Finding someone to read and critique my children's chapter book

January 11, 2022 12:21 AM

A couple years ago I wrote a humorous children's chapter book. I took a few stabs at seeking feedback and/or publication, then forgot about it. I recently reread it, and think I might still be interested in trying to seek publication. But I would in the meantime like some feedback, to see if it would be worth all that effort.

I know about SCBWI, and when I first finished the book I even looked into a local book critique group of my local chapter. I just...right now, even more so than a couple of years ago, I don't have the time or energy to read and offer critiques on other authors' writing. I know that's bad.

Essentially, what I would like to do is to pay someone with an extensive background in editing, publishing and/or writing--particularly someone who has some knowledge of the world of children's books, which I do not--to read through my text and tell me yes/no:

1. This book has something to it and would be worthwhile to keep seeking an agent or whatever
2. This book might have the seed of something, but only with extensive rewriting or editing
3. This book needs to be completely taken apart and a whole new book needs to be assembled before you should consider showing it the light of day
4. This is not a book you should sink any more time into, whatsoever

I know there are probably people who offer these services. Possibly some of them are here on Metafilter? (and yes, I know about Metafilter jobs) I guess I'm looking for recommendations for someone, or a company, that offers this kind of service?

Thanks!

posted by anonymous to Writing & Language (8 answers total)

I work with emerging authors for a living, but I don't work with the children's market per se. Instead, I'm all about the story and, from that perspective, I can tell you that most books require extensive rewriting, especially in the early stages of a career when authors are still learning to tell an effective story.

I wonder why you're not confident enough to pitch an agent and get their feedback. I also wonder how much rewriting you've done. But note I wonder this gently in both cases, the writing-editing-publishing process is a difficult one.

As for your specific questions, you might try posting an ad in Publisher's Lunch Job Board. They only cater to people working in professional book publishing, so just make clear you're advertising a one-off job for a children's book editor. You might also try posting an ad with the Editorial Freelance Association, though I don't always find them such a helpful group.

Finally, you might also take a look at the classifieds in Poets and Writers, which used to attract editorial-type ads regularly.
posted by Violet Blue at 2:21 AM on January 11, 2022

When I was doing this, I was able to find some one on Fiverr who was an editor to review mine. Take a look there.
posted by pyro979 at 3:55 AM on January 11, 2022 [3 favorites]

If the book is finished, pitch it to an agent, because you'll have to do that anyway. The work needn't be perfect, agents are trained to see the smallest kernel of potential in your writing.

First three chapters plus a cover letter and a short bio. There are hundreds of guides online about how to do it. Make a spreadsheet of 30 agents interested in childrens book, and send out the queries in batches of 5, tweaking your approach and the book itself as you receive feedback.
posted by mani at 5:32 AM on January 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

Congrats! The person you want is called a "developmental editor." I would look for one with specific children's book experience.

Good luck!
posted by heavenknows at 6:22 AM on January 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

Reedsy is a good clearinghouse for finding an editor (or other book professional).
posted by babelfish at 7:15 AM on January 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

This sounds like the sort of thing for which you might see advertisements in Jane Friedman's Hot Sheet newsletter for authors. I have no experience with those services or any of her advertisers, but I can enthusiastically recommend her newsletter.
posted by fruitslinger at 7:42 AM on January 11, 2022 [1 favorite]

I know about SCBWI, and when I first finished the book I even looked into a local book critique group of my local chapter. I just...right now, even more so than a couple of years ago, I don't have the time or energy to read and offer critiques on other authors' writing. I know that's bad.

Honestly, I don't think that's bad. You recognize that creative feedback is labor that merits payment. Right now, you can't repay it with time. So you're willing to repay it with money. That strikes me as a self-aware and professional attitude.

I disagree with the advice to query agents directly. The vast majority of the time, querying an agent will result in a form rejection letter. If you do get personal feedback, it will most likely be vaguely phrased and not actionable. If you don’t get personal feedback, you’ll have no way of knowing if you have missed the threshold for a personal reply by a millimeter or a mile.

Also, if this is your first manuscript and you haven’t yet received feedback on it, odds are that it isn’t yet ready for submission. Rather than burning bridges now, you’d be better off submitting it when it’s ready. (And, for that matter, when you have the time and energy to research agents and polish your query letter .)

In the meantime, two longer-term possibilities you might consider if the other suggestions you've gotten don't work out for whatever reason:

• Back when SCBWI conferences were in person, they sometimes offered the option of getting a critique from an industry professional. It doesn't look like SCBWI is offering this for the (online) 2022 Winter Conference but it's worth signing up for emails from your local SCBWI branch in case this is offered at a regional conference. Also it’s worth checking the schedule for the 2022 Summer Conference whenever it is announced.

• Authors, agents, and editors who would not normally offer critiques for money will sometimes do so for charity. For example, here are some critiques that were on offer at a charity auction that took place last year. I searched on Twitter for ms critique auction and didn't find any current auctions, but I found several in the past year. If you search every few weeks, you are likely to turn one up eventually.

PS: The above advice is for the US which is the market I am most familiar with.
posted by yankeefog at 8:04 AM on January 11, 2022 [4 favorites]

I'm a YA/MG editor and author (link in bio.) MeMail me. I have some time; I'll take a look.
posted by headspace at 10:39 AM on January 12, 2022 [1 favorite]