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Professional Critiques

Critique Service Available

As an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature since 2005 teaching the course, “Writing for Children and Teenagers,” I have experience critiquing both fiction and nonfiction for children. Here's what people who have used my critique services are saying:

“I have some news I want to share with you because I think my success story is also yours.  You helped me a lot during the writing course to find my voice and to write about what I love. The big news is that I won the more prestigious children's book award held in Latin America called "Premio El Barco de Vapor.” I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the inspiration, confidence, and tools you helped me with.  I'm very happy I'm still working from home as a writer; it's been a blessing! 
 -- from my student, Isabel, Institute of Children’s Literature graduate

• Contact me first by e-mail ( amyonline@amyhouts.com ) and tell me about your manuscript. Include the title, target age group, plot summary, and word count.
• Depending on the scope of the project, and my availability, I will decide if we are a good match. If so, I will ask you to e-mail me your manuscript.
• I will edit your manuscript and write a detailed letter discussing the strengths and weaknesses of your work. I also accept picture book manuscripts, as well as fiction or nonfiction suitable for children's magazines. I will address fiction story elements: point of view, plotting, characters, "show, don't tell," control, beginnings, endings, cover letters, etc. I will address nonfiction elements: beginnings, endings, focus, rationale, clarity, organization, research, query letters, etc.
• I will give you an estimated deadline of completion, usually within two weeks of receiving it. I will send an invoice and will return your edited manuscript and letter of critique after I receive your check or money order.