Polly has 10 years critiquing experience, and has critiqued over 600 stories, a number of which have gone on to become published. She has been a reader for the Write Mentor Picture Book Competition since 2021, and has read 100's of stories, giving her an insight into what it takes to stand out in a competitive market.
Polly specialises in picture books: fiction, non-fiction, rhyme and prose. She will give you detailed feedback on your story, highlighting an areas for improvement as well as appropriate suggestions. Polly will also follow up any questions you may have.
Picture Book Critique Services
Fees: from £50 for a text of up to 1000 words.
Testimonials
'Polly's critiques are encouraging and insightful. She often picks up on the parts of my work where I'm unsure and offers suggestions for improvement. She's also great at critiquing rhyming picture books and helping with scansion.' – Catherine Friess, author and book blogger at Storysnug
'Polly has competently critiqued several of my manuscripts and I'm always impressed by her attention to detail and insightful suggestions. She's also friendly, communicative and a pleasure to work with.' – Helen Ishmurzin, children's author, book reviewer and freelance proof-reader and editor
'Polly’ s critiques of children's stories are incredibly insightful and constructive. She has a keen eye for detail and an incredible understanding of what makes a story engaging for young readers. Having been part of an SCBWI critique group with Polly for many years, her advice has been invaluable to me in perfecting my stories to the highest standard. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking to improve their skills in the field of children's literature.' - Sheryl Webster, author of 30+ children's books
'Polly’s experience with picture books, both fiction and non-fiction, shines through in her critiquing. In addition to providing a detailed critique, she offers a fantastic overview of your story together with helpful suggestions. Her insightful critiques have helped lift my stories to a whole new level. I recommend Polly wholeheartedly to anyone who is looking for expert critiquing of their picture book stories.' - Mahrukh McDonald, children's author
'Polly’s critiques have been invaluable in helping me improve as a writer.
She is able to not only focus in on the fine detail but also to step back and give hugely valuable insights and recommendations on the overarching narrative, tone and flow.
As evidenced in her own work Polly has a keen eye for humour and as an accomplished writer of rhyme her feedback has proven equally valuable in providing me insight on both my rhyme and prose stories.
Her encouraging style of critique, highlighting those key positives as well as where she sees room for improvement work really well for me as a writer.
She also has a great understanding of the market and what is likely to appeal to publishers / agents – again invaluable in helping me focus in on the right areas and fast-track my writing journey.' - Phil Dillon, children's author,
Critiquing, picture book critiquing services, editing services, children's book editing, critique group, children's book competitions, picture book competitions, agents for children's books, query letters.