Picture books
If you’ve written a picture book, you might be wondering whether it’s really necessary to hire an editor. Typically, picture books are not very long, and you’ve probably gone over your manuscript so many times you’ve picked up all (or most) of the mistakes. But in my experience, editing is an indispensable step in picture book production. In short form texts, every word matters. Every word has to be just right. I can help you polish the text of your picture book until it shines.
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Jane was extremely generous with her time and her advice. Her extensive knowledge of children’s books and their structure helped me, as a first time author, to bring my characters and story to life. Thank you so much Jane, for all your support over this journey! - Rufia Valiff |
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What will I do?
If you entrust your picture book to me, I won’t just check it for typos and grammatical mistakes (though I’ll do that too!). I’ll also consider whether:
How much will I charge?
The good news is that picture books, being short, are generally not expensive to edit. For a book of up to 1000 words, my charges would start at $200. Please note that this price is a guide only. If you’d like to get a quote on editing your picture book, please contact me. Once you’ve sent me a message, I’ll ask you for the text so that I can give you an accurate quote.
Why am I the right editor for you?
In my long career as a school librarian, I’ve read and evaluated lots of picture books! I also have extensive experience in reviewing them for Magpies Magazine and in editing them for Big Sky Publishing. One of the picture books I edited, Dreaming Soldiers, won its section in the Speech Pathology Australia’s ‘Book of the Year’ award in 2019. I combine a love and wide knowledge of children’s literature with professionalism and editorial skill.
If you entrust your picture book to me, I won’t just check it for typos and grammatical mistakes (though I’ll do that too!). I’ll also consider whether:
- the language, content, sentence construction and length are suited to the target audience
- every word is necessary and in the right place
- the rhythm is conducive to reading aloud
- rhyming words (if present) are appropriate and don’t appear contrived
- the text complements the illustrations (if available).
How much will I charge?
The good news is that picture books, being short, are generally not expensive to edit. For a book of up to 1000 words, my charges would start at $200. Please note that this price is a guide only. If you’d like to get a quote on editing your picture book, please contact me. Once you’ve sent me a message, I’ll ask you for the text so that I can give you an accurate quote.
Why am I the right editor for you?
In my long career as a school librarian, I’ve read and evaluated lots of picture books! I also have extensive experience in reviewing them for Magpies Magazine and in editing them for Big Sky Publishing. One of the picture books I edited, Dreaming Soldiers, won its section in the Speech Pathology Australia’s ‘Book of the Year’ award in 2019. I combine a love and wide knowledge of children’s literature with professionalism and editorial skill.
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Jane worked with me to perfect my very first manuscript which turned into my debut picture book, The Little Book of Hopes (published by New Frontier). In my time working with Jane, she was sensitive and nurturing in a way that truly assisted me in becoming a better writer. - Elyse Shellie. |
