Thank you for stopping by. I so appreciate your interest.

Hurray! You’ve written a picture book or chapter book manuscript. What started as a spark of an idea has developed into a full-fledged story.

Now what?

Maybe you have critique partners and they’ve given you feedback, but you’d like a fresh pair of eyes.

Or maybe you work on your own and you wonder if something is missing or if you need to change direction.

I’d love to help!

For $97, I’ll read your story (fiction or nonfiction picture book manuscripts up to 1000 words – please email me first if you have a longer story), and provide a page of feedback that will address
*your opening lines
*main character
*pacing
*use of picture book techniques such as alliteration and the element of three
*your ending

For $247 (this is like a mini-mentorship), I’ll do the above (for picture book manuscripts up to 1000 words – please email me first if you have a longer story)
PLUS
* line edits
*alternate phrasing
*mentor text suggestions
*a follow-up read-through of the manuscript after you have revised it
* a 60-minute Zoom chat to discuss the manuscript, the edits, or anything else concerning your writing journey.

If you want more Zoom chats, we can arrange those at $50 per 60 minutes.

For $45, I’ll read your picture book query/cover letter and use the track change feature to help you create a winning one! If you are also purchasing a basic critique at the same time, the query/cover letter is only $35. If you opt for the mini-mentorship, the query/cover letter edit is only $25.

Sometimes, after a revision, you may want further feedback. I am always happy to give feedback for a revision of a manuscript I’ve previously critiqued. I would do a quick read through at no cost, to let you know how much it would be before I began.

I can also edit and/or give you feedback on early to middle grade Chapter Books – please contact me for prices.

If you are just looking for a Zoom chat about the path to publication, your specific writing journey, or a particular manuscript, I happy to schedule a 30-minute block of time for $60 or a 60-minute block of time for $100.

Here’s what other writers are saying about my critiques:

“Working with Vivian in a mini mentorship has been one of the most positive experiences of my writing career. She took time to listen to my vision for the story, and then posed the right questions for me to consider. This, along with thoughtful suggestions and line edits, allowed me to take the story to a whole new level. I won a big writing contest with it and signed with a wonderful agent! From a writing craft standpoint, she is top-notch, and her warmth and passion for working with people is outstanding. I can’t recommend Vivian enough!” – Hilary Margitich, represented by Jonathan Rosen, The Seymour Agency

Vivian’s editorial eye is incredible. She found “lumps” that neither I (in 16 revisions) nor 3 other critique folks found –and made the perfect suggestion. Head slap! SO HELPFUL! After another revision, I finally feel that fizzy feeling when I know it’s ready! Thanks, Vivian! – Pat Miller, author of THE HOLE STORY OF THE DOUGHNUT, SUBSTITUTE GROUNDHOG, and many more.

Vivian’s mentorship service is next-level up for writers who want to submit to agents and editors, but who know their manuscript needs tweaking. Her superpower skills helped turn an average manuscript into one that makes me smile. After Vivian’s suggestions, line edits, and alternate phrasing, the story came into focus. And with a new opening and ending, the story finally reads like a ready-to-submit manuscript. Vivian’s professional skills and kind demeanor took my story to a new level, beyond my expectations. Thanks to her mentoring, I have a manuscript that I’m proud to submit! The process was fun, timely, and highly productive. I will be forever grateful. I can’t wait for her to guide me through my next manuscript! –Denise Engle

Great comments—and helpful suggestions. Good stuff! Above and beyond! – Francis McCall, author of  A HUGE HOG IS A BIG PIG and UNRAVELING FIBERS

SPOT ON! Your suggestions helped simplify the sentences, cut word count. and punch up the plot.  This is exactly the type of critique I was looking for! – Melissa Stoller, author of THE ENCHANTED SNOWGLOBE SERIES

I really appreciate your dedication to providing kind yet constructive feedback on my work. You have given me a lot to think about — and it’s clicking! – Lisa Katzenberger, author and editor

I highly recommend Vivian. She has an editorial eye to help flesh out your manuscript. – Sherri Jones Rivers

Impressed by the breadth and depth of Vivian’s feedback — she even suggested mentor texts!  – Allison Alley

 Extremely thoughtful and helpful critiques. – Keila Dawson, author of KING CAKE BABY

I can’t say enough about Vivian’s ability to see the core of your story. She’s a treasure! – Beth Gallagher

I’m glad I sent my story and cover letter. I finally feel I have a clear direction to move forward on. – Leslie Leibhardt Goodman

Vivian pointed out what wasn’t clear, and where I could chop/chop words!! I will definitely be using her services again. – Polly Renner

“Vivian Kirkfield helped with the plot arc, suggested some vivid descriptions and made every word of the story count -THE BEST CRITIQUE EVER.” – Jeanette Koscheski

“I’m so happy I chose you to critique my ms. You understood my story and your suggestions align perfectly with my vision for it.” – Joana Pastro

Please email me at: viviankirkfield@gmail.com

You can attach your manuscript as a Word doc. In the subject line of the email:

CRITIQUE – YOUR NAME – TITLE OF MS

1. You can pay via PayPal, Venmo or check. I usually don’t expect payment until we are finished, but of course, you can always pay sooner.

And I can’t wait to read your story!