About Me as a KidLit Book Coach
**** Someone asked me recently if I use AI in my manuscript evaluations and in my book coaching. I can assure you I do not. I bring my considerable experience as a publishing professional and a writer to the table. AI can't duplicate that.****
"Laurie is an absolute treasure! She critiques with warmth, incisiveness, and expert knowledge of the publishing field. She was one of my first mentors in children’s writing, and I would not be where I am today without her." -- National Book Award Finalist and New York Times bestselling author Kekla Magoon
I spent twenty years working in book publishing in various editorial capacities, finishing up as an Executive Editor with the Scholastic Book Clubs. Since leaving the corporate world to write fulltime, I’ve had more than fifty children’s books traditionally published by Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Penguin, American Girl, and others. I love writing, but I missed working with authors. That’s where the editing and book coaching came in.
I serve serious chapter book, middle grade, and YA novelists who are dedicated to improving their craft and stepping into their power as storytellers. I believe writing for kids is a calling that should be honored and that books for children are as important and worthy as books for adults. I love working with authors who are read to invest in their literary dreams and achieve their visions for their stories and their careers.
I’m happy to schedule a 20-minute Zoom or telephone call to answer any questions you have and discuss your coaching needs and to see if we'll be a good fit. Contact me at laurie.calkhoven@gmail.com to arrange a time.
Developmental Edit
"Laurie took time to ask questions so that she understood my vision and needs. She pointed out flaws in plot and character development in a way that still felt positive. She gave great advice for my specific project and resources for improving my writing skills." Nicole Galbraith
"Laurie’s insight into my middle grade novel was outstanding. Her feedback was thorough, unbiased, and constructive and helped me get my novel ready for submission." -- Barbara Underhill
This in-depth look at your manuscript addresses high-level craft aspects of your novel:
voice, pacing, structure, plot, and character development as well as scene-by-scene feedback. One big focus is making sure that the reader’s experience of the book matches your vision.
This includes two thorough read-throughs, inline edits and comments, an editorial letter, and a next steps revision plan.
Included:
• Editorial letter with observations and recommendations
• Detailed line edits, comments, and queries within the manuscript
• Next Steps action plan
• Zoom call to discuss all of the above
Investment:
Early Chapter Books and Chapter Books (up to 15,000 words): $1,000
Middle Grade and YA novels (up to 40,000 words): $1,750
Middle Grade and YA novels 40,000-75,000 words: $2,000
Over 75,000 words: Let's talk.
Manuscript Evolution
"Laurie pointed out details in my manuscript where I had missed opportunities to build on metaphors and I so, so appreciate that! It made me feel smart while helping me make my story stronger. Her comments were just what I needed and hoped for: supportive and constructive and filled with nuance." Kristen Wixted
If you have a completed manuscript and are looking for big picture feedback--is this even working?--a manuscript evaluation might be the best fit. Like with a Developmental Edit, I'll provide an overview that focuses on elements like theme, structure, characterization, plotting and pacing, but without the second read through and the detailed inline comments that are included with the Developmental Edit.
Included:
• Editorial letter with observations and recommendations
• Next Steps action plan
• Zoom call to discuss all of the above
Investment:
Early Chapter Books and Chapter Books (up to 15,000 words): $400
Middle Grade and YA novels (up to 40,000 words): $800
Middle Grade and YA novels 40,000-75,000 words: $1000
Over 75,000 words: Let's talk.
Your First Ten Pages
"Laurie's insights lit a fire within me." -- Jacklyn Janeksela
"Laurie’s review of my first chapter was worthwhile and inspiring.” --
Rebecca Kraft Rector
“. . . exceptionally helpful.”—Caitlin Davenport.
Does your story's opening grab the attention of readers?
Good novels openings compel readers to keep turning pages. They:
- Introduce a sympathetic protagonist
- Set the tone of the story
- Show us where we are in time and space
- Introduce the conflict to come
- Make a promise to the reader that will be fulfilled by the end of the story
That’s a lot to accomplish in 5-10 pages!
I’m ready to help you hone your first chapter. I have ten slots available per month for first chapter reviews for just $100 each!
Included:
- A review of your "Mini Blueprint," a short form I will ask you to fill out that will give me a sense of your vision for the story.
- A deep editorial dive into your first ten double-spaced pages.
- A 30-minute Zoom call to discuss my feedback and your next steps.
Investment: $100
Add in a review of your revised first chapter for an additional $50
Query Package Review
"Laurie shared her vast industry expertise and knowledge of the writing craft with me as we worked together to create a synopsis and query letter to the story I was writing. She took the dread out of writing the synopsis, and helped me identify ways to improve my story on both a micro and macro level. I might still be looking at a blank page titled “Synopsis” if it weren’t for her encouragement, support, and guidance." -- Amy Grimm
Getting ready to submit to agents or editors? In today’s competitive market your submission needs to shine. I'll do my best to help you stand out in a crowded field.
Included:
· Two rounds of edits on your query letter, synopsis, and log line.
· A Zoom call to discuss the above and create a pitch strategy.
· Optional add-in of a look at your first ten pages.
Investment: $250
Add in a developmental edit of your first ten pages for an additional $100
A Note about Picture Books
I do not coach picture books. The picture book market is so hard to break into, especially for authors who aren't also illustrators, that I don't think I can provide real value for your money. Here are some resources that might be helpful:
If you are not already a member, be sure to join the Society for Childen's Book Writers and Illustrators: https://www.scbwi.org
Author Accelerator coach Janet Fox has a great course about writing picture books:
the Hightlights Foundation has some wonderful picture book workshops: https://www.highlightsfoundation.org
12x12 is a fabulous place for serious picture book creators: https://www.12x12challenge.com
Schedule a Free Call
Do you want to see if my coaching style will work for you?
Let's schedule a free 20-minute Zoom call to discuss my coaching packages and your needs.