Writing workshops, classes, and conferences can be helpful, but there's nothing quite like personalized feedback on your manuscripts. A critique from a former editor and award-winning author can be invaluable.

Before becoming a freelance writer/editor, Melissa Stewart spent 9 years working as a children's book editor. She has written more than 100 children's books and more than 50 magazine articles. She has also taught children's fiction and nonfiction writing classes.

Melissa critiques magazine articles, picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction for all ages. Her service includes line editing, a summary letter that highlights the manuscript's strengths and weaknesses, and marketing suggestions.

Fee: $50.00/hour with a 1 hour minimum

Melissa will complete the work and then bill you. Upon receipt of a personal check, she will return your edited manuscript and critique letter.

Turn around time: 1 week for short manuscripts, 2 weeks for novels

Send to:
Melissa Stewart
24 Kinsley Rd.
Acton, MA 01720

Submission requirements:
Manuscripts must be formatted as if you were submitting them to a publisher: typed, double-spaced, one-inch margins, 12-point Times Roman type. Please number your pages.

Include your address, phone number, and e-mail address at the top of the first page (single-spaced). Specify the word count and target audience (i.e. Ages 8-10).

Your name and the title of the work should appear in the upper left corner of subsequent pages. Hold pages together with a paperclip, not a staple. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient return postage.

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