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Patricia NewmanPatricia Newman
Sibert Honor Children's Book Author & Environmentalist
  • Home
  • Books
    • Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger
    • Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea
    • A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn
    • Planet Ocean
    • Eavesdropping on Elephants
    • Neema’s Reason To Smile
    • Zoo Scientists to the Rescue
    • Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem
    • Plastic, Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
    • Ebola: Fears and Facts
    • Jingle the Brass
    • Nugget on the Flight Deck
    • Surviving Animal Attacks
    • Elite Operations series
    • Energy Lab series
    • QuickReads Fluency Library
    • Books for English language-learners
    • Writers write all kinds of things
  • Author Visit Programs
    • FAQs
    • Calendar
  • Blog
  • Educator Resources
    • STEM + Literacy Activities
    • Teacher Guides
    • Earth Day Every Day newsletter archive
    • LitLinks
    • KidLit creators who make kids want to read
  • Writer Resources
    • Writing Classes
    • Manuscript or Proposal Critiques
    • How I got my start
  • Who is Patricia Newman?
  • Contact
    • Stay In Touch
    • Earth Day Every Day newsletter archive

professional manuscript and nonfiction proposal critiques

"thank you again for all the incredible notes you gave me on my story"

Why choose me to critique your work?

I am a member of a successul multi-published critique group, and I have more than 20 years of experience critiquing other authors’ work both in informal and conference settings. I am also a Robert F. Sibert Honor recipient for my nonfiction middle-grade title Sea Otter Heroes. Additional awards include:

  • starred reviews
  • Orbis Pictus Recommended
  • Green Earth Book Awards
  • Outstanding Science Trade Book, NSTA
  • Eureka! Gold Awards, California Reading Association
  • Parents’ Choice Award
  • several Junior Library Guild selections
  • several Bank Street College’s Best Books lists

What to expect from my critiques

Good critiques are a necessary part of publishing. I will give you a fair, honest, and constructive evaluation of whether your idea is marketable and how well you execute that idea. My critique will point out what you are doing well and what needs improvement.

All critiques will be electronic and will include a detailed editorial letter, plus specific comments/line edits using the Track Changes feature of Microsoft Word. Included in my price is the option for one follow-up email or one 20-minute phone call to ask questions.

How to begin the critique process

  1. Email me at newmanbooks [at] live [dot] com with your name and the title of your manuscript in the subject line, e.g. NEWMAN_TITLE-HERE. In the message body, include a brief synopsis of your book and the number of words.
  2. I will reply with my availablilty and a payment link.
  3. If the availability works for you, click the link to pay for the critique, then reply to my email and attach your manuscript. Please be sure to follow the formatting guidelines below

All manuscripts must…

  • be Microsoft Word documents
  • have 1″ margins
  • be double-spaced
  • use Times New Roman 12-point type (sidebars may be in a different typeface)
  • have the title on page 1 half-way down the page in ALL CAPS

Reviews

From Carol Hinz, Associate Publisher of the Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda imprints at Lerner Publishing

“You always impress me with your revisions, and this is no exception. So thank you for all the time and hard work you put into this manuscript!” 

From Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw, author enrolled in SCBWI Michigan's mentorship program

“Patricia Newman is a skilled editor with a deep understanding of all layers that make up children’s nonfiction books. Through the teaching of writing strategies, suggestions, and examples, she guided me in elevating my technical STEM nonfiction picture book manuscript to a level that is marketable and appropriate for young readers. She was thorough, invested, and precise. I highly recommend her editing services.”

From Josy Bloggs, proposal class attendee

“I’m so grateful to you for your helpful writing session. Without it, I would never have mustered the courage to contact a[n expert] and then have an insightful conversation with them. Thanks to your advice, my confidence has been boosted and now I feel empowered enough to explore new pathways and opportunities!”

From Janet Miller, aspiring author

“There’s absolutely nothing like having [my MG STEM proposal] critiqued by Patricia Newman, who understands how the proposal should be structured and the information that should be emphasized or clarified, and provides feedback and edits that explain how to get it there.”

From Natasha Zimmers, aspiring author

Patricia’s critique was just what I needed to move my manuscript to the next level. I loved how she provided the whole package, from formatting suggestions to ideas on how to keep the sidebar voice kid friendly. As I dive into revision, her critique set me up to develop both the deeper big picture layers as well as the line level areas of my manuscript that needed more continuity or clarification. Patricia’s leading questions and thoughtful approach left me feeling excited to continue to improve my story.”

Pricing

  • PB manuscripts (fiction or nonfiction)
    • Package 1 – $275 (includes an evaluation of various story elements, including voice, plot, pacing, character development, story arc, marketability, etc. + a list of next steps + a 20-minute Q&A session after you receive the critique)
    • Package 2 – $525 (includes all the above, but the 20-minute chat is replaced by a 45-minute strategy session via video chat + a second read of your manuscript after you’ve revised)
  • MG nonfiction manuscripts – $1,200
  • Nonfiction book proposals – $500
Empowering young readers to act

Latest Blog Posts

  • LitLinks: How playing with existing ideas might lead to new ones
    LitLinks: How playing with existing ideas might lead to new ones
  • LitLinks: How to create a sniffing map to explore our sense of smell
    LitLinks: How to create a sniffing map to explore our sense of smell
  • LitLinks: Sound maps help kids focus on the sounds of nature
    LitLinks: Sound maps help kids focus on the sounds of nature

Connect with me on social media

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Check out the STEM Tuesday Blog

© 2025 — Patricia Newman

  • Home
  • Books
    • Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger
    • Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea
    • A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn
    • Planet Ocean
    • Eavesdropping on Elephants
    • Neema’s Reason To Smile
    • Zoo Scientists to the Rescue
    • Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem
    • Plastic, Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
    • Ebola: Fears and Facts
    • Jingle the Brass
    • Nugget on the Flight Deck
    • Surviving Animal Attacks
    • Elite Operations series
    • Energy Lab series
    • QuickReads Fluency Library
    • Books for English language-learners
    • Writers write all kinds of things
  • Author Visit Programs
    • FAQs
    • Calendar
  • Blog
  • Educator Resources
    • STEM + Literacy Activities
    • Teacher Guides
    • Earth Day Every Day newsletter archive
    • LitLinks
    • KidLit creators who make kids want to read
  • Writer Resources
    • Writing Classes
    • Manuscript or Proposal Critiques
    • How I got my start
  • Who is Patricia Newman?
  • Contact
    • Stay In Touch
    • Earth Day Every Day newsletter archive