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Kellie offers manuscript critiques of picture books (fiction and non-fiction, prose and rhyme) and early readers.
As a traditionally published author in Australia and internationally, with six books out and more on the way, Kellie has a thorough knowledge of different genres and styles. Unlike many who provide picture book manuscript assessments and critiques of other children’s books, Kellie has also worked in the publishing industry, both in editorial and sales. She spent time working for Pan Macmillan Australia and Hardie Grant Gift. As such, she has a well-rounded view of the entire publishing process and brings this experience to her author services for children’s writers.
In addition, Kellie has worked in numerous bookshops over the years, and in marketing and PR roles. This means she brings a necessary marketing focus to her picture book manuscript critiques and other work. With publishers more focused on where books will fit in finite bookshop and library collections these days, it’s important for authors to consider this side of the industry when writing and editing their children’s stories.
Kellie has also been a full-time freelance writer for hire for more than nine years, creating content for publications and clients around the globe. Plus, Kellie has a BA degree in Literature (Macquarie University), has reviewed and blogged about children’s books, and was a judge two years running for the Just Write for Kids Australia ‘Pitch It’ kidlit competition (2018 and 2019). Plus, she has presented at schools, libraries, early learning centres, and festivals, including the Brisbane Writers’ Festival in 2022.
Kellie has read and studied many hundreds of children’s books over the years, particularly picture books, and knows how to provide both big-picture and line-by-line feedback in her picture book manuscript critiques and notes on other types of kidlit. Her manuscript critiques are detailed and involve multiple readings. Please note, though: while Kellie will provide feedback on potential issues or areas to work on in manuscripts as part of her critique service, and may provide suggestions to fix some problems, she will not re-write your manuscript.
For picture book manuscript critiques, your children’s manuscripts should be under 500 words (preferably under 400 words in the current publishing climate), unless they’re non-fiction.
The price for a fiction picture book manuscript assessment starts at $199. Prices for non-fiction picture book manuscripts typically start at $220, depending on the length and complexity.
Prices for early reader children’s book critiques (and other documents upon request) are negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Kellie’s turnaround time is usually within three to five weeks, although it depends on her workload at the time. However, please let her know if you have a specific deadline in mind.
All manuscripts must be sent in Microsoft Word. Use Times New Roman font, size 12, double-spaced. This adheres to standard publishing guidelines.
CRITIQUE TESTIMONIALS:
Not all critiques are born equally. As one who’s had dozens of professional editorial critiques over a decade of writing kidlit, I can say that Kellie Byrnes’s critique of my picture book manuscript was a standout {both in content and value for money}. Her comments demonstrate a profound understanding of the art and craft of picture books. Kellie’s critique equipped me to take my manuscript to the next level. She simultaneously encourages and stretches her clients. There is rich food for thought contained in her comments—observations that not only strengthen the story but also promote growth in the writer. I unreservedly recommend Kellie’s editorial services. - Ali Stegert, Kidlit Writer | SCBWI Qld - Sunny Coast Coordinator | Sunshine Coast Writers' Roundtable Founder
Thorough, encouraging, considerate and professional, these are the things that spring to mind when I read through Kellie’s critique of my manuscript.Her comments not only reflect her understanding of the emotions of the story, but they are valuable suggestions in helping the story grow. Kellie’s broad range of experience shows in the viewpoints she offers, as she gently takes your hand and leads you through alternatives. I will not hesitate to send all my manuscripts to Kellie for a realistic, but friendly, critique. - Sandra Severgnini, author/illustrator
Thanks to Kellie's professional and insightful assessment, I was finally able to rework my manuscript. With an extensive knowledge of picture books, Kellie provides a thorough manuscript assessment. Feedback is delivered in a clear, encouraging and intelligent manner. - Dhana Fox, author
I recently obtained manuscript assessments on two of my stories, and have just finished revising “Joy’s Journey” based on feedback. I’m super excited, because it’s so much better now!! A big thank-you to Kellie Byrnes for such a comprehensive and insightful assessment - I learned so much from just this one assessment, and am looking forward to more, and to revising and polishing my other manuscripts. 💜💜💜 - Jacinta Farragher, author
I wanted to thank you so much for your thorough, generous and kind picture book critique! It completely surpassed my expectations. I greatly appreciate your expertise and am so grateful for your recommendations. Your feedback has been invaluable! Thank you again. I will be recommending you to my writer friends. - Amy Harbrow, writer
New to writing and want to pick Kellie’s brains about the publishing industry, market trends, publishing houses, getting an agent, submitting manuscripts, dealing with rejection, or more? Or have you perhaps been trying to get published for years with no luck? No matter where you are in your publishing journey, Kellie is available for mentoring over the phone and/or via email.
Purchase a one-hour call to chat about where you’re at with a particular children’s manuscript, or purchase a package of multiple sessions over weeks or months to really get the support you need. Kellie’s focus is on picture book mentoring but she is also available to mentor writers on their publishing journeys for early reader books and other novels on request.
Mentoring sessions with internationally-published children’s author Kellie are flexible and based around your individual needs. Kellie can provide support around areas such as developing a helpful creative mindset, writing, productivity, editing, submissions, the market, conferences and events, marketing your work, and other topics as needed.
One-hour calls typically start from $150 for a general chat. Please contact Kellie to discuss your needs.
With a background in marketing and PR, amongst other things, Kellie has experience pitching to and working with journalists.
During her time as Marketing and PR Executive for the Canadian Tourism Commision, Kellie interacted with journalists around Australia, arranged for the TV show Getaway to produce a number of segments in Canada, and ran a marketing media showcase in multiple states around the country. Plus, when she operated her own eco-luxe online store, Kellie focused heavily on generating press placements for it. She generated 150+ mentions of Kindred Gifts and its products in top publications including Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review, House & Garden, Home Beautiful, Elle Australia, InStyle Australia, Marie Claire, Belle, Real Living, Woman's Day, Women's Weekly, Harper's Bazaar Australia, Women's Fitness, Australian Gourmet Traveller, Madison, Shop Til You Drop, My Business, Dynamic Business, G Magazine, Nature & Health, and Lifestyle.com.au.
Since her first children’s book came out, Kellie has also generated 50+ mentions of the book or herself as an author. Check out the As Seen In page for more details.
Hire Kellie today as your affordable freelance digital marketing and PR expert to write your book press release for you or a media release for other products in the creative industries (or beyond). She will also give you tips about working with journalists and how you can tweak a single press release to suit multiple publications and scenarios. Prices are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, depending on your needs. Kellie knows how busy life can be as a children’s author, copywriter, ghostwriter, and presenter, so can help you get that task done that you’ve been worry about or procrastinating over!