Confidently know you've written a story that's ready to be published.
Get a professional critique today to see if your story receives the Story Seal of Approval for completion.
Confidently know you've written a story that's ready to be published.
Get a professional critique today to see if your story receives the Story Seal of Approval for completion.
You've finished writing your children's story, but . . .
You want to make sure this story is truly ready to be published.
Let's be honest . . . you want to publish a children's book that you'll be proud to share with your friends and family, but it can be hard to know when it's finished.
Even if you've had your family and friends read your rough draft, they don't know what it takes to write a children's book, so how can you know for sure that it doesn't need to be edited once more?
The only way to know is by having someone who knows how to write and edit children's books critique your story.
If you skip this step, you're more likely to get stuck in the publishing cycle so many writers find themself in. The cycle of . . . sending your story to publisher after publisher only to receive rejection letter after rejection letter. Which can only leave you feeling frustrated by the process and have you doubting your abilities to get published.
Not where you want to be.
Which is why I've created the "Story Seal of Approval" 3-tier critique rating to help you know exactly where you're at in the writing process. So you can move on to the publishing process with confidence. 🙌
"Excellent critique! Brooke made concrete suggestions for the parts that needed help and pointed out the parts that were well written. This is my first attempt at writing a picture book, so it's the perfect resource for me. I recommend her for both beginning writers, as well as, more advanced writers."
- Leslie Harris -
Make sure you haven't missed a step in the writing process . . .
Telling a story is like building a pyramid. Each step in the writing process works together to tell an amazing story.
But as writers, it’s hard for us to see where we missed the mark with our stories. Especially when we don’t have qualified people around us who know what makes a story work and what doesn’t.
That's why you need someone who can tell you . . .
- If your characters are fully developed and that you have a complete plot in your draft
- If your idea is marketable
- And if your story will connect with children before you ever move forward with the publishing process.
Something you’ll only get with a critique from a children’s book professional.
Don't guess it your story's ready. Know it is with our easy 3-tier rating.
1 - Time for Edits
This story needs some updates to make it a better fit for the market
2 - On Your Way
With a little polishing, this story will be ready for publication.
3 - Story Approved
Your ticket to go on submission knowing that you have something kids will want to read!
"Working with Brooke was extremely beneficial to writing and improving my manuscript. She is insightful and not afraid to tell you what needs work. I would highly recommend getting her to critique your work, as she is uplifting and a great mentor."
- Brittany MacBeth -
Hey - I'm Brooke Van Sickle!
And I want you to have confidence in your manuscript.
I firmly believe that every children’s book idea, including yours, deserves a place on a child’s bookshelf.
But after reading children's book stories from new writers for almost a decade, I can tell if a story needs a rewrite in just a few lines.
While you need this information in order to avoid the dreaded rejection letter, it can only happen when you get a critique.
Which is why you can send your story to me to have it reviewed using my 3-tier rating system to ensure you confidently know your story's ready to be published.
Hey - I'm Brooke Van Sickle!
And I want you to have confidence in your manuscript.
I firmly believe that every children’s book idea, including yours, deserves a place on a child’s bookshelf.
But after reading children's book stories from new writers for almost a decade, I can tell if a story needs a rewrite in just a few lines.
While you need this information in order to avoid the dreaded rejection letter, it can only happen when you get a critique.
Which is why you can send your story to me to have it reviewed using my 3-tier rating system to ensure you confidently know your story's ready to be published.
Get story feedback from an award-winning author and children's book publisher:
Get story feedback from an award-winning author and children's book publisher:
Pick the critique for your story:
Picture Book Manuscript:
Full critique review of your picture book manuscript. Requirements include:
- Word Doc or PDF submission of a picture book story that's 1,500 words or less
- Story in proper format: size 12-font and double-spaced
Author will receive:
- Full Story Feedback including what's working and what needs to be improved -- from your plot and characters to your readability and marketability
- Official Story Seal of Approval Rating to know if you need a full rewrite or prep for publication
$197
Chapter Book or Novel:
Full critique review of the first 10-pages + story outline of your novel. Requirements include:
- Word Doc or PDF submission of the first 10-pages of your story
- Story in proper format: size 12-font and double-spaced
- Chapter Outline + One-page Synopsis to help the reviewer know the direction of the story
Author will receive:
- Full Story Feedback including what's working and what needs to be improved -- from your plot and characters to your readability and marketability
- Official Story Seal of Approval Rating to know if you need a full rewrite or prep for publication
$247
"I am so pleased with my critique! Her recommendations gave me clarity about issues I needed to address. She obviously knows the writing and publishing business!"
- Elizabethann Moore -
"Brooke was very insightful, helpful, and encouraging. I definitely felt validated in my book writing attempt, and have been encouraged to keep pursuing getting it published!"
- Joanna Dean -
"I felt like she was holding my hand through the process. She was so helpful in guiding me through what I needed to do to improve my story. I was flying high for the rest of the day. Thank you Brooke!"
- Vera Yardley -
Commonly asked questions:
How long will it take to receive feedback?
Your story notes will be delivered via email within 4-6 weeks of submission. If you don't see a confirmation email from us upon booking or don't receive your notes in that timeframe, please be sure to reach out for help.
What if I need them faster?
For sure! While all our critiques are reviewed in the order they're received, we know how important feedback is to your publishing abilities. If you'd like to get your notes within 2-3 weeks of sending them, be sure to add the "rush-order" option to your critique at time of checkout.
Can I resend the story after I've made changes?
Each critique booking is only for the one-time story review. However, if you'd like for Brooke to read your story again, all you need to do is book another critique with her. She will be happy to read the same story for you up to 2 times in a 6-month span.
What if I need more revisions or want more feedback?
While a critique session is limited in the feedback offered, we also offer complete story editing services to help you go from first draft to polished story in just 2 months. Learn more about our editing services here.
Will there be time for questions?
We offer written critiques only, so there won't be any time available for us to jump on a call or dive into questions on how to make your changes or next steps. However, if you need anything clarified after you've received your notes, please be sure to let us know.
Will you critique my query?
Typically, our written critiques are for manuscripts only. However, if you've previously received a critique with a level 2 rating or higher, you can purchase a second critique from us to have your query critiqued.
"It was so helpful to have Brooke's sweet encouragement, as well as her much-needed wisdom and advice. She was kind and gracious with her feedback—even the difficult feedback—and clearly wants to see me have a successful finished children's book. Her advice was practical, with steps that I could take right away to improve my manuscript. After my book critique, I feel more confident to move forward. Thanks so much, Brooke!"
- Marci Renee-
Stop trying to be objective about your own writing.
Know for certain that your story is worthy of a reader's time.
Take a pause on reading your story for the 100th time and get the feedback you need to feel confident in your writing again.
"Brooke's critique is one of several I have done with her. My repeat service with her is because she has guided me to what she calls 'the actual story that wants to be written'. It helps me get out of my own way with word choice, formality, structure, and content. I would highly recommend Brooke. She is knowledgeable on how to help an individual unfold and tailor their story."
- Erin Murphy -
A Service From:
© 2023 Journey to KidLit. All rights reserved.