Suzanne Barton editor

Story feedback that helps children’s writers move forward with confidence

Suzanne Barton is an internationally published author and experienced editor who offers practical manuscript assessments and self-editing resources for children’s writers.

Book an assessment
Get the self-editing toolkit

  • Suzanne Barton assesses each story in its entirety looking at narrative flow, the mood of the manuscript and the effectiveness of the piece as a whole. In addition, Suzanne has an editor’s eye for detail. Not only will she point out problem areas within your work, she will make suggestions to improve these. Suzanne is gentle in her criticism and overt in her encouragement. Her enthusiasm for ‘kidlit’ shines through each critique, inspiring you to continue creating.

    Zoe Gaetjens
    Published children’s and YA author, high-school English teacher

  • I am delighted with Suzanne’s suggestions and edits to my picture book manuscript. It is an eye-opening, nurturing and uplifting experience. Suzanne is very efficient, professional and committed to making a story work. She has a sharp eye for detail and her comments are spot on. She addressed issues in areas such as the structure, pacing, and interaction between words and pictures, and provided excellent suggestions. Suzanne works wonders with the hook and synopsis too. Her clear explanations have helped me improve as a writer.

    Theresa M Tay

  • Wow! What a comprehensive critique! I was not even expecting so many constructive and encouraging comments. You put a lot more into this than the worth of what little you charged. A great investment on my part. And your analysis of the book’s commercial appeal was pure gold, to use a cliché. Thank you so much.

    Doug Atkins

  • Internationally published author

    Get personalised guidance from an author with picture books and junior fiction novels published by leading trade and educational publishers.

  • Experienced senior editor

    Stengthen your story with strategic, uplifting feedback from an editor with 20+ years of experience and a savvy creative and commercial mindset.

  • Creative market insights

    Identify cross-format opportunities through your editor’s dynamic experience as a writer and producer for screen, stage, games and digital platorms.

Clarity on what's working

✏

Honest but encouraging feedback

✏

Actionable revision suggestions

✏

A stronger manuscript

✏

Greater confidence in your next steps

✏

Clarity on what's working ✏ Honest but encouraging feedback ✏ Actionable revision suggestions ✏ A stronger manuscript ✏ Greater confidence in your next steps ✏

Manuscript assessment options

Quick Picture Book Manuscript Assessment Quick Picture Book Manuscript Assessment
Quick Picture Book Manuscript Assessment
A$160.00

A fast, focused review to help you understand what’s working and what isn’t in your picture book manuscript.

Full Picture Book Manuscript Assesment Full Picture Book Manuscript Assesment
Full Picture Book Manuscript Assesment
A$440.00

A comprehensive editorial report for writers pursuing trade contracts or high-quality indie release.

Popular blog posts

Blog
Guide to rhyme and metre for picture book authors
Guide to rhyme and metre for picture book authors

Stand out from the 'slush pile' by making your rhyming children's book the best it can be. Get to grips with watertight metre and consistent structure.

Read more →
Five ways to make your picture book manuscript stand out
Five ways to make your picture book manuscript stand out

I love helping picture book writers strengthen their stories. But over many years of reviewing manuscripts, I’ve noticed that writers often fall into the same traps. Here are my top five editorial tips that make stories shine.

Read more →
How to use illustration notes in your picture book manuscript
How to use illustration notes in your picture book manuscript

You might imagine your draft picture book’s artwork vividly. However, being too prescriptive in your illustration notes can be problematic for your pitches to publishers. Here’s how to use them wisely.

Read more →

Make your stories shine with the self-editing toolkit

Not ready for one-on-one feedback? This toolkit, which is a refreshed version of Suzanne’s popular course for picture book writers, offers comprehensive resources to set yourself up for success before submiting to trade publishers or considering self-publishing.

The Picture Book Writer's Toolkit
The Picture Book Writer's Toolkit
A$59.00

Professional tools to help you write and self-edit high-quality picture book texts. Explore 30 slides with links to video and audio lessons, resources and templates.

  • I am just now venturing into the world of book writing as I have always just been on the consumer side. I feel like this course is simple to understand and straight to the point on how to get started!

    Sarah McFarland
    ★★★★★

  • Thank you for sharing your pro-writing tips in a simple and engaging fashion. I appreciate the ability to move at my own pace. I am able to listen, take notes, and download files without fear of missing something important. Thank you for adding the helpful links at the end of the course, too.

    Susan Jobsky
    ★★★★★

  • There is a wealth of self-publishing resources in the kidlit industry, but what is often lacking is targeted, highly accessible content presented in a clear and engaging manner. This course fills this gap. I had the pleasure of test-driving this new offering and was blown away by the breadth and scope of the course, its user-friendly interface and the high level of editorial support from a seasoned professional. Anyone considering self-publishing: Stop what you’re doing and sign up now!

    Maura Pierlot
    Award-winning children’s author and playwright

  • I have read many books and writing magazines in my time. This mini course is succinct and inspiring and well worth revisiting when about to tackle an idea for a book.

    Alexander Mowatt
    ★★★★★

  • Great, concise mini-course. Packed with tons of valuable information. Thank you!

    Sharon Roulhac
    ★★★★★

  • The short course was packed with information to guide new authors on the pathway to publishing their first book.

    Shirley Burns
    ★★★★★

  • I have written stories for a decade, only for my kids and grandkids. Recently I was told I should publish them. This was intriguing but I did not know if my stories were good, if they would sell, or how I should publish. This quick and fun course helped me get a high-level view of the elements I should consider.

    Deborah Albers
    ★★★★★

  • I found this course informative. It helped fill in a couple of gaps in what I have learned so far. I like the approach that is more friendly than some I have looked at before – not just facts, but personalities of the contributors as well.

    Bruce Glass
    ★★★★★

  • A fast introduction with great information along with downloadable notes that complement the course and help the student. Good stuff!

    Frank de Swart
    ★★★★★

  • This course provided some great tips and checks for children's picture book manuscripts. One you are going to write or one you've already written. Thanks!

    Peggy Stroud
    ★★★★★

  • Excellent refresher and the forms you get are invaluable!

    Deb Perry
    ★★★★★

  • Great little course. Puts it all together in a nice, short form. Easy-to-access lessons.

    Madeleine McLaughlin
    ★★★★★

  • Very helpful, I like the specific ideas and descriptions. I learned a lot!

    Kathy Appleton
    ★★★★★

Why writers work with me

I’ve been enchanted by stories since I was a child and I’ve been lucky enough to make a career out of writing and editing.

Over more than 20 years, I’ve wordsmithed for magazines, documentaries, animation, games, musical theatre, festivals, capital-city newsrooms, philanthropy and everything in between.

My greatest passion is storytelling for children. I’d love to help you make your story shine.

Book an assessment

Free poster for picture book writers

Top tips for picture book writers poster