Working with Writers

Kids' Book Coaching, Critiques, and Editing

My second language is picture books, and if you’re working on one, I’d be honored to support your voice and vision coming to life through collaboration and conversation. 

OFFERINGS FOR WRITERS

  • Picture Book Practitioner Month

    A month of coaching on a project, tailored to your needs: editing, mentoring, motivating.

    Learn More

  • Picture Book Critiques

    A video call to talk through your story and discuss approaches, inspiration, and specifit ideas for revising it.

    Learn More

  • Creative Career Call

    An hour to chat through anything—from developing your PB to help with comes next for wherever you are with a story or on your path.

    Learn more

  • Line Notes on a Revision

    A thorough reading and written comments and suggested line edits on a story we’ve worked on together.

    Learn More

  • Editing

    Editorial services for small presses or YOU if you’re publishing a picture book yourself.

    Learn More 
MY EXPERTISE
A woman wearing a pink knit hat and a brown jacket taking a selfie in front of a large wall of stacked books in a bookstore.

My second language is picture books

books
books
books

I’ve been writing, reading, and reviewing the form for 20 years. I’ve taught classes and workshops on picture books, including at Writer’s Digest University, worked with countless writers on their manuscripts, and been deeply involved in the community of children’s book creators. Publishers send me dozens of books every month (and my library holds are out of control). I have one PB published and four more forthcoming with many manuscripts 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 to own your writing identity (both of which you can carry forward with you), for your project's best outcome and your future pitch!

Plus my first picture book was To Make, a manual for creativity following these steps, "Gather, make, wait."

I consider collaborating with writers on their stories to be sacred work.

A woman with curly brown hair wearing a loose, cream-colored shirt standing in front of a brick wall.
A woman with curly brown hair wearing a loose, cream-colored shirt standing in front of a brick wall. 
RESOURCES FOR WRITERS

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 manuscript and/or its development.

  • Line notes on your draft/revisions-several, according to your pace.

  • Encouragement and guidance; email support; Whatsapp chat and inspiration thread.

  • A special surprise unique to your story.

  • Help with where to go from here (goals, submissions, pitch, strategy).

  • A special experience that's flexible and tailored to you!

Let's work together, whether you're new to the world of picture books or already immersed! Get my Picture Book Practitioner service. And please email me if you have any questions.

$1,000 for the month. A variety of payment plans available as well as a discount ($775) for educators or marginalized folks who need it. If cost is a barrier, please simply reach out to chat.

Sign Up Now!

Picture Book Practitioner Testimonials

  • "Working with Danielle in this unique way is the best thing I've done for myself throughout my writing career...it felt like something completely magical happened. I began the month with an idea...and finished with a final draft that I am thrilled about. If you're hoping to gift yourself a month of writing filled with inspiration, focus, feedback, and encouragement, all while staying true to your vision, look no further. I'm so happy I did!"

    — Suzanne Busby Hersey,
    author of MY MAINE, FIND A MOOSE WITH ME, SPACE GIRL, and BOLD JOAN (forthcoming) 

  • "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

  • "Working with Danielle was one of the most affirming and transformational creative experiences I’ve ever had....[It] felt like a true creative partnership—supportive, energizing, and full of ‘aha’ moments."

    — Lauren Kratz

  • “Transformative! [Danielle] is a coach, cheerleader and an absolute gem of a person to have in your corner. Whatever idea you have, wherever you are in this journey, Danielle is a great ally to work with to make your story a success. I would highly recommend her without reservation, and I hope to work with her again.”

    — Rahmi

  • "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

  • “That expression —'If you could bottle their spirit, it would light the whole world'— must have been written about Danielle. Her sincerity and positivity seep through the screen. After being away from writing for a little, I was afraid those muscles would have a hard time coming back. Danielle helped me remember who I am and what I am capable of. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and to hone my manuscript...”

     — Ann

  • "There are many words to describe Danielle... Of course she is talented, so much so that she truly knows a good manuscript and how to help you write one. - But what touched me most this month was how kind, thoughtful and caring she was throughout. I've gained a huge amount of confidence as a writer. She is wonderful, and I hope to work with her again.”

    — Suey Kim

FEEDBACK AND CRITIQUE

Picture Book
Video Critiques

Close-up of a person holding a turquoise pen, working on a page from a book or magazine, with a stack of rolled papers in the background and a gray fabric surface underneath.

I offer a one-hour video critique of your picture book manuscript. First, 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 as well as what you’re aiming to accomplish. 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.

Sign Up Now! 
CHAT AND ADVICE

Creative
Career Call

Danielle with wavy brown hair and a big smile showing her teeth, making a peace sign with her fingers, standing outdoors near a colorful pink and purple installation or sculpture, with city buildings in the background.

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 a story idea or industry problem you’re having, 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. Our time is whatever you need it to be!

$150.
Payment plans available. 

Let's Talk! 
Granular feedback

Line Notes On
Your PB Revision

A woman wearing a large green hat sitting at a table with signs and books, at a festival booth with people and trees in the background.

If you revise a manuscript I've video critiqued in the last 6 months, I offer line notes as a follow-up on your new draft. It’s a nice way to close the circle and get granular feedback on your picture book project for your next step (can be repeated a couple of times according to your revision process and needs).

$75.
Payment plans available. 

I'm ready for Line Notes 
an editor for a book going to publication

Editing

If you're a small press or creating a picture book you plan to publish yourself, I can be your editor! This can look like developmental editing in the early stages of shaping a project and getting it down, and more often, editing the existing manuscript together at every step of the way (along with illustration feedback) until it's a print-ready galley ready to go!

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. 

Let's Talk!

What People Say

  • “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

  • "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

  • "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

  • "There are many words to describe Danielle... Of course she is talented, so much so that she truly knows a good manuscript and how to help you write one. - But what touched me most this month was how kind, thoughtful and caring she was throughout. I've gained a huge amount of confidence as a writer. She is wonderful, and I hope to work with her again.”

    — Suey Kim

  • "My month working with Danielle was absolutely fantastic.. [she] is patient, encouraging and very good at her craft, offering very thoughtful and spot-on edits and suggestions. The time she devoted to our month together was exceptional. I cannot wait to work with her on my next project!"

    — Elizabeth L.