Picture Book Critique Services
Beginning & Experienced Writers
[Texts Only]
The picture book is a unique genre in many ways. Like movies, they blend word, sound and image. They are written for an audience that cannot read. Still, we know our words will be read, but not in silence. They will be read aloud to one child or a group of children. Word count can range from zero to one thousand. Age of audience can range from birth to eight or older. Content can be fiction, nonfiction, concept, poetry and more. Yet within all these possibilities, the majority of picture books exist with 32 pages.
Critiques will address:
*Theme
*Action
*Form & Structure
*Pacing
*Sound
*Voice
*Point of View
Turnaround time: One week. I like to read a manuscript several times over a period of days and in different settings. You deserve a well thought-out response.
Honesty: I cannot say what will or won’t get published. If I could, I would have 100 books with my name on the cover instead of 40. Publisher’s interests and needs are always changing. Manuscripts accepted ten years ago might not be published today. And, vice versa. What I will do is address both what is working well and what could be improved in your manuscript.
Format for submission: Text of 1,000 words or less. No illustrations. Summary description of 25 words or less. Font size 12. Double spaced. Please submit as a separate word document file.
Please feel free to contact me with any submission concerns before sending your manuscript:
***** gwbshannon@gmail.com *****
Fee: [Payment process coming soon]
George Shannon - Children's Author 
Finally the rest of the world has the opportunity to work with George Shannon. He’s a humble teacher with a great heart and sense of humor. What else would anyone want in a mentor for their picture books? Congratulations, George! And congratulations to anyone who steps up to this wonderful opportunity.
[…] a new blog about picture books. His blogs includes essays, reviews, and information about his picture book critique service. If you’re interested in writing picture books, this is a good blog to […]
I don’t think anyone knows picture books as well as George. As a picture book writer and writing teacher, I can’t think of anyone better than George to study a picture book manuscript and bring out the best in it!
(Oh, and this is a totally unsolicited comment. George doesn’t even know I’m here, but he will soon. 🙂
How much does your PB critique cost?
Hi Don,
Though I’ve been writing, publishing and teaching for 35 years, I’m new to formal critiques. I am still in phase of offering free critiques with the hope that those who find my comments beneficial might offer a quote of support. Happy writing. George
Hello, Mr. Shannon. I’ve come over from Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 extravaganza just to say hello and thank you for the guest post. What a wonderful service you provide here, both with the critiques and the wealth of information on your blog. Though I’ve got some children’s poetry and early readers published, this is my first foray into traditional PB writing, and it’s a whole new world. And trying to write in prose, no less, rather than my comfy world of rhyme! I’ve signed up and will look forward to your emails — and no doubt I’ll be back for a critique when I come up with something worthy. Thank you! Renee
Hi George,
Are you still accepting PB manuscripts for critique? If so what is your cost?
Thanks,
Tracy
Dear Tracy,
Thanks for discovering my blog. Now that I’m working three days at an elementary school I’ve put the blog on hold. I’ve also needed to stop doing with others on their manuscripts.
Best wishes with all your writing!
George