Expert children's book editing services for UK authors
Picture books | Early readers | Chapter books | Young adult​

Human-only manuscript editing services for children's authors

 

Help your story spark a child's imagination

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Writing for children is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—forms of storytelling. Whether you are crafting a rhythmic 500-word picture book or a 50,000-word YA adventure, your work needs to be polished to perfection before it reaches the hands of young readers (or agents).

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As a professional editor with 20 years' expertise and a current creative writing coach in UK primary schools, I offer a unique, human-only approach to children’s book editing. I ensure your manuscript is not only grammatically correct but also perfectly pitched for its target age group.

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Why choose my children's book editing services?

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I don't just see the commas; I see the reader. With 20 years' experience and a regular presence in the classroom, I understand the developmental milestones that dictate what children want to read. I work with debut authors and established writers to refine tone, pacing, and vocabulary, ensuring your book stands out in a competitive market.

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Who is this service for?

 

• Picture book and early readers authors looking for rhythm and flow.

• Key Stage 2 or Middle Grade (8–12) authors aiming for the 'sweet spot' of KS2.

• Young Adult (YA) novelists needing a sharp, authentic voice.

• Self-publishing authors wanting a professional finish that rivals the big publishers.

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Pricing for children's fiction:

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Children’s books require a unique editing approach, especially picture books where every word must be carefully crafted.

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Choose the level of service that best suits your project’s needs:

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For books 10,000 words+

(middle grade and young adult fiction)

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1. Proofreading – £18 per 1,000 words

 

Focus: The final polish. Eliminating errors to ensure your book is technically perfect.

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• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• Consistency in character names and setting details.

• Ensuring British English standards for the UK market.

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2. Copyediting – £22 per 1,000 words

 

Focus: Enhancing readability and 'flow' for young readers.

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• All services from proofreading.

• Refining sentence structure (crucial for Early Readers and Chapter Books).

• Checking for age-appropriate vocabulary and tone.

• Ensuring the 'read aloud' quality of picture books.

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3. Developmental Editing – £30 per 1,000 words

 

Focus: Strengthening the heart of your story.

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• In-depth feedback on plot, pacing, and 'hook'.

• Evaluating character agency and emotional resonance.

• Suggestions for better engagement with the target age group.

• Guidance on marketability within the UK children’s publishing sector.

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Short-form fiction

(up to 10,000 words)

 

Because children’s books (from picture books to chapter books) require a high level of meticulous attention to rhythm, vocabulary levels, and pacing, I use a tiered pricing structure for manuscripts under 10,000 words.

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Includes Picture Books, Early Readers, and Chapter Books.

 

Basic proofreading

 

£100 (up to 1,000 words)

£200 (1,000–3,000 words)

£300 (3,000–10,000 words)

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Developmental editing

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£300 (Up to 1,000 words)

£450 (1,000–3,000 words)

£600 (3,000–10,000 words)​

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• Includes specific feedback on rhythm, 'illustration cues', and vocabulary suitability.

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Finding the right bracket for your book

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Unsure where your manuscript fits? Here is a general guide to the UK publishing standards:​

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Board books:

• Target age: 0–3 years

• Typical word count: 0–100 words

• The focus: Tactile themes, bold illustrations, simple rhythm, and sensory language.

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Picture books:

• Target age: 3–7 years

• Typical word count: 400–1,000 words

• The focus: 'Read-aloud' flow, internal rhyme, and leaving room for illustrations.

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Early readers:

• Target age: 5–8 years

• Typical word count: 1,000–3,000 words

• The focus: Simple sentence structures, high-frequency words.

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Chapter books:

• Target age: 6–10 years

• Typical word count: 5,000–15,000 words

• The focus: Pacing, hook-driven chapters, vocabulary growth.

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Middle grade (MG)/Key Stage 2:

Target age: 8–12 years

Typical word count: 20,000–50,000 words

The focus: Character agency, emotional depth, complex plots.

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Young adult (YA):

Target age: 12–18 years

Typical word count: 50,000–80,000+ words

The focus: Voice-driven, contemporary themes, high stakes.