Services
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Does your rhyming children's picture book need a comprehensive CHECK-UP? Our award-winning kidlit Rhyme Doctors are here to help!
The Rhyme Doctors' Approach
One of the hardest things about being a rhyming author is that meter and rhyme are secondary to story. Story comes first. No amount of stellar rhythm and rhyme will make up for story issues. (Because we like to rhyme, we work twice as hard!) This is why the Rhyme Doctors take a holistic approach to our check-ups (see below). Consistent meter is especially challenging, but we believe it can be learned. That is why our scansion process aims to reveal problems, show examples of corrections, and then help you develop your skills as a rhymer. The Rhyme Doctors comprehensive approach to our picture book consultations provides three key feedback documents:
1.) After-Visit Summary
This document includes overall feedback on your story, message, voice, marketability, recommended mentor texts, plus suggestions for next steps. Additionally, we provide customized handouts that address specific aspects of writing in rhyme. 2.) Story Elements We believe that story is inextricably linked to the other important devices (such as rhyme and rhythm) in your picture book manuscript. Since all elements must be strong in a successful picture book, we analyze aspects of your story (such as plot, characters, voice, etc.) and note within your manuscript those that work well and any that could be enhanced. 3.) Scansion Analysis Finally, we scan a portion of your picture book text, showing the stressed and unstressed pattern. We also suggest a target meter and provide some examples of how you might revise your meter in places where it is off. We help identify trouble spots, but we do not rewrite text, as this would take the ownership of the project away from you. We respect the unique voice and style you bring to your project. Your Rhyme Doctors comprehensive checkup does not include:
* extensive line edits or comprehensive text revisions. We will offer suggestions that you may or may not choose to incorporate. However, we do not rewrite text. After all this is YOUR story, and we respect your creative choices! * picture book dummies or layout guides * fact-checking or subject matter expertise. (For example, we do not verify that NF material you may present is factually correct, etc.) |
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Optionally, you may also elect to set-up a Video Chat to discuss the diagnosis!
(See a la cart choices on the FEES page.) Please note: Manuscripts are assigned on a rotating basis to the Rhyme Doctors staff. Rest assured that you and your manuscript will be in good hands with your on-call caregiver! |
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