TESTIMONIALS for Naomi Kirsten’s Picture Book Mentorships and Editing Services
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Naomi Kirsten via her Deluxe Picture Book Edit Package and also her 3-Month Picture Book Mentorship. These consulting services were the best money I have spent on creative critiques for both writing and illustrating. In total, we worked on three picture book dummies together. With each story, Naomi’s expert editorial advice and art direction helped strengthen the ideas I was trying to convey, and bring out the best in my work. With over sixteen years in the publishing industry, Naomi has a clear insight into what publishers and agents and looking for. Both her editorial and art direction skills are top notch.
Naomi also helped me select which sketches to paint for each picture book dummy, and the best way to organize my online portfolio to appeal to agents and publishers.
“Working with Naomi has been a dream! Within our first few interactions, I knew she was the person to help move my manuscript along in a way that is well positioned to enter the market! She quickly understood the larger notions that encapsulated my story and helped me strengthen my writing into a more digestible format for young children. Not only is she a wealth of knowledge on the children's picture book industry, but she is an exceptional writer—which made the line editing process seamless! She is charismatic, understanding, and personable. I look forward to potential collaboration with her in the future!” -Amanda B., One-Month “Perfect Your Picture Book” Mentorship Program
“I have found working with Naomi incredible! I went to Naomi with a couple of very rough first drafts of picture book stories. Naomi has a fast and keen editor’s eye, through feedback and editing together, she has really helped me get to the heart of the stories and shaping them, with page turns and ah-ha moments and an ending that feels great. Her enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the industry has helped me understand the audience, comp titles and best fit for my story. After working with Naomi, I now have a story and dummy book I love and that is ready to submit, as well as another story that I’m drawing the roughs for. Naomi is kind and incredibly generous with her knowledge and time, and I’ve learnt a lot about story structure and thinking like an editor. I totally recommend working with Naomi!” -Rachel W., 3-Month Picture Book Mentorship Program
“Naomi possesses a remarkable ability to offer constructive, detailed feedback in a way that clarifies focus and fuels creativity. Throughout the mentorship, Naomi guided me through multiple rounds of revisions, helping me reshape story arcs, refine pacing, and tighten language. Her art and editorial notes were always clear, thoughtful, and encouraging, and each round of feedback brought my stories closer to their fullest potential.
Thanks to her guidance, I developed two picture book dummies that are now fully ready for submission. Naomi’s passion for children’s literature shines through and her mentorship has genuinely transformed my creative journey. I am incredibly grateful for her support, expertise, and unwavering belief in my work.” -Emma, 6-Month Picture Book Mentorship Program
“I have had the most wonderful experience working with and learning from Naomi for my picture book manuscripts and I couldn't recommend her enough as an editor! Naomi is empathetic in understanding your vision for your story, highly specific and clear in her feedback, and very collaborative and communicative during the entire revisions process. It really feels like a mini-mentorship process where you get the benefit of an editor and cheerleader, all in one!
What is of course so incredible about her as an editor is the wealth of experience she brings in from her time at Chronicle Books—she is able to share anecdotes about the acquisitions process and how that works, give inputs around marketability and hooks that would relate to your manuscript, and really bring you into the mind of what an editor would be looking for. It is so rare and invaluable to get this type of inside look into the industry from a professional, and so worth every penny!
But above and beyond her incredible editorial skills, what I most appreciate about working with Naomi is how she so deeply becomes a champion for you and your work. She always tries to understand the intention behind your work and helps you stay true to that, while helping you create something that would appeal to the publishing world. She truly radiates encouragement and is a light for writers journeying through this crazy publishing world. Naomi would be the perfect editor for any writer looking to grow their craft and get their manuscripts closer to being submissions-ready!” -Yashika Mody
“Working with Naomi was such a pleasure! Over our months together, she generously shared her expertise and guided me through the submission process, from making line edits and storyboarding to writing the query letter.
Naomi’s honest, professional, and insightful conversations have been incredibly helpful for my learning and growth. I’m so grateful for her constructive feedback and encouragement to finish this book. I highly recommend her skills to anyone seeking a talented collaborator and editor.” -Taili Wu, “Get Prepared to Publish!” Editing Package
“Naomi mentored with a genuine and compassionate touch over the course of several months. She knew precisely where to pull and push my projects that really spoke to who I am as an author and illustrator. Join Naomi for a transformative adventure if you’re looking for tailored advice, industry insights, and essential skills to success.” -Jen W., 6-Month Picture Book Mentorship Program
“Naomi worked with me on several projects, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Her feedback is thorough, insightful, and precise, ensuring my manuscript was fully prepared for publication. Beyond her technical expertise, Naomi brings an exceptional level of care to every interaction. She is genuinely invested in her clients’ success, and her firsthand experience on the publishing side makes her an invaluable resource.” -Jocelyn Wong-Trothen
“Naomi’s editorial expertise and creative intuition were essential in bringing Rosie the Brave book series to life. She has a remarkable ability to breathe clarity, rhythm, and heart into every line, often capturing exactly what I hoped to convey. Beyond her talent, she is warm, encouraging, and a true joy to collaborate with.” -Jodie Howard, 3-Month Picture Book Mentorship Program
To inquire about Naomi Kirsten’s mentorship programs or to have an editing package tailored to your project’s needs, please fill out the form below or email naomikirstencreative[at]gmail.com.