Picture books are deceptively hard to make. That’s where I come in.
Once I see your draft, I’ll tell you what’s working, what I think needs attention, and where I’d focus your next revision. I’ll also give you the publishing perspective I’ve gained from being an author, editor, teacher, and writing coach.
For Writers Who Want Clear, Useful Feedback
What You’ll Receive
Every critique includes both a detailed Critique Letter and Inline Comments within your Word document.
You’ll also get:
• Mentor text and resource suggestions to guide your next revision
• Market awareness notes to help position your book effectively
• A Half-price revision critique if you’d like another round after revising
Delivered within 3–5 business days of receiving payment and your manuscript (as a .docx file).
Why Work with The Picture Book Doctor™?
• Ph.D. in poetry and M.A. in fiction
• 25+ years teaching creative writing at the college level
• Author, coauthor, or ghostwriter of more than 150 published books
• Represented by Curtis Brown, Ltd., a top kidlit agency
• Editorial Director at Bushel & Peck Books
• Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest magazine
• Creator of Only Picture Books, a leading picture-book blog
What Writers Say:
“If other editors are coffee, Ryan is espresso.”
—Loredana Cunti, author of Karate Kakapo (Kids Can Press)
“Ryan’s notes are clear, organized, and thorough. You get both big-picture takeaways and the detailed suggestions that make your story stronger.”
—Hilary Margitich, author of Rosh Hashanah (Abdo Group)
“Thanks so much again for the prompt, insightful, and supremely helpful feedback. This is exactly what I’d been looking for.”
—Steve Bilakovics
Transparent Pricing
Fiction Picture Book (up to 800 words) – $200
Nonfiction Picture Book (up to 1,000 words) – $250
+$10 per additional 100 words (or portion thereof)
Optional Add-Ons:
Query/pitch review – $25
A one-page query or pitch review focused on clarity, hook, positioning, and professionalism.
20-minute follow-up call – $50
A focused call to talk through my notes and answer your next-step questions.
Most picture books fall between 300 and 900 words, though fiction picture books often land on the shorter side.
If your manuscript runs longer than the base word counts listed above, that’s completely fine.
I’ll look at where structure, pacing, and focus can tighten.
Have a kidlit project that isn’t a picture book? Get in touch.
Picture books are my main focus, but I sometimes work on board books, chapter books, and other children’s projects, too.
How to Begin
Before we get started, please answer a few quick questions so I can confirm which service fits your project best.
- What is your intended outcome? (self-publish, indie press, traditional/Big 5, etc.)
- What’s your manuscript title and one-sentence logline?
- What type of book is it? (fiction, nonfiction, biography, concept, etc.)
- Approximate word count?
- Are you currently in a picture-book critique group?
- Has this manuscript received professional feedback before? (If yes, what were the main takeaways or suggestions you found most useful?)
- Are you an active SCBWI member?
- What’s your favorite thing about this manuscript?
- What’s your number-one worry about it?
- How did you hear about me and my critique services?
Once I receive your responses, I’ll confirm the correct critique type and fee, send a secure PayPal or Venmo link, and provide instructions for emailing your manuscript (.docx file).
Turnaround is typically 3–5 business days after payment and manuscript receipt.
Each critique includes both a detailed critique letter and inline comments directly in your manuscript.
Who IS the Picture Book Doctor™?
I’m Dr. Ryan G. Van Cleave, the author of more than 100 books of my own, though I’ve ghostwritten, edited, coached, and consulted on hundreds more for clients across publishing and media. I’ve taught creative writing at the college level for more than twenty-five years.
I also run the picture-book blog, Only Picture Books and serve as Editorial Director at Bushel & Peck Books and Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest magazine.
Let's Get Started
Ready for honest, industry-savvy feedback on your picture book? Once I begin your critique, you’ll have professional-level notes delivered within 3-5 business days.