Are you wondering if your picture book is ready to submit? Do you need a jump start or are you simply stuck? I offer a fresh look at fiction manuscripts in the form of comprehensive critiques. I will review your manuscript and make line-item as well as big picture suggestions (plot, characterization, marketability, etc). I have a direct ‘think out-loud approach’ which includes highlighting things that are working, problem areas, rationale, and specific examples of ways to improve.
I have nearly ten years of experience critiquing manuscripts for all levels of authors from beginning to published (see testimonials below). As a former teacher, I examine stories through both educator and reader lenses. I have served as a judge for The Best in Rhyme Awards and was a contributing member of ReFoReMo (Reading For Research Month).
** All levels of writing are welcomed (700 words or fewer). Feel free to contact me for questions.
** Initial critiques run $80 for prose and $150 for rhyme. I will look at revisions for $50.
** Please email me at cindy(at)cindyschrauben(dot)com.
Testimonials:
Lori Alexander, award-winning author of nonfiction, picture books & board books
Kaitlyn Sanchez, Author/Agent:
Cindy has amazing rhyme and rhythm skills, and always finds a way to make my stories better with wonderful suggestions for the plot as well as the rhyme and rhythm.
June Steube, Author:
Cindy’s critiques are both insightful and inspiring. Her constructive comments about character and plot development humor and rhyme have pointed the way to a more fun, concise and child-relevant manuscript. She has been extremely helpful when I was floundering with the manuscript’s structure and direction and has always taken the time to explain and point the way. Highly recommended!
Della Ross Ferreri, Author:
Cindy gives quality advice and feedback on my picture book manuscripts. She truly cares and aims to bring out the best in a story. I can’t recommend her enough!
Candace Spizzirri, Author:
I 100% recommend Cindy Schrauben’s critique services. Her critiques are well thought out, spot on, detailed…the best.
Sherry Fellores, Author:
Cindy pushes my work to the next level. Her suggestions for sentence structure, word choice, and big picture ideas are always spot on. She is truly a wordsmith!