Clients Say:
Annette was so helpful and patient with all my questions as a writer trying to break into the industry. She advised me on the most important steps in starting my writing career and was so generous with both her time and her tips, even though I don't write in her genre. Because of this quick initial meeting with her, I went on to learn so much more about editing and publishing – all because she gave me the starting point.
-Hannah Oliveras
Annette is an exceptional editor. As a successful non-fiction children’s book author, she is experienced, professional, thoughtful and collaborative. I learned so much from her and from the process. She was detail-focused and generous with both her time and her tips. I would highly recommend hiring her to edit your project. Thank you Annette. I look forward to working with you on my next project!
- Andrea Koehle Jones
A HUGE thank you to Annette Whipple Books for her incredible feedback on my three picture books and cover letter. Her critiques were invaluable, offering not only great suggestions but also providing insight into what the industry is seeking...Thank you, Annette, for your exceptional feedback. Your expertise and insights have been instrumental in shaping my work. For anyone seeking solid critiques from an experienced children's writer, I highly recommend Annette...You won't be disappointed!
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to look at the manuscript. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I want to truly thank you again for all of your insight. When I say "insight" I mean all the years of trial and error and learning experiences you have worked hard for that you have laid out for me in an email.
- John Rodrigues
You were so thorough and so spot-on! I appreciate your encouragement and suggestions.
Thank you so much for your critique! I have spent the last couple of days working through revisions, and have found your comments and advice to be extremely helpful and actionable!
- Kate Rietema
This is all exactly what I needed! Thanks so much for your feedback! This is all very detailed and helpful! I like your specific suggestions about word choice and how to add/flesh out certain sentences. I also like your thoughts about changing passive verbs to active and writing for magazines.
- Megan Northcote
I've been studying children's writing for a few years now, and I'm fortunate to be a newly published author. I find that many materials as resources have similar messages, and they do not have much to offer in terms of helping me take my work to the next level. Therefore, I am always looking for people who are good critique and editing sources. Annette met my work exactly where it was. She didn't cover basics that I already knew, but she addressed gaps in my picture book manuscript that I could not see from looking at it so much. She gave me specific notes about varying sentence structure and ideas about potentially better word choices. She provided constructive criticism and praise with equal gentleness and excitement. I would definitely use her critique services again and recommend that others also do!
I hired Annette Whipple to evaluate my work-for-hire packet. Her comments and suggestions for my cover letter, resume and writing samples were on-target. She provided detailed feedback that was understandable, helpful and professional. I feel confident in submitting to an editor for a work-for-hire assignment. I will definitely use Annette's services again.-Desiree Webber
Your notes and talking points are meaningful to improvement of my manuscript. The suggestion to write [my topic’s] story for a magazine is a must. Thank you for inserting that into my to do list. Varying my sentence structure and more emotion are top of the list for revisions. Notes from you on plot and structure about the chapters are ones I will ponder. Your suggestion makes sense. All your comments throughout are valuable. My gratitude for your helpful critique which made me hopeful.
As I continue to develop as a writer, the importance of having people you can trust to edit my work is becoming more and more essential. Annette Whipple is an insightful editor who offers guidance and encouragement in how your work can be improved without discouraging the work you have poured yourself into.
I really appreciate the time, attention and detail Annette put into reviewing my picture book manuscript. I was pleasantly surprised to receive an overview letter along with more specific comments within my manuscript. She offered me helpful insights which really helped me to strengthen my story. I found her critique to be appropriately constructive and also encouraging. I would happily recommend working with Annette to fellow writers!
Writers, before you get a professional critique, you may be interested in using some of these tips and resources for children's writers.
Picture Book, Chapter Book, and Middle Grade
My picture book critiques include strengths and weaknesses as well as suggestions to consider regarding your structure, development, word choice, characters, and more. I write comments in your manuscript and also include an editorial letter with thoughtful notes to help you strengthen your manuscript. I critique both fictional and informational picture books. Fees start at $125 for up to six pages of one double-spaced manuscript. If you want another critique of the same manuscript after you have revised, the second read of the same (6-page) manuscript is $75.
Cover Letter or Resume Review, $40
I can also review your cover letter to help you get your manuscript noticed. A cover letter review is $40. If you also purchase a manuscript critique at the same time, it is just $30. If you need a writing resume reviewed, I can also do that for $40.
Early Chapter Books, Middle Grade Informational/Nonfiction Critiques
Please contact me about your project. My pricing is $45 per hour.
Proposal Critiques
Work-for-Hire Submission Package Critique
Basic WFH Package Critique, $140
The Standard Critique includes an editorial letter with notes about your cover letter, resume, and one writing sample (up to four pages in standard format). Additional comments and line edits are included in your documents. An additional read of the same sample is $50.
Premium WFH Package Critique, $200
The Premium WFH Critique includes two pages of notes about your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (up to four pages in standard format). Additional comments and line edits are included in your documents. An additional read of the same sample is $50 each.
Crafting and Support WFH Package Critique, $240
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