Let's make your picture book shine.

Hi! I’m Blair Thornburgh, an editor with over eight years of trade publishing experience and an award-winning picture book author. I absolutely love working with emerging picture book authors and helping their work blossom and reach their publishing dreams.

Whether you have questions about how to get your children’s book published, how to query agents looking for picture books, or even just how to write a picture book that’s as good as it can be, a Picture Book Critique with me is a great way to get thorough and insightful editorial feedback on your children’s book manuscript as you get ready to publish.

Here's how we work together.

  1. You send your picture book manuscript to me by email
  2. I read carefully and thoroughly (more than once!) and make notes
  3. I prepare an in-depth critique letter detailing the strengths and potential shortcomings of your book, along with answer to any of your questions
  4. I make detailed line edits in the manuscript itself, with word- and sentence-level suggestions
  5. I send you the critique materials and we meet for a one-on-one consultation to go over the critique and answer any more questions you have

If you've been wondering...

  • How do I write a children's book?
  • How do I publish my picture book manuscript?
  • What's the right word count for my picture book? How long should this picture book be?
  • Do I need illustrations with my picture book? Where do I find a picture book illustrator?
  • How do I write a rhyming picture book? Do picture books in rhyme sell?
  • How do I write a query letter for a children's book? How do I get a picture book agent?
  • Should I self-publish my picture book?

then you're ready to take the next step!

I can't thank Blair enough for her editing work. She took the time to fully understand my story and did a great job with the editing. She is a true professional. I would use her again and highly recommend her.
Jim P.
Picture Book Author
I loved her open and honest feedback. Her genuine enthusiasm for my book helped build my confidence. I can now see myself actually following through on my plan to self publish this book.
Julie M.
Children's Book Author
Blair crafted an insightful and careful assessment of my manuscript that gave me clear directions and options to improve the work. She balances encouragement with honest questions and criticisms that are certain to make my work better.
Monica E.
Children's Book Author

Ready to work together?

The Picture Book Critique Package

  • A written evaluation of your picture book manuscript
  • A careful line edit of the manuscript text, including comments, queries, and suggested changes
  • A tailored list of recommended children's writing craft books
  • An assessment of the picture book in the current publishing market
  • A full hour of one-on-one consultation (phone or Zoom) about your book

$499

Book a critique

Questions?

No problem! Just email me at blair@theauthorstudio.co and I’m happy to help.

Best. Workday. Ever.

I love picture books–or really, I never stopped loving them–and that’s why I love being a freelance picture book editor. My picture books have won awards, gotten glowing reviews, and featured everywhere from Publishers Weekly to the Wall Street Journal. I bring nitty-gritty, “behind the desk” experience from traditional publishing and a top-tier children’s writing MFA program, but also the empathy and understanding of a fellow children’s book author. I love to collaborate and find out how to revise your picture book manuscript and launch it into the world!

~Blair