Professional children's book manuscript critiques by Sibert Honor author

Why choose me to critique your manuscript?

I am a member of a successul multi-published critique group, and I have more than 20 years of experience critiquing other author’ 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

You may also be interested in some articles I’ve written about the writing process:

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 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.”

What to expect from my critiques

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.

Pricing

Manuscripts up to 1,000 words – $150

Manuscripts up to 1,500 words or nonfiction book proposals – $200

Manuscripts up to 3,000 words – $300

Manuscripts up to 6,000 words – $600

How to begin the critique process

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.
I will reply with my availablilty and a payment link.
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 differnt typeface)
have the title on page 1 half-way down the page in ALL CAPS

professional manuscript critiques

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