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Barbara Targonski

Author - Freelance Editor - Author Coach

Critique and Developmental Editing

     Is your manuscript ready for the next step, but you're not sure how to take it there?

     I offer detailed critique and developmental editing services to help bring your story to life. Whether you're fine-tuning plot structure, deepening character development, or refining pacing and tone, I’ll work with you to ensure your manuscript reaches its full potential.

     Together, we’ll craft a story that captivates readers, flows seamlessly, and stays true to your unique voice. Let’s make your manuscript the best it can be!

Picture Book Critique
&
Developmental Edit

up to 1000 words

Subsequent Feedback Picture Book Critique
&
Developmental Edit
up to 1000 words

$75 for up to 1000 words

$50 for subsequent rounds
on the same manuscript

  1. Story Structure & Plot Development

    • Review of story arc to ensure a clear beginning, middle, and end

    • Suggestions for engaging openings and satisfying conclusions

    • Ensuring a balance of conflict, resolution, and character growth suitable for young readers

  2. Character Development

    • Feedback on creating memorable, relatable characters

    • Ensuring characters are distinctive and their actions drive the plot

    • Helping characters evolve in ways that resonate with the target age group

  3. Pacing & Flow

    • Reviewing the pacing to maintain the attention of young readers, keeping it engaging and appropriate for the length of the book

    • Ensuring transitions between pages or scenes are smooth and natural

    • Suggestions on balancing action and quieter moments to create a dynamic flow

  4. Language & Tone

    • Ensuring language is age-appropriate, clear, and accessible

    • Refining tone to match the mood of the story—whether whimsical, heartwarming, or adventurous

    • Adjusting vocabulary to keep it engaging and educational without being overwhelming

  5. Dialogue & Voice

    • Ensuring dialogue sounds natural and fits the character’s personality

    • Offering suggestions for improving character voices and their interactions

    • Enhancing emotional resonance through the dialogue

  6. Illustration & Visual Storytelling

    • Offering feedback on how the text supports and interacts with the illustrations

    • Ensuring the story is visually engaging, with room for the illustrator’s creativity

    • Suggestions on how to enhance the visual flow of the story to complement the narrative

  7. Theme & Message

    • Reviewing the underlying theme of the book, ensuring it’s clear and meaningful for children

    • Offering suggestions on how to strengthen or clarify the book’s message

    • Ensuring the theme is age-appropriate and resonates with young readers

  8. Word Count & Length

    • Reviewing the overall length of the text, ensuring it’s appropriate for the age group and fits the picture book format

    • Suggestions on trimming unnecessary words or expanding underdeveloped ideas

    • Ensuring the word count supports a balanced reading experience with room for illustrations

  9. Rhythm & Rhyme (if applicable)

    • Reviewing the rhythm and flow of text, ensuring it reads smoothly aloud

    • Offering feedback on rhyme schemes, meter, and consistency if the book is written in verse

    • Suggestions for improving the lyrical quality of the text while maintaining clarity and meaning

  10. Overall Manuscript Feedback

    • Providing holistic feedback on how the manuscript works as a picture book

    • Suggestions on improving the overall storytelling experience for children

    • A collaborative review with actionable advice for revisions to create a more compelling, engaging book

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              An in-depth critique/developmental edit of one picture book manuscript (up to 1000                          words). You will receive both in-text comments and an email.

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               EMAIL ME @ plantabookpublishing@gmail.com

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