Picture Book Practitioner, Critique Services, and Editing
Picture Book Practitioner
Picture Book Practitioner: part editor, part mentor, part motivator
A one-month uniquely tailored service to concentrate on your project with a writer, editor, and teacher who “speaks” picture books. This is a chance to navigate your manuscript and to help your story—plus you as an artist and book creator!—set sail in a way that feels true to you. I'm absolutely passionate about helping writers and writer-illustrators tap into their unique voice and vision, providing inspiration for their manuscript, writing identity, and direction for immediate steps and future ones. You’ll get four weeks of feedback, encouragement, resources, thorough and sensitive support around story and submissions/strategy, and the camaraderie you need from someone who cares deeply about nurturing creative practice and this special form.
We can also be flexible around what we work on and how we approach the process according to your needs. Want input on queries and the process? Let's go! Got two ideas to tackle? We could be able to make that work! Whether you have a fully-fleshed out manuscript to revise OR simply notes about a concept you're ready to develop, I can help. (Picture book creators at any place on their path welcome!)
What you can look forward to in our work together:
Four weeks with the following as a guide—
Preparation questionnaire. First one-hour video call after I read and reflect on your project: goal-setting, vision, conversation, story comments, comparative works. Once-a-week check-in and encouragement from me to you via email. Up to two questions answered via email every week about your manuscript or anything related to your project, path, writing life. Line notes on at least one draft or revision of your manuscript, more depending on your pace. Sometimes it's multiple drafts. Second video call up to one hour on line notes, your creative process and voice, and/or one relevant PB element.Third video call up to one hour about your latest draft/revision, resources, reflection, next steps, strategy, and/or Q&A. I can also provide guidance around developing presentations about your future book! Reflection questionnaire. Something surprising and totally tailored to you!
Cost: $750 for the month (any four mostly consecutive weeks). Paid in two installments beginning and close. I offer a 30% discount for educators!
Email me to get started or get more information. Or download this "What to Expect" PDF.
I am the author of the picture book, To Make, have an MA in literature and creative writing, and am a long-time champion of picture books and their makers via critiques, This Picture Book Life, workshops, and as an editor. From community college teaching to the teen writing series on YouTube, This Writer's Life, from mentoring teen creators to grown ones, I’ve been in this world a long time and bring a particular cheering-on spirit to folks I work with.
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.
She brought such care, warmth, and sharp editorial insight to every part of the process. Her questions and line notes helped me uncover the heart of [my] story and revise with intention and confidence. I left each session feeling energized and inspired—not only about my manuscripts, but about who I’m becoming as a writer. I’m so proud of the work we did together and so grateful for her generous, joyful guidance!” —Lauren Kratz
"Energizing, encouraging, confidence-building.
What a joy it was to work with Danielle Davis on my new book project. Writing can be lonely, and it can be difficult to find, or make, the time to just sit down and do it. This comes from a writer, who's been published many times, through Viking, Chronicle and Peachtree.
Critique Services
I also offer picture book critiques. Typically, this entails one video call to discuss your project after I read and reflect on it. We talk through the origin, big picture, my feedback, and comparative titles. ($150). This can be followed up with line-notes on a subsequent revision draft(s) later ($75/hour).
Freelance Picture Book Editing
I'm addition, I edit picture books with writers or publishers and charge, typically, my hourly fee ($75/hour). I have had the opportunity to edit these independently-published picture books: BEFORE AND AFTER BABY, C TRAIN, TRICKY TRCHOTILLOMANIA, MY COLOR IS RAINBOW, and THE GIRL AND THE SUN. With more forthcoming!
AUTHOR TESTIMONIAL:
“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.
I'm currently working with authors as well as Global Bookshelves on a number of titles as well!
AUTHOR TESTIMONIAL:
"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.
AUTHOR TESTIMONIAL:
"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 forthcoming title.
Writing Workshops
I facilitate workshops for writers of any age! These can be tailored to your group's needs: online, in-person, on different topics (creative inventory and voice; theme as North Star; story breath; series of 6 sessions on writing/revising picture books).
What do they have in common? They're interactive, reflective, supportive, and centered on participants' unique voices and visions.
(I've also got professional development workshops for educators!)
Email me to find out more about any of these offerings or fill out the form below!