Writing a children’s book is not the same as writing for adults. Every word has to work harder. The rhythm has to feel right when read aloud. The plot has to make sense to a five year old or a ten year old, not just to you.
At Purple Giraffe Press, we offer children’s book editing services built around this simple fact. We do not treat your manuscript like a business report or a novel for grown ups. We treat it like what it is, a story meant to be read by a child, or read to a child, again and again.
We usually reply within one business day.
- based in australia
Whether you have a finished picture book manuscript, a chapter book draft, or an early reader that just needs a clean up, our team can help. We are based in Australia and we work with authors, illustrators, and small publishers who want their book to actually work for its young readers.
- what we do
Our book editing services for children’s books cover every stage of the process, from the first read through to the final proofread. You can book one service on its own, or work through several stages as your manuscript develops. Many authors start with an assessment, then move into a deeper edit once they know where the story needs work. Others just need one specific service, like a proofread before printing. Either way, you choose what fits your manuscript and your budget.
Before any line by line work starts, we read your full manuscript and give you an honest, clear report. We look at the story structure, the pacing, the age fit, and whether the plot holds together. You get practical notes you can actually use, not vague praise.
This is big picture editing. We look at character, plot, structure, and voice. If your story sags in the middle, or the ending feels rushed, or a character disappears halfway through, we will flag it and suggest ways to fix it. For picture books, this includes checking the balance between text and the space left for illustrations.
Here we work sentence by sentence. We check word choice, sentence rhythm, and flow. Children’s books are often read aloud, so we pay close attention to how the text sounds, not just how it reads on the page.
Picture books are their own art form. The word count is tight, often under a thousand words, and every sentence has to leave room for the pictures to do their job. Our children’s picture book editing services focus on trimming excess words, sharpening the read aloud rhythm, and making sure the text leaves space for illustration rather than repeating what the pictures already show.
Once the story and structure are settled, our book copy editor checks grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. We also check that vocabulary and sentence length suit the intended age group, since a copy edit for a board book looks very different to one for a middle grade novel.
This is the final check before your book goes to print or is uploaded for publishing. We look for typos, layout issues, and small errors that slipped through earlier rounds.
- who we support
We work with a wide range of writers and creators, including:
No matter where you are in your writing journey, from a rough first draft to a manuscript you think is nearly ready, we can meet you at that stage and help you move forward.
- what to look for
Not every editor is suited to children’s books. A great children’s book editor understands things a general editor might miss. Here is what to look for when comparing your options, whether that is us or someone else:
If you are searching for children’s picture book editors or comparing options for your project, these are the qualities worth asking about before you book. A good conversation with a potential editor, even a short one, will usually tell you whether they understand children’s books or are simply applying general editing rules to a story that needs something more specific.
- why it matters
A children’s book looks simple. That simplicity is deceptive. Getting a short, clear, engaging story right for a young reader takes real skill, and it is easy to get wrong without a trained eye.
Here is what a skilled editor is watching for that a general edit often misses:
This is why generic editing services can fall short. Editing for adults and editing for children draw on different skills, even though both use the same grammar rules.
- how it works
We keep our process simple, so you always know what is happening with your manuscript.
Send through your draft along with a short note about your book. Tell us the intended age group, the word count, and what kind of edit you think you need. If you are not sure which service is right, just ask and we will point you in the right direction.
We read a sample of your manuscript and send you a clear, upfront quote. You will know the cost and the expected turnaround before any work begins.
Once you approve the quote, we get to work. Depending on the service, this might mean a full developmental edit, a line by line pass, or a final proofread.
You receive your edited manuscript along with clear notes explaining the changes and suggestions. We are happy to answer questions about any of the edits.
If needed, we can do a final pass once you have made your revisions, so your manuscript is ready for submission, printing, or publishing.
- our catalog
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- why they come back
Authors and publishers come back to us for a few simple reasons.
The Purple Giraffe Press TeamAustralian Children’s Publisher We do not split our attention across every genre. Children’s books are what we know and what we focus on.
You will always get a clear quote before we start, with no surprise costs later.
As a children’s book editor Australia authors and publishers can reach easily, we understand the local publishing landscape and Australian English spelling and style.
Your book matters to you, and we take that seriously. We aim to strengthen your voice, not replace it.
No confusing jargon. We explain our feedback in plain terms so you always understand the reasoning behind a suggestion.
- author love
- pricing
The cost of children’s picture book editing services depends on a few things, including the length of your manuscript, the type of edit you need, and how much work the story requires. A short picture book manuscript will usually cost less to edit than a full length chapter book or middle grade novel, and a proofread costs less than a full developmental edit.
Because every manuscript is different, we do not publish a single flat rate. Instead, we read a sample of your work first and send you a clear, no obligation quote. That way you know exactly what you are paying for before you commit to anything, and there are no hidden costs added later.
- explore more
We create front, back, and spine layouts that grab a reader’s attention. Unlike many publishing companies for children’s books, we show you enuinely different options rather than just colour swaps
Learn more about Book Cover DesignHonest, affordable promotion that gets your children’s book seen and loved on Amazon, Kindle, and beyond
Learn more about Book PromotionWe take care of the logistics, ISBNs, and platform registrations so you don’t have to learn the technicalities from scratch
Learn more about Book Publishing ManagementWe match you with an artist who understands your characters and work through sketches together before any final painting begins
Learn more about Custom IllustrationsWe build clean, functional sites that help readers and event organisers find you easily
Learn more about Author WebsitesIf you have a great idea but need help with the words, we can draft the story with you in a voice that remains authentically yours
Learn more about Ghostwriting- get in touch
Share your idea or manuscript and we will come back within one business day with a friendly, no-pressure plan and a free estimate.
We usually reply within one business day.
- your manuscript
If you have a children’s book manuscript sitting on your desk, we would love to take a look. Send it through to Purple Giraffe Press and we will let you know how we can help, along with a clear quote so you know exactly where you stand. Your story deserves an editor who understands what makes a children’s book work.
- good to know
Honest answers to the questions authors ask us most. If yours is not here, a quick consultation will cover it.
Book a Free Consultation →Yes. We work across all age groups, from picture books through to chapter books, early readers, and middle grade fiction.
Turnaround time depends on the length of your manuscript and the type of edit you need. We will give you an estimated timeframe along with your quote.
It depends on where your manuscript is at. If you are unsure, send it through and we can recommend the right level of edit based on what the story needs.
Yes. Our copy editing and line editing services include checking grammar, sentence structure, and word choice, which can be especially helpful if English is not your first language.
Yes. Many of our clients are illustrator authors writing their own text. We are used to working with manuscripts that are designed to sit alongside illustrations.
No. Our aim is to strengthen your story while keeping your voice intact. We will always explain our suggestions so you can decide what feels right for your book.
We assess a sample of your manuscript before quoting, so you can see how we work before deciding to go ahead with the full edit.
Look for editors with real experience in your age group, a clear process, and honest communication. Ask questions about their approach before you commit, and check that they are willing to explain their feedback rather than just handing over a marked up file.
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