My memories are very confused. There is even much doubt as to where they begin; for at times I feel appalling vistas of years stretching behind me, while at other times it seems as if the present moment were an isolated point in a grey, formless infinity. I am not even certain how I am communicating this message. While I know I am speaking, I have a vague impression that some strange and perhaps terrible mediation will be needed to bear what I say to the points where I wish to be heard. My identity, too, is bewilderingly cloudy. I seem to have suffered a great shock — perhaps from some utterly monstrous outgrowth of my cycles of unique, incredible experience. These cycles of experience, of course, all stem from that worm-riddled book. I remember when I found it — in a dimly lighted place near the black, oily river where the mists always swirl. That place was very old, and the ceiling-high shelves full of rotting volumes reached back endlessly through windowless inner rooms and alcoves. There were, besides, great formless heaps of books on the floor and in crude bins; and it was in one of these heaps that I found the thing. I never learned its title, for the early pages were missing; but it fell open toward the end and gave me a glimpse of something which sent my senses reeling. There was a formula — a sort of list of things to say and do — which I recognised as something black and forbidden; something which I had read of before in furtive paragraphs of mixed abhorrence and fascination penned by those strange ancient delvers into the universe’s guarded secrets whose decaying texts I loved to absorb. It was a key—a guide — to certain gateways and transitions of which mystics have dreamed and whispered since the race was young, and which lead to freedoms and discoveries beyond the three dimensions and realms of life and matter that we know. Not for centuries had any man recalled its vital substance or known where to find it, but this book was very old indeed. No printing-press, but the hand of some half-crazed monk, had traced these ominous Latin phrases in uncials of awesome antiquity.

Children'sEditor

There are nearly 1 million children’s books published each year. How can you make sure yours stands out?

You can hire me, a professional children’s book editor, to ensure your book is top-notch.

I’ve edited more than 1,000 children’s books, both self-published and traditionally published, and I’d love to help you.

3 Ways I Can Help

Refine the Story

Will every child end your book with a smile? I help you fine-tune the story so that kids will want to read it again and again. To do this, you have to avoid cliched stories, stoke rising action, get the pacing right, and have a climax.

Focus on Characters

Are you creating memorable characters? Do your characters have wide appeal? Do they stand apart from other characters? My advice will help you create a character that children won’t ever forget.

Focus on Language

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is like the difference between desert and dessert. The most common edit I make is condensing — most writers have extra phrases tacked on, and because children’s books are so short, every word carries enormous weight.

About Me

I’ve been an editor since 2009, and children’s books are one of my favorite books to work with. I’ve helped more than 1,000 children’s book authors achieve their dream of publication.

I am a member of SCBWI, the biggest society of children’s book authors in the world, and I’ve also taught creative writing at 4 universities in Southern California. My book, “I Will Shout Your Name,” is published by Press 53.

I also run Bookfox Press, which publishes children’s books (we make it easy for you!).

On a personal note, I have twin boys who are 7, and I read to them every night from our collection of children’s books.

Editing Steps

  • You contact me with any questions you might have, and I answer them.
  • You use the Paypal button below, and email me your manuscript in a Word/text file.
  • In 7 days I get back to you with edits within the manuscript and an essay describing what your story is doing well and where it could be improved.
  • If you have any questions about my comments, I clarify what I meant.

Do I edit multiple times?

Well, if you want me to read your revised manuscript, I can give you a thumbs up or down for free.

If you wanted a second round of feedback like the first round, with an essay and notes in the margin, I can do that for a discounted rate.

Authors I’ve Helped

This is a small sample of writers who have taken my course and/or gotten editing from me.

My Style of Editing:

I am both gentle and firm.

I make a point of telling you all the wonderful things in your story, but also gently suggest the places where it could improve.

As a writer myself, I know it’s difficult showing your work to the world, and I want to encourage you through the revision process.

If you want me to be harder or easier on you, feel free to tell me that in an email when you send your stories, and I can accommodate your needs.

Testimonials

“John gave me many useful areas to think about, mostly relating to the overall structure of the story and he let me know what wasn’t working in a very professional way. He also let me know what was working and I appreciated that especially as the book got picked up by a publisher. John is very knowledgeable and honest but kind and I would recommend his services wholeheartedly.”

– Evelyn Bookless, author of “Captain Green and the Plastic Scene”

Pricing

Pricing for Children’s Picture Books:

  • Under 500 words: $550
  • 500 – 1,000 words $650
  • 1,000 – 2,000 words: $750
  • 2,000 – 3,000 words: $850
  • 3,000 – 4,000 words: $950

Also, these prices are for a single story. Two children’s picture books under the word limit would be more (because I’m writing two feedback essays).

If you have a longer MG or YA book, contact me using the form below for pricing (make sure to include word count).

Contact me for pricing if you have multiple stories, and I can give you a discount.

If you need help publishing your children’s book, please look at the Bookfox Press page.

After you’ve paid, email your manuscript to the email below.

Got a question? Contact me.

Children’s Book Editing
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More Testimonials

“Binky The Mermaid: The Fin-Tastic Race was the first book I’ve ever written. John Fox was so easy to work with and was very responsive. He helped me condense my book without losing the story and even gave me advice on the next steps. I could not have done this without John’s help. I am in the process of working on another book and I will use no other editor but John.”

– Kamiesha Anderson-Wieder, author of “Binky the Mermaid”