I’m pleased to offer critique services, as time permits. I’ll help you polish picture book manuscripts and answer your questions about querying, going out on submission, and more!
Testimonials:
“As one of Laura’s critique partners, I’ve been lucky enough to get her feedback on several of my manuscripts. I can tell you without a doubt she has made each one stronger. Laura has a solid understanding of the craft of writing and it shows in her thorough and insightful critiques. She provides both big picture feedback and detailed line edits in a way that is thoughtful, honest, and kind. She is also absolutely brilliant when it comes to pacing and amping up your humor! I highly recommend Laura’s critique services to both beginners and professionals.”
-Becky Scharnhorst, author of MY SCHOOL STINKS! (Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House, 2021) and THIS FIELD TRIP STINKS! (Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House, 2022)
“Laura has been one of my trusted critique partners for years. I can always count on her for honest, insightful feedback that will get my revision wheels turning.”
-Katie Frawley, author of TABITHA AND FRITZ TRADE PLACES (Two Lions, 2021)
“Laura Lavoie plays a vital role in my writing process. Prior to submitting picture book manuscripts to my agent, I always send them to Laura first to see if they are truly ready. Without fail, Laura provides insightful critiques that elevate the writing and marketability of my manuscripts. Her feedback is always honest, thoughtful, and kind. I cannot recommend her critique services enough!”
-Kelly Jordan, author of THE LITTLE BLUE COTTAGE (Page Street Kids, 2020) and CHASE THE MOON, TINY TURTLE (Page Street Kids, 2021)
“I cannot recommend Laura’s critique services enough! Her big picture feedback resulted in my manuscript having more depth, and her line-by-line comments were both insightful and practical. I now have a story that I’m very proud of and excited to send out on submission! In addition to the critique, the 30-min zoom call was extremely valuable; Laura was candid and open with her responses and I felt comfortable asking her everything I wanted to know!”
-Jenn Moudahi, critique client
Services & Rates:
To purchase a critique or other service, follow these steps:
1- Peruse the services and rates below.
2- Email me at lauralavoieauthor@gmail.com to check availability.
3- I will invoice you via PayPal. After submitting your payment, you may send your manuscript to the email address above and I’ll get started! For Zoom meetings, I will contact you about scheduling a mutually agreed upon day and time.
Note that critique rates are for manuscripts up to 700 words. For manuscripts with higher word counts, please email me to discuss.
Big Picture Critique ($75)- I’ll provide some big-picture feedback on your manuscript, including pacing, plot, and character development. This critique will highlight manuscript strengths and suggested areas to work on.
Full Critique: Non-Rhyming ($100)- In this critique, I’ll provide big-picture feedback plus line edits. Examples of line edits include: spelling, grammar, and punctuation edits; notes about intentional page turns; use of language; feedback on art notes, and more!
Full Critique: Rhyming ($130)- Same as above, but for a rhyming manuscript. In addition to other line edits, I will go through your manuscript line-by-line to check meter.
Revision Critique ($50)- For writers who have revised a manuscript after any critique and would like me to provide feedback on the revision.
Pitch Add-On ($15)- If you’re prepping for a Twitter pitch party, add $15 to any of the critique services above and I’ll help you craft three dynamic pitches (including any needed hashtags) that fit within Twitter’s character limit.
30-Minute Zoom Chat ($75)- Let’s chat all things publishing! I’ll answer your questions about querying, going out on submission, how to effectively use art notes… anything you wish!
Full Manuscript Critique + Follow-Up 30-Minute Zoom Chat ($160)- This rate applies to both rhyming and non-rhyming picture book manuscripts.
Interested in working together? Email lauralavoieauthor@gmail.com to get started!