Oohs and Aahs for 5.16.25
Peek inside a manuscript critique
Investing in a manuscript critique is a big deal financially and emotionally. It costs serious money to hire an editor with experience, and it can be hard to muster the courage to share your work, not knowing if the process will be helpful or painful. Even the most experienced writer can struggle with finding an editor that’s a good fit. But when you find the right person, investing in a critique can SAVE you time and worry.
This week I’m sharing an excerpt from a real critique, so you can get a feel for what it’s like to work together.
My Manuscript Reviews Include
A deep read that's designed to identify your manuscript's essential strengths and weaknesses
Powerful analysis of plot, character, pacing, theme, voice, and marketability
Clear editorial direction on prioritizing revisions and taking the next steps
Fresh market research on competitor titles and suggested mentor texts
Inspiring and empowering feedback that will help you take your manuscript to the next level
What does that actually look like? Take a look…
“I usually start my critiques with feedback on plot and leave theme for the end, but it feels like the most important step you can take with this next draft is clarifying what the book is about and sharpening the themes. Once you have a clear idea what this story is about, you’ll be able to make some decisions about the plot. And my hope is that by thinking more deeply about the themes, you’ll develop a book that really stands out from the crowd and gain the attention of agents and editors.
Based on the manuscript, this book might be about:
Feeling special but not being special, and then being ok with it
Seeing past superficial appearances
Trusting or liking someone who isn’t you
Thinking it’s all about you and realizing everyone is the star of their own story (or
everyone is special)
Finding your twin/people/kin
But that’s too much for one picture book!
Based on your emails, I know you want this book to be about how we are all special in our own ways, and we all get to shine bright in different ways. The idea of learning to see others as special and unique is a subtle sophisticated concept that hasn’t been overdone, while still being really kid friendly. I really like this angle. And the idea of multiple MC NAME is such a striking image. It's worth building the whole book around just that one moment!
You expressed some concern that kids who aren’t named MC NAME will be able to relate to the story, but I think it’s relatable as is. I wouldn’t worry about that. Right now you’re really close! Maybe three-quarters there. The ending needs to be reworked a bit, but it feels like this is the theme you’re closing in on. You just need to let some of the other pieces go while you focus on it.”
If you are craving this kind of clarity on YOUR manuscript…
This Week I’m…
Running out to get the Goodnight Moon stamps🌜
Giving away a paid subscription to Nebula Notebook as part of the Medical Motherhood Games 🩺
Channeling Pamela-Anderson’s-self-assured-at-the-Met-Gala vibe 🤩
Adding several of the “complicated mother stories” on
’s list to my TBR pile (There’s a whole category devoted to mothers who solve crimes!) 🔪Loving the spirit of this tiny but mighty art project 🍃
Nodding along to this essay on what it’s like to be a semi-online human in 2025 🫠
Loving the honesty in this post on
about white-knuckling your way through life and the power of real friendship (There’s a call for submissions too!) 💛Listening to Fiona Apple’s new call to action 🍎
Feeling inspired by this list of grown-up books written by kidlit authors 📚
Looking to
for picture-book ideas ✏️Wondering what you think of the term “power mom” (My first impression is it’s well meaning and I’m glad Marie Claire is talking about motherhood, but the more accurate term might be “corporate mom” or “entreprenuerial mom” and there are all different other kinds of ways to make an impact.)
And!
If you need a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, download a copy of ’s lovely poem and frame it. Include a subscription to Nebula Notebook and you’ll be telling your mom, “I see you. I love you. Thank you,” all year long.
Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌
✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏
Thanks so much for including my Mother’s Day poetry print, Heidi! A framed poem and Nebula Notebook sub would be the dreamiest gift!
So glad you enjoyed the piece, thank you so much for including us!