Hi there, fellow writer.

I genuinely love helping children’s book authors prepare manuscripts for submission to trade publishers, or for high-quality independent release.

As well as being a published children’s author, I have a masters in scriptwriting and 20+ years in corporate roles as a senior editor and communications specialist.

This combination of skills gives me a sharp eye for detail, a commercial mindset, and a knack for drawing out humour and heart of stories from diverse writers.

I’m passionate about reducing the time you spend in trade publishers’ slush piles.

Plus, in an era where self-publishing is at everyone’s fingertips, I’m (very) keen to reduce the amount of ‘underbaked’ manuscripts that get rushed to market.

Taking time to understand and hone your craft increases your fulfillment as a creator. Importantly, it also creates better books to inspire and delight future generations.

There’s a thread of gold in every manuscript. I can’t wait to help you tease that magic out for your latest story.

Suzanne

Editing services at a glance

  • A comprehensive editorial report for writers ready to take their picture book manuscript seriously. Suitable for authors preparing work for submission to trade publishers, or considering high-quality independent release. Find out what’s included.

  • A fast, focused review to help you understand what’s working and what isn’t in your picture book manuscript. Great for early drafts, idea validation and writers who want quick clarity. Find out what’s included.

  • Coming soon. Professional tools to help you master writing high-quality picture book texts. Includes detailed PDF resources with practical examples, plus audio and video lessons.

  • For children’s writers developing texts for older audiences. Limited spots available. Price on application based on manuscript length and industry rates. Contact Suzanne to check availability.

  • From scriptwriting to speechwriting, Suzanne is available for a myriad of writing and editing projects. Price on application based on the scope of your project, and industry rates. Contact Suzanne to tell her about your project.

  • 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
    Author of Little Angler, Being Indy and Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans

  • 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. 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

Quick Picture Book Manuscript Review Quick Picture Book Manuscript Review
Quick Picture Book Manuscript Review
A$160.00

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

Learn more
Full Picture Book Manuscript Editorial Report Full Picture Book Manuscript Editorial Report
Full Picture Book Manuscript Editorial Report
A$440.00

A comprehensive editorial report for writers ready to take their picture book manuscript seriously.

Learn more

Launching April 2026

The Picture Book Writer’s Toolkit

This reimagining of my popular mini course will include bundles of resources and templates, plus audio and video lessons.

The Picture Book Writer’s Toolkit is designed to help you self-edit and hone your craft at your own pace. It unveils all the common errors, and offers helpful tools for both trade and indie-aspiring authors.

The bundle will have no pesky logins, or pressure to have your work critiqued by another human (until you’re ready). Just handy resources to keep and refer back to at your leisure.

The price point will be around AUD$59.

  • 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
    ★★★★★

  • 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
    ★★★★★

  • 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 author of books including Alphabetter

  • 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
    ★★★★★