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For writers looking for actionable feedback to strengthen their picture book manuscript while honoring their unique voice and vision.
Thoughtful, in-depth feedback on drafts at any stage to ensure your work is strong, sharp, and true to your voice. I identify where your manuscript is most successful and suggest specific areas for revision.
While I offer light guidance on how to approach these changes, I don’t "fix" the text for you; rather, I give you the tools to refine it yourself.
Before moving forward with the review, we’ll begin with a brief consultation to discuss where you are in the writing process and the type of support and feedback you’re looking for.
How it works:
After purchase, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your manuscript (up to 1,500 words). The email will come from me (Barbara.Leary@FinchandSquirrel.com).
The email will include a brief questionnaire asking you to provide details on your target audience, genre, theme, and any specific areas you’d like feedback on.
I will review and analyze your manuscript to evaluate age-appropriateness, plot, character, structure, theme, and voice (and more).
You will receive actionable feedback with two weeks – I will send you detailed comments on your manuscript, with clear, constructive insights to strengthen your story while preserving your unique voice.
At that point, I will also send you a link to schedule your coaching call, along with a Guide to Working with Beta Readers –A step-by-step guide (with done-for-you templates) to gathering feedback from your target audience.
Know before you buy:
REFUND POLICY: Cancel within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund. No refunds will be granted after 24 hours.
You'll need to provide a finished draft of your story. A rough draft is fine, but it should be complete and not an unfinished work in progress.
I will make every effort to help you strengthen your manuscript but I make no guarantee that your manuscript will be acquired by a publisher or that it will achieve a specific level of sales.
As the author, you retain all ownership rights to your work, including copyright.
My feedback will reflect my experience as a children's book author and writing instructor; you alone determine what advice to take, if any.
The feedback will be limited to the manuscript. It won't include advice on finding an illustrator, agent or publisher, or on any other aspect of publication.
I will provide detailed feedback, but I will not edit your story. If you would like to work with an editor, we can discuss how best to proceed.
Your experience as a writer doesn't matter! I've worked with people who have very little writing experience / no prior experience writing for children to seasoned, professional writers who want to try their hand at something new.
Next Steps:
Complete your purchase.
Keep an eye on your inbox for the submission instructions.
For writers looking for actionable feedback to strengthen their picture book manuscript while honoring their unique voice and vision.
Thoughtful, in-depth feedback on drafts at any stage to ensure your work is strong, sharp, and true to your voice. I identify where your manuscript is most successful and suggest specific areas for revision.
While I offer light guidance on how to approach these changes, I don’t "fix" the text for you; rather, I give you the tools to refine it yourself.
Before moving forward with the review, we’ll begin with a brief consultation to discuss where you are in the writing process and the type of support and feedback you’re looking for.
How it works:
After purchase, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your manuscript (up to 1,500 words). The email will come from me (Barbara.Leary@FinchandSquirrel.com).
The email will include a brief questionnaire asking you to provide details on your target audience, genre, theme, and any specific areas you’d like feedback on.
I will review and analyze your manuscript to evaluate age-appropriateness, plot, character, structure, theme, and voice (and more).
You will receive actionable feedback with two weeks – I will send you detailed comments on your manuscript, with clear, constructive insights to strengthen your story while preserving your unique voice.
At that point, I will also send you a link to schedule your coaching call, along with a Guide to Working with Beta Readers –A step-by-step guide (with done-for-you templates) to gathering feedback from your target audience.
Know before you buy:
REFUND POLICY: Cancel within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund. No refunds will be granted after 24 hours.
You'll need to provide a finished draft of your story. A rough draft is fine, but it should be complete and not an unfinished work in progress.
I will make every effort to help you strengthen your manuscript but I make no guarantee that your manuscript will be acquired by a publisher or that it will achieve a specific level of sales.
As the author, you retain all ownership rights to your work, including copyright.
My feedback will reflect my experience as a children's book author and writing instructor; you alone determine what advice to take, if any.
The feedback will be limited to the manuscript. It won't include advice on finding an illustrator, agent or publisher, or on any other aspect of publication.
I will provide detailed feedback, but I will not edit your story. If you would like to work with an editor, we can discuss how best to proceed.
Your experience as a writer doesn't matter! I've worked with people who have very little writing experience / no prior experience writing for children to seasoned, professional writers who want to try their hand at something new.
Next Steps:
Complete your purchase.
Keep an eye on your inbox for the submission instructions.