Freelance Editors & Critiques


© Linh My Nguyen




Freelance Editors & Critique Services at a Glance


What is a freelance editor? A freelance editor is someone that is hired by YOU to polish your manuscript(s) prior to submission to agents or editors. A freelance editor will not REWRITE your manuscript, but will offer the expert eye that will strengthen your manuscript. A really good freelance editor will help your manuscript by looking for: 

Narrative voice, arc
, pacing
, characterization, point of view
, setting, visual storyline (picture books), 
read-aloud quality  (picture books), word choice, rhythm, and grammar/mechanics



Rate Your Story is currently open for 2024 Membership, which runs 1/3/24 - 11/30/24.  RYS provides honest Ratings and Feedback on Kidlit Manuscripts from traditionally-published authors who write in the genre. In addition, we feature 11 Plus Crafty Webinars, Guest Gurus, Help Desks, Mentor Text Talks and more! If you can't attend live, replays for events and book chats are available all year so you don't have to miss out on the fun and learning. For both new writers and published authors. Limited slots available. 

Help Me With My Book

Freelance Editors

We RECOMMEND the following freelance editors (in alphabetical order). Please note that these editors have been vetted, and have provided recommendations of their work.

















Professional Critique Services 


The following individuals (published authors, former editors and agents) offer professional picture book critique services that we recommend. (In alphabetical order). Click their links for more information.

Lisa Amstutz


Carrie Charley Brown  


Rachelle Burk 


Alayne Kay Christian 


Two-4-One Kid Critiques (PB, CB, MG, YA)



Samantha Gassman

Sophia Gholz


Elaine Kiely Kearns

Kirsten W. Larson (nonfiction and informational fiction picture books and graphic novels)