Caitlin S.

I am a heart-centered, human-powered editor and publishing consultant. In 2025, I supported more than 30 authors with nearly 60 books. I focus on making children’s books shine by uncovering the heart of the story and helping to ensure that message is developed on every page. I have served award-winning and best-selling authors, and I have coached first-time authors through publishing their debut picture book. Working with thoughtful and creative authors is an honor and a joy, and I love helping them shape their stories and enhance the messages they have prepared for young hearts. Working with me is not a transaction but a partnership, and together we will create something beautiful. My service model includes close collaboration and a team effort to make your story the best version of itself. ***Now booking for mid-November 2026. See pricing below the description of my services.*** What It's Like to Work with Me: I take time to get to know you and your goals for the project before jumping in. We'll talk about what you hope to accomplish, areas you feel strong in, and where you may need extra support. I'll briefly review your manuscript to determine the level of editing it requires so I can offer you a custom quote. I take a warm, encouraging approach to editing; you will feel supported and empowered through our work together. Editing and Proofreading: I offer all levels of editing for children's books, from picture books and early readers to chapter books and middle-grade fiction. This includes: - Developmental Editing – I review the story structure, the character arc, plot, pacing, themes, age appropriateness, and more. I leave in-text comments pointing out specific opportunities to improve as well as celebrating the things you've done well. I also write up a developmental letter with notes for how to strengthen your story and guidance on the most important steps to take. This stage may take more than one pass as we clarify your story's theme and how to convey the message you want to share. - Line Editing – Once the structure is in place, I look at your story line by line, focusing on improving flow, exploring rhythm (even in nonrhyming books), clarifying tone, refining your characters' voices, and adjusting vocabulary and sentence structure to fit the developmental needs of your intended audience. - Copyediting and Proofreading – These final steps of editing ensure correct grammar, usage, and consistency throughout your book. I follow guidelines established by The Chicago Manual of Style, the industry standard in publishing. During proofreading, I will also ensure that your line breaks and page layouts are optimal for printing and an enjoyable read-aloud experience. Pricing: Picture Books (up to 1,000 words): - Editorial Assessment: $225 - Developmental Editing – $425 - Line Editing – $275 ($375 for rhyme) - Copyediting – $175 - Full-Service Editing Bundle: $795, includes full editorial support from manuscript until publication Longer Works (10,000 words+): - Editorial Assessment: $0.015 per word - Developmental Editing: $0.035 per word - Line Editing: $0.03 per word - Copyediting: $0.025 per word - Formatting: $3.50 per page; only offered to editing clients Some bundles available. Priority projects are charged a separate rate. Writing for children is an art—and it’s an honor to help you bring your story to life with clarity, beauty, and heart. Design Consulting: I offer holistic planning for picture book design. My goal is to help the text and illustrations work together harmoniously. Using a storyboard (or book map), I help authors communicate their page designs to illustrators so that text placement is intentional, creating a cohesive design. And, as the visual storytelling takes shape, I offer ongoing line editing support to create a tight, cohesive book. My goal is to replicate the process established in traditional publishing houses. This seems to be an important component often missing the self-publishing process. Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark Support: Additionally, I offer assistance with publishing your book. This includes layout and design support. I use InDesign to lay out and typeset books. I can also help you upload your book to Amazon (KDP) and IngramSpark. You will receive guidance on your book descriptions and promotional copy as well as promotional guidance. I offer a "one-stop-shop" to encourage and empower authors to get their meaningful books out into the world. I'd love to discuss how I can support you!