valuable feedback on both line-level edits, and big picture development. She respects the heart of the story while exploring different ways to elevate it. She’s super friendly, responsive, and professional. She cares deeply about children’s books and it shows!
– Hannah Lorenzo
I always look forward to April’s critiques. Whether she’s providing specific wording suggestions or asking big picture questions, her insights provide clarity. After her reviews, I feel a renewed sense of direction with my stories. And somehow you don’t feel like you were critiqued at all – You just had a chat with your biggest cheerleader!
– Jacqueline Lindsey
April’s critiques are thoughtful, thorough, and skillful. She is wonderful at story development and also at tightening sentences and structure. But most of all, what comes across in April’s critiques is that she is rooting for you and your story. Her warmth and kindness inspires me to keep going, keep revising, keep writing.
– Stacey Ramirez
I am floored by the level of effort and detail with which April reviews each manuscript. Her feedback is so thought-provoking and creative, and she provides both big-picture ideas and small line edits. She has a knack for helping bring out the poignant and humorous moments in a story, all while giving helpful feedback to the overall story arc and narration style. I also think April does a great job respecting the author’s original story and premise while finding unique ways to enhance it and make it resonate with young readers.
– Yashika Mody
April’s critique was the most helpful and thorough I’ve ever received. I can clearly see the parts of the stories that need to be strengthened and have lots of suggestions to spark new ideas.
– Chelsey Bahe
I was blown away by April’s critique of my manuscript. I could tell that she took the time to really understand it and speak to the project holistically. She was able to look at the text and address both the conceptual and the line levels. Her feedback was insightful, well-thought out, and delivered with kindness and respect. Not only that, but when she pointed out an area for improvement, she also provided options for me to consider or use as jumping off points. Would 100% recommend to anyone needing a professional critique!
– Citlali Tolia
I needed this so bad- wish I would have done it sooner! Her critique was spot on and she had such easy creative ideas.
– Paul Schex
I’ve had the great fortune of having April’s eyes on several manuscripts, and each time I read through one of her critiques, I’m blown away at how thoughtfully and concisely she’s able to get to the heart of my story and offer supportive suggestions to help it more fully emerge. From thoughts on tone and pacing to line edits, April has a knack for unlocking the sticky spots of a story and helping to spark new ideas that always move my work forward.
– Amy Chini
April is a treasure! Her detailed critique helped me to see my manuscript with fresh eyes–and become “unstuck”! She tells you what works and what can be improved–and offers such helpful suggestions–all in an encouraging way!
– Sheri Bentley
April has the innate ability to hone in on the rough, inconsistent spots and make positive suggestions strengthening your story. She utilizes just the right amount of magic and clarity to enhance your creativity without losing sight of the original tale.
– Sue Sutherland
I highly recommend April’s critique services. She has a very keen eye and makes so many helpful and thought-provoking suggestions. She manages to do this in a way that leaves you feeling inspired and enthused, not deflated. She obviously has your best interest at heart and is rooting for your story to work. I absolutely loved the audio recording that she provided- so helpful to hear your story read back to you, and with April’s beautiful reading voice and enthusiasm, this really helped me to see the potential in the story.
– Angela Jelf
April provided creative insights about how to elevate a section of my Middle Grade verse novel that left me excited to get right back to work on the draft. I highly recommend her services!
– Kelly Clasen
April did an amazing job with my manuscript – she narrowed in on exactly the bits I really needed to accentuate and had some amazing, concrete suggestions on how to improve it. The feedback was very detailed, very informative and incredibly useful. She went above and beyond my expectations. I shall happily send her more of my stories in the future and can highly recommend her!
– Robynn Hyde
April’s critiques are always thorough and professional. She has a knack for being able to find the parts that are “sticky” and offer helpful suggestions about how to improve them. April is also very skilled at recognizing the heart of my story and helping to draw it out more clearly. I think April is also very skilled at keeping tabs on the “pulse” of the kidlit publishing world.
– Mallory Foret
