Frances Gilbert – Editor

As a children's editorial director with over thirty years of experience at major publishers, I bring an industry knowledge to editing that few other freelancers can offer. I'll help you get your picture book manuscript to the next level — not only in craft and creativity but also in strategic thinking to help it stand out in a crowded field.

I work across a wide range of picture book genres, including humor, rhyming, SEL, nonfiction, and lyrical/emotional.

Your path to publication is unique, so I'll tailor my editing and critique notes to where you are in the writing process and what your goals are — whether that’s a tidying-up copy edit, a careful line edit, or a deeper developmental edit with extensive notes for revision.

(Please upload your full manuscript so I can better review it for a quote.)

I'll provide both text edits and detailed guidance to strengthen elements such as pacing, characterization, phrasing, plot, pagination, and more.

My edits are grounded in a close, experienced reading of your manuscript — not hearsay or outdated "rules" — and reflect a deep understanding of today’s competitive picture book market.

I’ve had the privilege of editing books by beloved authors such as Tammi Sauer, Dev Petty, Mike Boldt, Annie Silvestro, Charlotte Offsay, and many more. I especially enjoy working with emerging writers, helping them develop a distinctive picture book style and authentic voice.

If you'd like to learn a bit more about my approach to children's books, head over to Reedsy's YouTube channel, where you'll find my seminar on picture book basics. I hope you find it useful!

* Note: As I work for a publisher, I must stress that hiring me on Reedsy does not give access to me as an acquiring editor at my work. At work, I only accept manuscripts on submission that come via agents.