I critique book dummies for picture books containing words and illustrations. I give the writer/illustrator tips to improve the flow of the words, illustrations, and address audience, concepts, trends, and movements.

Online Portfolio Critique: I examine the client's online portfolio and take notes. Upon meeting with the client, I will ask a few questions and then, offer tips to improve it.

Hand-held Portfolio Critique: I also critique hand-held portfolios in person, but not through this website.

Manuscript critiques help writers to solve narrative issues that acquiring editors spot instantly. I critique chapter books to middle-grade novellas for Christian writers. I analyze character, plot, scene, theme, and dialogue. Upon booking, I request book and chapter synopses from the writer. I may ask additional questions for clarity. A manuscript critique will help the writer to understand weaknesses in the story. The client will receive an overview of my critique plus industry tips.

Picture Books to Middle-Grade Novels: Get beta readings of your book before you launch through private, honest feedback from readers sharing their opinions about first impressions, expectations, and enjoyment about what they liked or did not like. This is not an editing critique, but rather a popularity critique, which may include comments pertaining to editing and narrative elements that you might find in an Amazon or Goodreads review. This service provides a pre-review of your book in PDF form from Christians who like to read, purchase, and/or analyze books for boys and girls. Currently, three private reviewers are available.

Picture Books - $25 per reviewer

Chapter Books - $65 per reviewer

Middle-Grade - $85 per reviewer

For best results, upload an ebook that will showcase the book in its best light. Results within 30 days or agreed upon timeline.

I focus on the writer's communication and the language used to create an atmosphere for the reader. I examine voice, style, tone, and mood. I bring focus to the sentence structure and dialogue. I cut or add words or phrases for clarification, and I rearrange passages if needed.

2-3 passes

$10 per page (approx. 500 word, single-spaced, Times New Roman)

Copyediting is an in-depth, word-level edit. It focuses on spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage, plagiarism, and content accuracy.

2-3 passes

I only do light copyediting included in a comprehensive edit.

Proofreading is the final editing process. It is a precise, fine-tooth edit that fixes typos, capitalization, spacing, font consistency, layout issues, and overall punctuation accuracy.

2-3 passes

I do not do proofreading.

As a writer publishing biblical doctrine for almost a decade, I enjoy clarifying the scriptures in context. If a client is trying to teach a biblical concept, whether directly or indirectly, I immediately spot and define areas where they could improve the message or alter the message for doctrinal accuracy.

2-3 passes

$5 per page (approx. 500 word, single-spaced, Times New Roman)

From chapter books to middle grade novellas (7.5K to 40K words), I combine Doctrinal, Developmental, Line Editing, and light Copyediting as a comprehensive editing package.

$28 per page (approx. 500 word, single-spaced, Times New Roman)

Yes, picture books need editing love too. I offer a Comprehensive Edit examining audience, concepts, structure, and applying light copyediting as well as enhancing moments through words or illustrations.

Flat Rate $300

First, the client sends the picture book manuscript to me for review and we set up an early appointment to discuss the client's vision for the characters and setting. During this time, I may also impart other visionary ideas for the book to help the story and will point out if the book needs editing or critiquing, which is a separate service I provide. Then, upon our next meeting within 2-4 weeks, the client will review concepts through a storyboard and character sketches via webinar and discuss any changes if desired. (I do not send these docs, but the client can view them.)

Additional terms may apply

Upon acceptance, the client signs my illustration agreement and I will begin the project as soon as the client pays the next installment within 7 days of billing, which includes the price for half of the project. (e.g., A 32-page book at $250 per page = $8000. So, half would be $4000. Front and back cover or decorative end pages are an additional charge). This is an average pricing structure for a self-publishing picture book project. Writers requesting complex illustrations requiring significant details will increase the time and page fee of the project.

I will then create a project brief, which includes a rough book dummy for client approval to proceed with the final vision. The client will receive one illustrated page of the book in two formats (HIGH-RES and LOW-RES) at this point.

After I have finished the first half of the illustrations, we will again meet for a mid-review of the book.  Finally, the client pays the last installment for me to complete the project.

This entire process usually takes about four to six months; longer for more complex illustrations.  After the project is completed, I will ask for a written review of the client's experience. I also recommend that clients beware of scam "artists" who claim to sell illustration services for shockingly low prices. They often deliver cheap-looking results. Those illustrations are unprofessional, will reduce the quality of the client's book, and harm the client's chances of ever winning an award.

Keep in mind that if I illustrate a traditionally-published book, I would also earn royalties from the sales for the life of the book. This is not the case for self-published books. Therefore, I request in the contract that the client allow me to sell the book as well.

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I look forward to working with you to help you produce a beautiful picture book that you and I will be proud to share with libraries and schools.

Download the Illustration Manual below.