'Elizabeth is the first person I call when I’m stuck on something.  She’ll help me bat around an idea, or even answer a question about social media. Perhaps best of all, she understands how to go from idea to published book.'

Melissa Sweet, Caldecott Honor-winning artist

Support for wherever you are
in the publishing process.

What I offer:

Picture Book Special (my most popular service): A full 30 minute picture book critique session, which includes a line edit and margin comments on your manuscript, bullet-pointed notes, and a -recorded Zoom call where we discuss everything (including potential positioning and marketability).  You will leave the session with a clear sense of how you want to revise, and we can discuss agents, questions about the submission process, etc on the call if you wish. At the end of the session you get the edited manuscript, my notes for you, and a recording of the session.

Fee: $225, paid when you sign up and we agree a time for our session. I can be paid by Venmo, Paypal, Zelle or check. Details provided when the session is booked.

Picture book bundle: For writers who have 3, 4, or 5 manuscripts they’d like me to look at. We do a longer Zoom call and go over them all together, and also identify which are strongest and most likely to break through, how to position them, and strategies for submitting. Price varies based on number of manuscripts. I will also look at a larger group of manuscripts, select which ones have the most potential, and work with you on those. Contact me for details.

Manuscript feedback and editing, including the big picture and the small details: My work with you is tailored to what you need most.  I will do a deep dive and line edit of your novel or memoir in progress, or a shorter report on a partial manuscript. (Working on a partial ms. is a good way to identify key issues that can be impacting your whole manuscript.)  Each consultation includes a written notes, specific edits on the manuscript or dummy, and a phone or Zoom consultation to discuss all.   I've also worked with authors to shape query letters and give manuscripts a fine polish before submitting them to contests.

Query Letter review: Getting ready to submit to agents or editors but not feeling confident? I’ll help you put your best foot forward. Two rounds of work with you on a query letter, plus a discussion of which agents are currently reading submissions in your genre (with their contact information): $250. Two rounds of query letter help with no bells and whistles: $125. Synopsis and first ten pages can be added at an additional cost.

Career guidance:  Are you getting better and better rejection letters, but no contract yet? Do you have a couple of novels at one house that have performed below expectations, and you need to think about what to write next?  Are you looking for an agent, or are you possibly considering finding a new one? With 30 years experience in the business, I can help you strategize on conquering the publishing process, and what moves you can make to reach the next level.

Getting unstuck: Writing is solitary. We think we have to solve all of our problems ourselves, but au contraire.  I offer a 30-minute "unstuck" conversation, where we identify your problem and come up with a strategy for going forward. Happy to do over Zoom, and you can keep the recording.

Zoom visits with your critique group: Critique groups are the bedrock of many writers’ lives, and a fresh ear can often bring a welcome perspective to your work and your group.  I will Skype in and bring an informed view and feedback, plus support and humor as we all work together.

Speaking: I'm a popular--and funny!--speaker at conferences, conventions and retreats.  Topics include "Plot 101 and Beyond," "The Latest Trends and What You Need to Know (and What You Can Ignore)," "The Challenges of Creating Diverse Books," and "The Ten Best Things I've Learned About Revision."  I really enjoy being available to writers and artists and will answer any and all questions while I'm on site.

Fees: When working with a novelist or memoirist, I often ask for a sample of your work to make sure I’m a good editorial fit for you before setting a fee based on manuscript length and whether I’m doing the full manuscript or a partial. See my picture book special on this page for my current picture book rates.