For picture book writers, authors and author/illustrators at every stage
Get the deep-dive editorial feedback from an experienced picture book editor that shows you exactly what's working, what isn't, and how to make your book impossible to ignore.
⭐ Our most popular service · £200 · Delivered in two weeks
You're too close to your own work to see it clearly. You wonder: is this story publishable? Is something missing? Is the structure there but the heart isn't — or the other way around?
That uncertainty keeps you spinning your wheels, revising without really knowing what needs to change.
• Maybe you have a drawer full of manuscripts you haven't known what to do with.
• Maybe you're submitting and getting silence, or rejections, and can't figure out why.
• Maybe you aren't sure which of your stories is the strongest — or which one is worth pouring more time into.
You can keep guessing. Or you can find out — specifically and clearly — exactly what needs to change and how to fix it.
I'm Natascha Biebow — a professional picture book editor, published author, and founder of Blue Elephant Storyshaping.
"I came to Natascha as a complete novice in writing picture books and worked with her to supercharge my work — and boy was my work supercharged! Natascha is deeply knowledgeable about the craft, and her feedback was always thorough, specific and actionable. I learned so much about building characters and nurturing an emotional arc. With her support I went on to win a place on the Penguin Random House WriteNow programme, as one of 10 authors chosen from 2,000. Thank you Natascha — I couldn't have done it without you."
★ Som Holliday
"Natascha critiqued four of my PB manuscripts — and meticulously so. She very methodically analyzed the plot, structure, characters — and with such a kind voice. Everything she brought to light were issues I knew were there, but I couldn't quite articulate where. With Natascha's notes, I now know — and I'm already hard at work editing! Her children's book knowledge is truly invaluable. I would recommend her to anyone in a heartbeat — and, in fact, I already have!"
★ Rose Wallano
Working with Natascha has been an incredible experience. She has a remarkable ability to help you step back from your story and truly understand the importance of structure and the power of every word — where each word must be carefully measured and chosen. Her feedback and edits were nothing short of phenomenal — they transformed my work in ways I couldn't have imagined. My stories flow SO much better. Working with Natascha is more than just a learning experience — it's a meaningful investment in yourself and your career."
★ Anna Orenstein-Cardona
Very few manuscript reviews come from someone who has spent over 30 years on the other side of the desk — commissioning, editing and publishing picture books at the highest level. When Natascha reads your manuscript, she brings the eye of an experienced acquiring editor — someone who has seen thousands of manuscripts, knows exactly what makes agents and publishers stop and take notice, and understands instinctively where a story's potential lies and what's getting in the way of it. That combination of deep craft knowledge and real marketplace expertise is what gives this feedback its edge.
Natascha genuinely spends time with your work. She sits with your story, thinks about what you're trying to say, and considers not just what isn't working — but why, and what it could become. You won't receive a checklist or a template. You'll receive feedback that is specific to your manuscript, your voice, and your vision.
The result is feedback that is detailed, actionable, and kind. Feedback that leaves you feeling clearer and more capable, not discouraged.
I love the way you offer suggestions on both a detailed textual level and on a broader structural level. And on top of that, you also encourage me to think about the emotional heart of the story."
Mike
"I'm not sure my manuscript is ready for a professional review."
There is no too early or too late. Natascha works with writers and author/illustrators at every stage — complete beginners through to experienced authors preparing for submission. If you have a draft you've been working on and you're ready for expert eyes, it's ready.
""Will this actually make a difference to my manuscript?"
The proof is in the results. As one writer put it: "Each piece of feedback you offered felt like a masterclass, pushing me to think deeply, refine persistently, and create boldly." — Mohammad. Every review is honest and specific — delivered in a way that empowers, not deflates.
"Is paying for a review really worth it when I could get feedback for free?"
Feedback from a friend or critique partner can be valuable — but it's a different thing entirely from the insight an experienced acquiring editor brings. What you're investing in here is a revision roadmap: a clear understanding of what your manuscript needs, a path forward for your revisions, and the kind of publishing-industry expertise that knows not just what the craft requires, but what today's market demands. Natascha's fees reflect the time and care she puts into every single Detailed Editorial Review — tailored entirely to your manuscript, your voice, and your vision. This isn't a checklist. It isn't a template. It's the kind of deep, insightful feedback that was previously only available to writers lucky enough to know an editor personally. That's what you're investing in.
"I'm an illustrator who wants to start writing — is the Detailed Editorial Review right for me?"
Absolutely. Natascha has a strong track record helping illustrators find their writing confidence and develop their own voice on the page. Visual thinkers often have a wonderful instinct for story — sometimes they just need support translating that into words. If you're an illustrator ready to write, this is exactly the right place to start.
You open your manuscript after receiving your Detailed Editorial Review. And it's crystal clear. You know what's working. You know what isn't. You know exactly what to change and why. No more wondering. No more revision limbo. Just progress — and the confidence to move forward.
That's the moment writers describe as a turning point. Let's get you there!
Practical and actionable. The more writers who find out about your excellent service, the better.
Mike
Get in touch and I'll put together a quote for you. Payment plans available for larger batches — just ask when you get in touch. Or let me know if you'd be interested in 1-1 Coaching & Mentoring or support with your pitch and submissions package. I can't wait to hear from you!
