Freelance Editors & Critiques

© Lisa Wee


Freelance Editors & Critique Services at a Glance



What is a freelance editor? A freelance editor is someone that is hired by YOU to polish your manuscript(s) prior to submission to agents or editors. A freelance editor will not REWRITE your  manuscript, but will offer the expert eye that will strengthen your manuscript. A really good freelance editor will help your manuscript by looking for: 


Narrative voice, arc 
,  pacing 
,  characterization,  
 point of view 
,  setting,  
 visual storyline (picture books),  
r ead-aloud quality  (picture books),  
 word choice,  
 rhythm,  and grammar/mechanics

Read this first: The Comprehensive Guide to Finding, Hiring, and Working with an Editor

Paying for a Professional Critique - Some Thoughts

The 7 Deadly Sins of Novelists (According to Editors)

Agent Eric Smith's List of Editors & Authors that Can Touch Up Your Manuscript or Query Letter

How to Find and Work with a Book Editor
Freelance Editors We RECOMMEND the following freelance editors (in alphabetical order). Please note that these editors have been vetted, and have provided recommendations of their work.

Laura Bontje Kate Brauning Alli Brydon




Margo Dill



Emma Dryden - Drydenbks  
Marlo Garnsworthy
Deborah Halverson



Emma Walton Hamilton

Amanda Jackson Annie Kuhn

Robin Larin

Elizabeth Law Jennifer Navarre Lou Piccolo

Robin Editorial  Amber Ross Amelia Denyven Ross Julie Scheina Editorial Services Chelsea Tornetto

Harold Underdown

Tamson Weston




Allison Wortche YA Book Editor Roseanne Frank Ronda Roaring


Professional Critique Services 


The following individuals (published authors, former editors and agents) offer professional picture book critique services that we recommend. (In alphabetical order). Click their links for more information.
Lisa Amstutz
Carrie Charley Brown   
Rachelle Burk  

Alayne Kay Christian  
Two-4-One Kid Critiques  (PB, CB, MG, YA) Danielle Davis Roseanne Frank Samantha Gassman
Sophia Gholz
Susan Hughes

Elaine Kiely Kearns

Susanna Leonard Hill
Yvonne Mes

Joy Moore

Penny Parker Klosterman (Q&As, critiques, webinars)
Patti Richards
Sara Sciuto

Meera Sriram

Beth Stilborn
Tiffany Strelitz Haber - rhyming PB manuscripts
Susan Uhlig
Karla Valenti (Karla VA) Professional Mentors Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning Writing Mentor Service