Kristi Mahoney
Children's Book Author
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Picture Book Manuscript Critiques
Non-rhyming picture book manuscript (fiction or nonfiction), 750 words or less (not counting notes/back matter)​​​
What to expect:
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Overall summary highlights of the story’s strengths, as well as the major areas to focus on for revisions. These could relate to character, plot, arc, hook, tension/pacing, showing vs telling, theme, dialogue, and/or strength of your beginning/ending
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Line level comments in the margins with more specifics on any of the above as well as suggestions for alternative phrasing or reducing word count. I’ll also note the lines I love the most!
Cost: $60
Timing: 1 week or less (estimated)
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Editorial Services
​​​​Picture Book Query Letter Critiques ​​
What to expect:
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Feedback to polish your query’s introduction, pitch, and bio as well as making sure it includes all important information and is as streamlined as possible
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My goal is that you’ll have clear and honest feedback that not only helps you elevate your query letter to the next level, but makes you feel confident about it!
Cost: $25
Timing: 1 week or less (estimated)
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Writing and Critiquing Experience
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Author of Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians (2024) - winner of 2025 Children's Book Council K-2 Kids Favorite Award
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Author of Owls Make Terrible Teachers (March 2026) ​
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Experience critiquing 400+ picture book manuscripts and/or query letters since 2018
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Member of 12x12, SCBWI, PBSoar, Boston Author’s Club, and 24 Carrot Writing​
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Represented by Elisa Houot at The Seymour Agency
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Testimonials
“Kristi is an amazing critique partner! She has offered feedback on many of my manuscripts. Her insights and suggestions are always thorough, thoughtful, constructive and supportive. They motivate me to dig into revisions and help make my words sing!”
–G.D., award winning multi-book author
"Kristi’s feedback is immensely helpful – it is thorough, actionable, and always encouraging. Her wealth of experience has not only helped me strengthen my work, but has inspired me as a writer. I am incredibly grateful for her guidance, and highly recommend her!"
–K.H., pre-published writer/illustrator
“Since 2018, Kristi has consistently provided insightful, creative and actionable edit suggestions on my stories for children. She has an eye for heart, humor and fun, accessible language--and I love knowing that I can always trust her to be honest and thorough!”
–C.P., award winning multi-book author
“I have used Kristi’s critique services twice and both times, her insight was invaluable in getting my manuscript query-ready. You can tell she takes the time to thoroughly review your manuscript, from big picture items all the way down to line-level details. When she spots issues, she offers considerate developmental suggestions and options how to fix them.”
–C.M., award winning, pre-published writer