Children's Book Writing Services Evalutions, Critiques, and Writing Programs

Welcome to the Children's Book Manuscript Evaluation Service. We trust that we can meet your manuscript needs and help you develop as a children's book writer.       The editor of Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review, Marya Jansen-Gruber has had considerable experience in the children's literature field and has a well-rounded appreciation for what makes a children's book work on both a structural and a content level. Marya will be your editor and will help you work on your manuscript and or develop your writing skills. The services offered are:

Writing Programs There are programs designed to help writers develop their skills. There are three programs: •One Month Program: Four lesson will be set, one every week, for the writer to complete. Each set will then be submitted to the editor for evaluation and recommendations. •Two Month Program: Eight lesson will be set, one every week, for the writer to complete. Each set will then be submitted to the editor for evaluation and recommendations. •Three Month Program: Twelve lesson will be set, one every week, for the writer to complete. Each set will then be submitted to the editor for evaluation and recommendations. Each lesson will be tailor- made to suit the needs and interests of the writer and will include writing assignments, reading assignments, and writing excercises.

Manuscript Evaluations: Evaluations will include as assessment of the following •Character assessment! •Evaluation of the plot as a whole •Evaluation of the plot development •Whether the pace of the book works •Evaluation of the cohesiveness of the story •Evaluation of the structure of the story •Evaluation of the writing style •Evaluation of the dialogue (if any) •Evaluation of artwork (if any) with respect to the text and the manuscript as a whole And Suggestions on how to •Make the characters memorable and credible •Tighten up the structure so that it flows well from start to finish •Make the plot one that will capture the interest of the reader and one that is both believable and understandable.

Marya does not promise that a publisher will accept a manuscript for publication but she does promise to provide the author with an honest, supportive, and clear assessment of his or her work, offering suggestions on how to improve the work as well as pointing out its weaknesses. In an effort to provide a service that is affordable and that has a reasonably fast turn-around time, Children's Book Manuscript Evaluation Service does not offer line by line copy-editing.

"As a beginning children's writer with many questions and concerns, Marya Jansen-Gruber was there to help.  When I submit my manuscripts, they are returned quickly with valuable information about ways to improve the context, strengthen the characters and make the story run more smoothly.  She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful in many areas and has gone out of her way to assist.  You will not be disappointed.  It is like working with a friend and her suggestions and improvements are right on the money." Patricia Brazzell, Nashville, TN