Picture Book Manuscript Assessment and Editing
Every great children’s book begins with a spark… an idea, a character, a moment of magic.
My job is to help you shape that spark into a story with heart, clarity, rhythm and emotional resonance.
As a children’s book author and editor with years of experience working on picture books (including many in rhyme), I understand how precious your manuscript is, and how overwhelming feedback can sometimes feel. That’s why I’ve created a new streamlined and approachable tiered system. It’s designed to give you exactly the level of support your story needs without overwhelming you with markups, or doing the writing for you so we lose your wonderful, unique voice.
Whether you’re polishing up a story to submit to a publisher, revising for self-publishing, or crafting your very first picture book, I’m here to help you write a story children will want to read again and again.
Scroll down to read more about the tiers, then head back here to make your selection from the drop-down menu.
Every great children’s book begins with a spark… an idea, a character, a moment of magic.
My job is to help you shape that spark into a story with heart, clarity, rhythm and emotional resonance.
As a children’s book author and editor with years of experience working on picture books (including many in rhyme), I understand how precious your manuscript is, and how overwhelming feedback can sometimes feel. That’s why I’ve created a new streamlined and approachable tiered system. It’s designed to give you exactly the level of support your story needs without overwhelming you with markups, or doing the writing for you so we lose your wonderful, unique voice.
Whether you’re polishing up a story to submit to a publisher, revising for self-publishing, or crafting your very first picture book, I’m here to help you write a story children will want to read again and again.
Scroll down to read more about the tiers, then head back here to make your selection from the drop-down menu.
Choose Your Editorial Package
Story Spark – Quick-Glance Manuscript Review ($95 AUD)
A fast, friendly nudge in the right direction.
Sometimes you just want to know: Is this working? Story Spark offers expert first impressions fast.
You’ll receive:
A comprehensive feedback form
Guidance on areas like concept, audience suitability, voice, pacing, and overall clarity
A simple roadmap for your next round of revisions
No markups. Just insight, direction and encouragement
Perfect for: Early drafts, idea validation and writers who want quick clarity.
Bright Path – In-Depth Editorial Assessment ($180 AUD)
Thoughtful guidance with room for your voice to shine.
When your story is taking shape but not quite landing, Bright Path helps illuminate what’s working and where to go next.
You’ll receive:
A comprehensive feedback form
Extended written editorial feedback.
Guidance on areas like structure, theme, emotional arc, character and page-turn pacing
Rhythm and rhyme diagnostics, with brief examples of fixes where necessary
Highlighted examples of issues, without full rewriting
Practical, actionable revision suggestions you can implement immediately
Up to two follow-up questions via email
Free entry into my How to Write a Picture Book mini course
Perfect for: Writers seeking developmental insights without overwhelming markups.
Magic Maker – Premium Picture Book Edit and Coaching ($380 AUD)
Collaborative, craft-deepening and mentor-style guidance. Limited spots available.
The most comprehensive support I offer… designed to help you hone your craft over time, without encroaching on your writer’s “voice” or burning either of us out.
Magic Maker gives you deep analysis and personalised coaching so you have more insights to really understand the “why” behind each suggestion, carry these learnings forward into future projects, and get personalised advice for your next steps in the children’s writing industry.
You’ll receive:
A comprehensive feedback form
Extended written editorial feedback
Targeted notation and comments in your document margins (not full markups)
Rhythm, metre and rhyme guidance with examples, rather than fixes throughout
A short recorded video walkthrough of the manuscript’s strengths and opportunities
Revision strategy recommendations tailored to your goals
A second-look mini assessment once you have applied changes
Up to five follow-up questions via email
Free entry into my How to Write a Picture Book mini course
Optional additions: Once your initial assessment is complete and we’ve gotten to know each other’s styles, you’re welcome to enquire about pricing and availability for ongoing coaching with live video calls
Perfect for: Authors preparing to submit to publishers, self-publishers and writers wanting to hone their craft.
Testimonials
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Frequently asked questions
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Yes, though instead of rewriting your lines, I help you understand what’s going wrong, why, and how to fix it yourself. No more mysterious metre!
For a head-start, read my rhyme and metre blog and apply your learnings to your story before submission.
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No. My goal is to empower you as a writer, not to take over the pen. I offer targeted notes and clear examples, but not full rewrites. This is so you maintain your own writer’s voice.
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First, purchase your editorial package on this page. Then head to the Submission form. If I don’t receive your story, I’ll prompt you with an email.
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Story Spark: 3 to 5 business days
Bright Path: 7 to 10 business days
Magic Maker: 10 to 14 business days
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Absolutely, and I’m happy to provide you with a discount code for future bookings. However I recommend you send me one story initially. What you learn from the first assessment might give you new ideas for your other stories.
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You are exactly who these tiers are designed for. I love supporting brand-new writers. Emerging and experienced writers are also very welcome. Sometimes a second, unbiased pair of eyes can be really handy to have when you are developing a new project, no matter what your level of experience.
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Yes, on a limited basis. While picture books are my core focus, I occasionally take on short chapter books (up to 10,000 words). Contact me for a custom quote.
Ready to get started?
Your story matters. Your voice matters. And with the right guidance, your manuscript can become the book a child insists on reading “one more time”. Head to the top of the page to select your editorial package.