WORK FOR HIRE
Over the years, I have worked hard to learn as much as I could about the world of picture book writing. I have critiqued literally hundreds of manuscripts— for both published and unpublished writers. Along the way, I have also successfully mastered the art of rhyme and meter through careful study and practice. My rhyming work has been featured in several contests in the last six years and many of those pieces have won honors and prizes. The journey has given me a great wealth of knowledge that I want pay forward to others.
To that end, I'm excited to now be offering my expertise for 'work for hire' projects. I'm available for critiquing picture book and board book manuscripts (both rhyming and non-rhyming) and/or meter and line editing, creative brainstorming for rhyming picture book and board book manuscripts or children's poetry and co-writing or ghost writing.
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Non-rhyming critiques start at $35 (for 500 words or less) and go up based on word count.
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Rhyming critiques start at $50 (for 500 words or less) and go up based on word count.
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Meter scansion, rhyme editing and creative brainstorming prices vary, but start at $75 and go up based on word count, number of lines and complexity of the meter.
Please contact me for more information and a quote of your work:
https://www.michelleskennedy.com/contact-me
Manuscript Critiques include the following and are completed on a special critique form with additional detailed notes included on your manuscript:
-Positive aspects of the manuscript
-Elements that require attention and improvement
-Page turn suggestions
-Line edit suggestions for non-rhyming manuscripts and highlighting of lines where the meter is off on a rhyming manuscript
-Character development
-Plot / structure
-Language / diction
-Character voice
-Marketability
-Next steps and additional options to work with me on your manuscript
-An optional audio recording of me reading your manuscript aloud
*NOTE: Manuscript critiques do not include scanning for meter on a rhyming manuscript. Meter scansion is a separate service as indicated below.
Meter scansion / rhyme editing includes the following:
-I'll break down the meter for you line by line so that you can see how the meter scans for proper readability. I also offer suggested fixes for lines that just need a simple tweak. (Reworking entire lines or stanzas gets into creative brainstorming and is an additional service. P.S.- I LOVE creative brainstorming!)
Creative brainstorming (Co-Writing and Ghost Writing) is where I will collaborate with you to rework your story by rewriting or reimagining lines of text (if it's non-rhyme) or stanzas to improve the meter (if it's in rhyme).
See below for testimonials:
WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
Bonnie Bright (Author/Illustrator) The Tangle Tower
“Over the years, I never really considered making edits to the rhyme/meter of a children’s book I self-published in 2006. But then, I met and hired Michelle to look it over. She found ways to improve my meter, add humor and liven up my story without altering my sense of ownership. It’s so much better! I would recommend this skilled “rhyme coach” to any author who has written a rhyming story.”
Dr. Letisha Brazile (Author)
Zoe’s Day with Dr. J!
“Michelle has been an absolute dream! She really helped to smooth out the cadence issues within my story. Not only did she provide a quick turnaround, the quality of her product was stellar! I highly recommend her services and look forward to working with her in the future.”
Sarah B.
(pre-published Author)
“I recently worked with Michelle and was so impressed with how well she knows rhyme and how quickly she completed editing my rhyming PB manuscript. She has such a good ear and with her detailed comments, explained metrical rule, helped me understand where my meter was off and provided great suggestions on how to improve my rhyming PB manuscript. I highly recommend her if you need help with a rhyming PB!!”
Angela Garvin (Author)
Grandma Keeps Us Close
"Michelle is a hidden gem to find in the editing world. She knows this industry well and knows how to critique all work with full knowledge and expertise. She is a valuable resource to take your manuscript to a higher level. She is creative and gives feedback in a caring and encouraging manner. She is a joy to work with. I whole-heartedly recommend her services."
Amanda Aszman
(pre-published author)
“I’ve received numerous critiques from Michelle and highly recommend her services. She is the real deal, bringing exceptional talent and a wealth of experience to the table. She treats both you and your manuscript with utmost care, providing thoughtful encouragement and clear, thorough feedback that invites you to see your story in a fresh way. Time and time again, she has helped me make my stories the best they can be. Not to mention, she’s a lovely person! Don’t hesitate – you will not regret working with her!”
Krin Larson (Author)
Round and Round
the Rainbow I Go
"I highly recommend Michelle's services. She provided valuable, detailed, thoughtful and thorough feedback on my rhyming manuscript. She is extremely knowledgeable about rhyme, meter and scansion and provided excellent suggestions with a level of care and expertise beyond the typical critique. I look forward to working with her again in the future!"