Kids' Book Coaching, Critiques, and Editing
PICTURE BOOK PRACTITIONER
EDITOR, MENTOR, MOTIVATOR: A one-month coaching service to concentrate on your project with a writer, editor, and teacher who “speaks” picture books and is passionate about supporting fellow creatives as they tap into their unique voice and vision—all with collaboration, camaraderie, and care.
Includes:
- Three one-hour video calls.
- Big picture feedback about your picture book project and/or its development.
- Line notes on your draft/revision-several, according to your pace.
- Encouragement and guidance; email support; optional Whatsapp inspiration thread.
- A special surprise unique to your story
- Help with where to go from here (submissions, pitch, strategy).
- An experience that's flexible and tailored to you!
$1,000 for the month. A variety of payment plans available as well as a 30% discount ($700) for educators or marginalized folks who need it. Find that here.
Why Hire Me
My second language is picture books. I’ve been writing, reading, and reviewing the form for 20 years. I’ve taught classes and workshops on picture books, worked with countless writers on their manuscripts, and been deeply involved in the community of children’s book creators. Publishers send me dozens of children's books every month (and my library holds are out of control). I have one PB published and three more forthcoming with many at various stages.
I believe in collaboration. I believe in tuning into your vision and voice and offering feedback accordingly. I want to set you up for your writing process and own writing identity (that you can carry forward with you), for your project's best outcome and your future pitch!
And my first picture book was To Make, a manual for creativity following the steps, "Gather, make, wait."
Picture Book Practitioner Testimonials
"Working with Danielle was one of the most affirming and transformational creative experiences I’ve ever had....The experience felt like a true creative partnership—supportive, energizing, and full of ‘aha’ moments."
—Lauren Kratz
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"Playful, productive, fun. Having Danielle as a mentor for a full month was a fantastic experience...Not only did she help me make my story beautiful.. I was allowed to play with no judgment!!! I have a finished project and the words needed to sell myself and my book!"
Paulina Sauréz, picture book illustrator
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"What a joy it was to work with Danielle Davis on my new book project. This was beyond fantastic, and I plan to come back again to Danielle..."
Diane Adams, author of Love Is and many other picture books
PICTURE BOOK VIDEO CRITIQUES
For a video critique of your picture book manuscript, I read and reflect on your story and then we have a one-hour call that includes feedback and comparative titles and, mostly, a conversation about your project in the big picture so I can be of help as you bring your vision for your story to life with a revision strategy as well as specific ideas.
Why a conversation? I think it's important to be able to discuss a story together, for me to hear from you about its origin and what energizes you about it—the WHY of you taking it on. In addition, we can discuss and brainstorm together, which offers more support via collaboration and reciprocity than a traditional written critique.
$225. A variety of payment plans available.
CREATIVE / CAREER CALL
A chance to talk together for an hour about what you’re up to and/or where you are on your picture book path. Ask me questions, tell me about your story, get my take on possible next steps. We can also use this time to work on developing a picture book together if you’re stuck or unsure and would like that type of support. Whatever you need this to be!
$150. Payment plans available.
LINE NOTES ON YOUR PB REVISION
If you revise a manuscript we've I've video critiqued in the last 6 months, I offer line notes as a follow-up on that revision. It’s a nice way to close the circle and get granular feedback on your picture book project at your next step (can be repeated a couple of times according to your needs).
$75. Payment plans available.
FREELANCE EDITING
If you're creating a picture book you plan to publish yourself, I might be a fit as editor! This can look like developmental editing in the early stages of shaping a project and getting it down, and/or editing the existing manuscript at every step of the way until it's a print-ready galley!
It's a huge honor to have helped shepherd the following titles with their authors to publication: BEFORE AND AFTER BABY, C TRAIN, TRICKY TRICHOTILLOMANIA, MY COLOR IS RAINBOW, and THE GIRL AND THE SUN.
I'm currently working with publisher clients Global Bookshelves and McSea Books on picture book titles as well! Two published so far, ZAKEE AND THE QUIET MAGIC OF BEING YOU; I SPOT AN INVENTION: SANI AND JAI'S TREASURE HUNT.
$75/hour. Please get in touch to find out more.
Check out my EDITING PORTFOLIO.
Editing Testimonials
“When working with [Danielle], I feel I have the best possible partner...There is no competition or judgement, only support, constructive critique, and kindness. Danielle is not only a trusted partner in bookmaking, she is a champion for children everywhere.”
—Maegan Blackwell, author of Before and After Baby.
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"Danielle breathes life into your book and is a joy to work with. Her encouraging energy and attention to detail are unparalleled. After working with Danielle on C Train I felt 1,000 times more confident about publishing the book. I highly recommend her services if you plan on publishing your book or pitching it to publishers."
—Brigette Allen, creator of C Train.
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"Danielle is a brilliant picture book editor who brings a broad spectrum of talents to the projects she shepherds - from diligently catching the minutest details to expertly providing creative and targeted feedback. She is a gifted collaborator who responds swiftly, as well as a great communicator, infusing a breath of fresh air into her clients’ pursuits. Most importantly, she is a master of supporting the writer's intent while maintaining and magnifying the voice and spirit of the picture book."
—Jeannie Olander, co-writer of Tricky Trichotillomania.