Editorial services
Hello, my name is Lissette Norman. I’m an award-winning poet and the author (and co-author) of eight children’s picture books, published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan.
With over 15 years of editing experience, I specialize in children’s picture books, both fiction and nonfiction. My services include full developmental editing, picture book critiques, query letter critiques, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Having worked on both sides of the desk, as a published author and as an editor, I bring a rare depth of insight into the publishing process, and I love sharing that knowledge with the writers I work with.
I edit to preserve your voice, not replace it. And because I’m a poet at heart, I pay special attention to rhythm and read-aloud quality, the qualities that make a picture book sing when read out loud.
I’d love to answer any questions you might have regarding my services. Feel free to message me here.
Query Letter critique
A critique includes marked up feedback, a model rewrite and an honest assessment.
A great query letter is your chance to make a first impression and convince an agent or editor to read your story. This service critiques your picture book query letter for both structure (hook, synopsis, comp titles, bio) and craft (voice, clichés, pacing), while making sure the letter’s tone matches the manuscript itself.
Picture Book Critique
A critique includes detailed line-by-line comments, a summary of overall strengths and weaknesses, and specific, actionable suggestions for revision.
This service provides a thorough critique of your picture book manuscript, evaluating story structure and pacing (does it build to a satisfying page-turn rhythm and land a strong ending), text-to-illustration balance (leaving enough room for the art to do its job rather than over-explaining), voice and read-aloud quality (rhythm, word choice, and whether it sounds natural when read out loud), age-appropriateness and market fit (comparing tone, themes, and length to what’s currently selling in your category), and character and emotional arc (whether the protagonist’s journey feels genuine and resonant for young readers).
Full manuscript developmental edit
A full manuscript developmental edit includes two rounds of edits.
I’ll complete an initial developmental edit of your manuscript and return it to you for review, followed by a phone consultation where you can ask questions about the edits. After you revise based on my notes, I’ll complete a second developmental edit of the revised manuscript. A follow-up phone discussion is available if needed. I will also format your manuscript according to standard picture book formatting. I complete the edits within two weeks.
Mentoring Session
You can book a 30-minute or 60-minute mentoring session.
Do you have a book in your belly? I can help you brainstorm and develop your picture book idea. We can create a publishing plan and/or do a publishing Q&A. We can also do a Q&A about agents, writing, a creative project and/or the querying process during a mentoring session.
Full Support Package
A full manuscript developmental edit + one 60-minute mentoring session.
I’ll complete an initial developmental edit of your manuscript and return it to you for review, followed by a phone consultation where you can ask questions about the edits. After you revise based on my notes, I’ll complete a second developmental edit of the revised manuscript. A follow-up phone discussion is available if needed. I will also format your manuscript according to standard picture book formatting. I complete the edits within two weeks.
During your mentoring session, we can create a publishing plan and/or do a publishing Q&A. We can also do a Q&A about agents, writing, another creative project and/or the querying process.
to get started:
Reach out through the get in touch form and let me know which service(s) you’re interested in. I’ll respond with instructions on where to send your manuscript, along with an invoice. (Please check your spam folder for my reply.)
Payment is accepted via CashApp, PayPal or Venmo.