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Your Once Upon a Time is Now 

 

I can help you write and publish a picture book children will cherish.

TELL ME MORE

 

If this sounds familiar, I can help:

  • You're excited about your idea for a picture book but aren't sure how to wrestle it onto the page.
  • You feel great about your story idea but not so confident in your writing.
  • You feel stuck, second-guessing every sentence instead of making progress.
  • You aren’t sure your story is engaging enough to hold a child’s attention.
  • You’re unsure if your manuscript is age-appropriate in terms of language, theme, and pacing.
  • You’ve received mixed feedback (or no feedback at all) and need guidance on what’s working and what could be better.
  • You’re struggling with word count, flow, or structure and don’t know how to tighten your story.
  • You’re ready to take the next step but need professional insights to feel confident about your manuscript.

I want you to know the thrill of getting an email  like this:

“Hi Barbara,

I thought you might like the attached photo of Willa reading Virginia Loves Dogs last night. As a dog lover herself, she was obsessed and had me read it to her multiple times. And when I got tired, she scooted over to my husband and had him read it to her yet again. What a fantastic book!

Ann”

 

HI, I'M BARBARA

Think of Me As Your Fairy Godmother

I know what it’s like to wonder if your story is good enough. 

I’ve been writing since I learned to read, and I worked in magazine publishing and Fortune 500 corporate communications before my granddaughters inspired me to try my hand at writing for children. I knew I was a strong writer, but I had never written for kids before—all I knew was that it was different. Who knew writing an 800-word story could be so hard?

It took me two years and countless hours of research to feel confident enough to finish my manuscript and begin working with an illustrator. My first picture book, The Climbing Tree, ended up winning first place in the picture book category in the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards, and I went on to publish three more picture books (the latest was just released in July 2025). 

These days, my corporate work takes a back seat to my writing and teaching. I serve as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University, where I teach graduate-level writing courses. Through Finch & Squirrel, I help aspiring authors refine their stories with the same care I once needed myself.

Why work with me?

As both an award-winning children’s book author and a writing professor, I bring real-world publishing experience and years of teaching expertise. I know how to recognize your unique strengths as a writer and offer guidance that enhances your story, while preserving your unique voice and creative vision.

 

This isn’t just about writing or fixing a story—it’s about helping you build confidence, grow as a writer, and create a book that kids will treasure. (And have some fun along the way.)

LET'S DO THIS!

I can help you if...

  • You're either new to writing for children or looking to level up your skills.
  • You want flexible, personalized coaching—at your pace, on your schedule.
  • You’d love a supportive mentor and sounding board for your ideas.
  • You want to write or strengthen your story while keeping your unique voice intact--no heavy-handed editor for you!
  • You want to retain complete creative control and all rights to your work.
GIVE ME THE DETAILS

FAQs

Coaching

$115

 For writers who want a mentor to guide them through writing or finishing a draft of a picture book or navigating the path to publication. 

  • A 60-minute video call: Need guidance on what makes a picture book irresistible? How to take the next step toward publishing your picture book? In this one-on-one session, I’ll help you move forward with confidence.
  • Actionable insights tailored to your needs: Before our call, you’ll share your goals, challenges, or questions, and I’ll come prepared to address them.
  • Follow-up email summary outlining next steps and offering resources relevant to your goals.

 

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Author Coaching Bundle (Discounted rate of $75/hour)

$225

One-to-one support tailored to your project and unique goals. 

  • 3 60-minute video calls: Need guidance on writing your story, working with an illustrator, or navigating the self-publishing process?  In a series of one-on-one sessions, I’ll help you move forward with confidence.
  • Actionable insights tailored to your needs: We'll discuss your goals in our first session and create a plan and schedule to accomplish them.
  • Email support in between sessions: Have a question that can't wait until the next session? I'm available by email to help you maintain momentum and make progress toward your goals.
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Picture Book Manuscript Review

$275

 For writers who have a draft of a picture book and want thoughtful feedback to prepare for publication. 

  • Deep reading and analysis: A thorough review of your manuscript (up to 1,500 words).
  • Actionable feedback: Clear, constructive insights to strengthen your story while preserving your unique voice.
  • A 60-minute coaching call to discuss your story and next steps to help you move forward. 
  • BONUS Guide to Working with Beta Readers: A step-by-step guide (with done-for-you templates) to gathering feedback from your target audience.  
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