Janae Marks is now offering editing services for writers of chapter books, middle grade and YA novels. Below are her offerings. If you would like to work with Janae, please reach out using the form at the bottom of this page.
Please note: Janae does not offer critiques for writers under the age of 18.
Please note: Janae does not offer critiques for writers under the age of 18.
Services Offered
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Submission Package
Janae will critique your query letter, synopsis and up to 30 pages of your manuscript. Cost: $250 Additional round of query critiques can be purchased for $25. Turnaround: 2 weeks Vertical Divider
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Reader's Report
Janae will read your full manuscript and write a 3-5 page reader's report on overarching issues, suggestions for improvement, and gaps related to plot, pacing, character arcs and world building. Note: this does not include written comments within the document. Cost: Price by word count. Reach out for quote. Turnaround: 1 month Please plan ahead and schedule 4-6 weeks in advance. Vertical Divider
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Full Manuscript Critique
Janae will read your full manuscript and provide detailed notes, line edits, and comments throughout the manuscript, as well as a thorough edit letter with suggestions for improvement and gaps related to plot, pacing, character arcs, world building, etc. Includes one 30-minute post-critique phone call, video chat, or email (one exchange) typically within two weeks of receiving critique feedback. Cost: Price by word count. Reach out for quote. Turnaround: 1 month Please plan ahead and schedule 4-6 weeks in advance. |
Important Note
Janae will provide craft-based feedback on your manuscript. She will not offer "sensitivity reads" but will point out any issues of diversity or representation that she notices.
Why work with Janae?
Janae Marks is the New York Times bestselling author of the Zoe Washington series, A Soft Place to Land, and A Split Second (published by HarperCollins). Her work can also be found in the middle grade anthologies Hope Wins, edited by Rose Brock (published by Philomel Books), and Black Girl Power, edited by Leah Johnson (published by Freedom Fire Books). Her novels have earned multiple starred trade reviews and been named Best Book of the Year by Parents Magazine, Chicago Public Library, the Boston Globe, the Bank Street College of Education, and others.
Janae spent seven years working for a Big 5 publisher and holds an MFA in Writing for Children from The New School. She mentors writers and critiques manuscripts as faculty for the Whole Novel Workshop at Boyds Mills (formerly known as the Highlights Foundation). She has also taught writing craft workshops with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), The Writing Barn, The Connecticut Writing Project, and Manhattanville College. In addition to helping other writers, Janae continues to hone her own craft.
Janae is a great fit for chapter books, middle grade, and YA novels, and will read any genre within those categories. If you'd like to have a conversation to determine if she'd be a good fit, please reach out!
Janae spent seven years working for a Big 5 publisher and holds an MFA in Writing for Children from The New School. She mentors writers and critiques manuscripts as faculty for the Whole Novel Workshop at Boyds Mills (formerly known as the Highlights Foundation). She has also taught writing craft workshops with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), The Writing Barn, The Connecticut Writing Project, and Manhattanville College. In addition to helping other writers, Janae continues to hone her own craft.
Janae is a great fit for chapter books, middle grade, and YA novels, and will read any genre within those categories. If you'd like to have a conversation to determine if she'd be a good fit, please reach out!
Testimonials
"Janae Marks’s full edit of my manuscript at the Highlights retreat was transformative. Her notes were sharp, generous, and exactly what the story needed. She challenged me in the best ways while honouring my voice, and I walked away with clarity, momentum, and a much stronger book. I would highly recommend her editorial services!" - Jennifer W.
"Janae was wonderful to work with! Her feedback was thoughtful, thorough, and ultimately gave me the confidence I needed to revise my middle-grade manuscript. It also helped to brainstorm with her during our subsequent face-to-face meeting. I highly recommend working with her for any project where you feel stuck, need thoughtful critique, or an extra boost of encouragement.” - Elizabeth Johnson
"Janae’s feedback was thorough, insightful, and encouraging. Her questions and suggestions showed her deep understanding of my story, especially of the characters and their relationships. She taught me how to dig into my story and tackle revisions—big and small—in a way that improved the plot lines and enhanced the themes. It was such a rewarding experience!" - Mary Worley
"Prior to attending Boyds Mill’s Whole Novel Workshop (formerly Highlights Foundation), I submitted a “solid” middle grade manuscript to Janae, my mentor. With her advice and recommendations, my manuscript evolved into a polished novel, ready for submission. During the entire process, Janae was generous and encouraging. Storytelling is about relationships and Janae values collaboration as much as creativity." - Cindy Clemens
"Janae displayed a genuine investment in wanting to see my writing shine. Her keen eyes for identifying problem areas in my middle grade draft were an invaluable resource. The speed and ease with which she was able to rattle off quality solutions left me wondering, 'Why didn’t I think of that?!' Janae advised me with absolute expertise… but in an empowering way that made me feel like I already had what I needed to make the best decisions for my manuscript. I always left consultations feeling optimistic about the direction of my project… And like I had gained new tools to move my work forward." - Stephanie Foster Brown
Are you interested in working with Janae? Fill out the below form to get started.
If you have any trouble with the form, you can also email me at [email protected].