Testimonials: Critiquing, Developmental Editing, Story Coaching, and Beta-reading
“I hired Susan for story coaching services for the picture book I was writing about my father and me. With her question-asking method and pointed guidance, she was able to help me find the heart of my story, which was a challenging task. She was encouraging and suggested different approaches, keeping at that narrative arc until I got it right. This all took time and patience, and if it wasn’t for Susan’s guidance, I would likely still be searching for the heart of the story! Was there a happy ending? You’d better believe it! That manuscript became my first book contract in this long journey of writing for children I embarked on years ago. If you need expert help in writing, shaping, and chiseling your story into the best it can be, I highly recommend hiring Susan.” - Thereza Dos Santos, author of Papa Was a Sea Captain (Owlkids, 2027); Canada
“I first worked with Susan on a picture book for which my publisher had hired her as an editor. I loved the experience so much and found her insights so helpful that I almost immediately reached out to her for help with a different picture book I had been tweaking for years. She “got” my vision and her feedback was, as ever, keen and easy to implement. A Canadian publisher just acquired my re-worked manuscript, so suffice it to say hiring Susan was worth every penny!” - Carolyn Mills, author of picture books I Drove My Bed to Grandma's House (Dancing Cat Books, tbp 2025), Grandpa's Stars (Fitzhenry, 2023), The Little Boy Who Lived Down the Drain (Fitzhenry, 2017), and several novels for adults; Canada
“I can't tell you how impressed I was with Susan's help with my story. I sent her an idea for a story and she gave me many pages of substantial, essential information that shaped my middle grade/YA graphic novel into the published gem I am proud to see my name on! To call it "story coaching" would be an understatement. Without Susan, my book would have been a sad, expensive learning experience. Thank you, Susan, for teaching me so much! - Chris Buchanan, author of the MG/YA graphic novel RIP Corey: My Friend Died and It Sucks! (Level Up Books, 2023), US
“Just writing a simple children's picture book, right? Not so fast. I highly recommend reaching out to Susan Hughes, who understands the complexities of crafting compelling characters, plot points, and page turns. She gave me insightful comments and coaching. She asked me thought-provoking questions that helped me develop my characters' motivations and development. On top of all that, she was kind and supportive of me and my "Shiba of the North" series.” - B.A. Tomka, author of Ruby's Christmas at the Kennel (2022), Shiba of the North series; Canada
“Susan's questions and reviews of my picture book manuscripts helped me undergo a thoughtful revision process. I went through her mentoring suggestions one by one, and the act of writing relaxed and opened for me. I look forward to revising other manuscripts with a new process lens. Susan's open-ended approach allowed my experimental illustration style to transfer into writing. Now I am pleased to be working on two different versions of my manuscript that have the same theme but are completely different in tone and POV.” - Shirley V. Ting, Canada
“As a lover of history and diversity, I decided to write a children's picture book series where I educate kids about the history and cultures of Africa. The first book in the series is Crowning Glory. After so many rejections from publishers and agents, I decided to reach out to Susan. She’s an amazing editor. Her comprehensive report and helpful suggestions gave me a clearer vision of how to shape the first story in the series. I have learned so much about writing for children and I look forward to working with Susan again soon!" - Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze, author of Crowning Glory: A history of African hair tradition (The Melanin Djali Project, 2022), Canada
"I am a new author, and I reached out to Susan to help me move my story along. With Susan's expert guidance and gentle support as a story coach, I began to trust my creativity and the process of writing. Susan helped me transform my concept into a children's story. " - Christina Walton, Canada, 2o23
“I would highly recommend Susan for critique services for any picture book ... She provided very detailed critiques for two of my picture books. The amazing thing is that she remained positive all throughout the feedback while [noting] glitches in the plot. I never once felt that I shouldn't be writing; instead, she gave me very deep and thoughtful questions to consider while reviewing the story. One, Journey of the Midnight Sun, has been accepted for publication. The second critique was equally meticulous. I have edited that story and will be sending it to her for a second round soon. I look forward to working with her on many other manuscripts." - Shazia Afzal, author of Journey of the Midnight Sun Mosque, Orca, 2022; Canada
"I had a fun, spirited picture book manuscript, Buffalo Wild!, that was getting lots of requests from agents and publishers, but I just couldn’t get a signed deal. I was at a loss. When I approached Susan for help, the first thing she did was encourage me to keep going. Her suggestions to improve my picture book were clear and insightful. My next submission to a publisher resulted in an offer for a contract, which soon had me signing with an agent!" - Deidre Havrelock, author of Buffalo Wild! Annick Press (2021), Canada
“My global middle-grade novel involving two characters swapping lives and rescuing endangered animals in two places was transformed from Susan's support as my story coach. By asking guiding questions, she patiently helped me create a better version of my writing. I am looking forward to working with her on another novel.” - Carol McDougall, author/illustrator (A Salmon's Sky View, 2019), Canada
“I have worked with Susan for over two years on several editing projects. Susan's critiques are detailed and insightful and I have learned a lot about writing for children just based on her comments and suggestions for my picture book stories. One of the picture books Susan edited was successfully self-published and has sold several thousand copies. Another one has just been acquired by a publisher. I highly recommend Susan to anyone looking to move their writing to the next level.” - Yewande Daniel-Ayoade, author of Little Regent (Owl Kids, 2023) and What’s the Worst that Could Happen? (Amazon, 2020); Canada
“I feel so fortunate to have found Susan at the start of my writing journey. She is a brilliant editor and story coach, a wonderfully generous person, and an accomplished writer of many genres of children’s literature. She helped me to develop and polish several picture book manuscripts, as well as a middle-grade novel and a chapter book. Susan always offered extensive editorial notes that were thoughtful and on point. She asked insightful questions that challenged me to dig deeper into my stories, to discover my characters’ true voices, motives, and goals. I could not have found my agent without Susan’s support and encouragement. I highly recommend her services to any kidlit writer—beginner or seasoned." - Kelly Zhang; Canada; now represented by agent Hilary Harwell, KT Literary
"A big thank you to Susan Hughes for two wonderful rounds of developmental editing which helped me polish my YA novel, Brown Boy Nowhere."
- Sheeryl Lim, author of Brown Boy Nowhere (Skyscape, 2021); US
"My middle-grade novel, A Beginner's Guide to Goodbye, has become a reality thanks to the help of editor Susan Hughes. She read an early draft with care and fresh eyes, providing detailed feedback and asking thoughtful questions, thus prompting a rewrite which she then critiqued, leading to an improved version of my story. Thank you, Susan." - Melanie Mosher, author of A Beginner’s Guide to Goodbye (Nimbus, 2020), Goth Girl (2017), and Fire Trout Pie (2014); Canada
“As a result of Susan’s insight and suggestions, I rewrote the story and asked Susan to review the rewrite. She made even more recommendations. Susan offers more than a good edit; she also offers solid writing and storyline tips coming from her extensive accomplishments. When I write book 3, I’ll be reaching out to Susan for sure.” - Betty R. Robinson, author of Elizabeth Goes to Mars! (2020) and Elizabeth’s Enlightening Day at the Zoo (2022), Tellwell Publishing; Canada
"What I find most constructive about Susan’s analysis of a story are the questions she asks. They have a way of pinpointing the weaknesses that may lurk in the narrative, and always give you a place to begin your revisions …Susan’s astute questions helped me get my picture book story written and ultimately published. Thank you, Susan!" - Monica Kulling, author of many picture books, such as On Our Way to Oyster Bay (Kids Can), the Great Idea series (Tundra), and Master Dash and the Cupcake Calamity (Tundra); Canada
"With the early drafts of Ara The Star Engineer, Susan was a great coach in helping me understand elements of writing -- aspects such as voice, structure, memorability of characters, building an active story, paying attention to vocabulary complexity levels, etc. She was very detailed in her feedback, and always had great suggestions and recommendations. Susan provided constant encouragement to ensure I didn't give up, being a first-time author! I believe Susan's dedication in finessing the early script played an important role in helping me eventually find a publisher for my picture book! Thank you, Susan!" - Komal Singh, an engineering program manager at Google and author of Ara the Star Engineer (Page Two Books, 2018); Canada
"When I introduced my picture book manuscript to Susan, I was surprised she almost knew my characters better than me. By asking relevant questions, Susan guided me to reach into the depth of my story, revealing the underlying theme. Many thanks to Susan, my manuscript made it to the long list of the CANSCAIP “Writing for Children Competition 2020.” I’m one step closer to getting it published." - Virginia Lee; Canada
"My experience with Susan for my children's picture book was unparalleled. Susan completed two developmental edits for my story, both of which included over six pages of notes containing comments and questions to consider, as well as margin notes in track changes on my manuscript itself. From structure to plot to character development, these edits proved invaluable, enhancing my book's quality and comprehensibility in every way.” - Annabel Gutherz, author of Annie’s Pajammies and her Magical Rainbow Ribbons (2020); Canada
"Susan gave a very in-depth evaluation of my Snot, Snails and Salamander Tails picture book manuscript. She covered all aspects of my writing, with special attention to my characters and the strength of my ending. She offered constructive advice on three specific concerns that I had. This was very helpful in writing my final draft. Her thought-provoking evaluation certainly inspired me and strongly influenced the final revision for my book." - Ann Campbell, author of several picture books, including Snot, Snails and Salamander Tails (2017); AL, Canada
"When our dance company decided to create a picture book to share the story of a young ladybug's inspirational journey of embracing her differences, we turned to Susan. It was very difficult finding someone with her level of experience, expertise, and care for the work. As well as providing constructive critiques on the first two drafts and line-editing the third draft of Lola, the Ladybug, she offered insightful comments on the various stages of illustrations, layout, and design. Her clear and productive comments helped us produce an amazing book. "- J. Brinson, Co-Founder & Executive Producer // GB Group Creative Inc. Los Angeles; Lola the Ladybug (2019); Canada
"As a first-time children's book author, I feel incredibly fortunate for Susan's help. Susan critiqued my first picture book, What's Wrong with Sunny? and worked with me as a writing coach, providing excellent insights to help tighten up the manuscript." - Amitha Kalaichandran, author of What's Wrong with Sunny? (Archway, 2016), Canada
"THANK YOU SOOOO much for the thoughtful critique of my picture book manuscript. You have given me lots to think about. I really appreciate your words of wisdom and your well-thought-out comments AND tips! I’m eager to flesh it out - you’ve given me tons of inspiration. Best money I’ve spent on writing so far! Thank you – thank you – thank you!" - Daphne Greer, author of YA fiction, including Jacob's Landing, Maxed Out, and upcoming Camped Out; Canada
"Susan’s critique of my manuscript was invaluable to me as a new author. It was concise, direct, honest, encouraging, insightful, supportive, and above all else I felt like my story mattered. She provided me with an extensive editorial report which became my guide. Her questions challenged me to get inside the characters themselves and see their world from the inside out. I am extremely grateful for Susan’s immeasurable expertise in assisting me in the creation of Lilly Loves Beards." - Carol Thompson Gardner, author of Lilly Loves Beards (2019); Canada
"I appreciate the feedback you provided on my picture book manuscript. I had to let go of the original story ideas for my characters to get to the one that would work. From your words, something stirred inside me.... Sitting with your feedback and direction I was able to let go and create a brand new story." - Sarah L. Roberts, US
"Susan is really amazing at proving in-depth manuscript comments of criticism, explanations, and suggestions, as well as a summary of the overall critique. A lot of editors do that combination, but Susan’s summary notes are not just about the manuscript at hand, they are also about stories in general and the kid reader market. In addition, as an ability-based press, some editors won't touch a diversity manuscript because they are scared, but Susan knows how to edit and look at the story at hand -- not the disability of the character -- as the story (unless of course, that is the story)."
- Luda Gogolushko, publisher of Includas Publishing (www.includas.com), a press bringing diversity to readers, including Luda and Chairsy (2019); US
“It would be hard to find a freelance editor who is as thorough, thoughtful, and insightful as Susan Hughes. I worked with her on both a picture book and middle-grade historical verse novel. For both projects, she provided me with new insights and fresh ideas for pushing the projects forward. Most importantly, she gave me practical tips for tackling revisions with renewed energy. Susan was very supportive and encouraging, making sure to highlight the strengths, not just the weaknesses, in my manuscripts. She was always respectful of my intentions. Any writer, whether beginning or experienced, will find Susan's editorial expertise to be a huge help." - Ann Malaspina, author of A Scarf for Keiko (Kar-Ben/Lerner, 2019); US
"I recently reached out to Susan for help with a middle-grade novel. I had lost direction with it and was stuck going forward. Her detailed, insightful and knowledgeable evaluation provided me with the direction I need to jump back into the project with invigorated gusto. Not only has Susan provided me with a roadmap of how I can turn this project into a publisher-ready manuscript, but she also gave me the encouragement I need to become re-inspired. Thank you, Susan." - Michelle Kadarusman, author of Out of It ( Lorimer, 2014) and The Theory of Hummingbirds (Pajama Press, 2017); Canada
"Susan did an amazing critique on a non-fiction picture book which needed another set of eyes. The detailed critique and summary was way beyond my expectations and provided exactly what was needed to polish up for submission. A second-place win in an SCBWI contest was the result. I would recommend Susan's talent and expertise to any writer. Thank you, Susan!" - Linda Carpenter, US
"Susan Hughes is a very supportive and encouraging writing coach. She is honest, thoughtful, and has a wealth of information on writing. She is never critical without being constructive. Her gentle nudges over the year kept me motivated. I'm glad she kept in touch with me until I got to the final draft of my middle-grade novel The King of Average. I've got a better manuscript than I ever could have done on my own. I recommend her wholeheartedly without reservation." - Gary Schwartz, author of The King of Average (Bookstrope, 2015), US
"Susan presented a comprehensive critique of my 760 word narrative nonfiction picture book. She examined my writing in line-by-line detail. I especially appreciated her skill at getting into the head of my potential readers (7 to 11 year olds). She gave such helpful suggestions for simplifying a complicated true story for the young reader. Thank you, Susan! You’ll be hearing from me again." - Sarah Glenn Fortson, retired teacher and energetic author of children’s stories; US
"The embarrassing truth is that your first draft is rarely as perfect as you imagine it is. Susan's insightful questions and suggestions were invaluable in making 'Loose Strands' and its characters come alive. Her manuscript evaluation and substantive edit made sure we were hitting the right notes for our middle grade audience. She was professional, flexible (especially important with our interactive middle grade app, since the interactivity meant working through some non-traditional narrative structures) and willing to talk through anything that needed reworking." - Mark Moyes, author and developer of Loose Strands, an interactive adventure novel app; winner of Best Children's App at the 2015 Digital Book Awards; Canada
"Thank you again for the evaluation of my middle grade manuscript! You did such a great job and provided me with such helpful feedback that I have been able to revisit the manuscript in a more meaningful way. I've been able to "clean up" some of the elements that were confusing and unclear, and layer the text to bring in some key pieces earlier on in the story. Your comments also helped me to really think about my main character, Evie, and what her actions said about her, something that was really needed. I'm really excited about the changes it has brought about in the story!" - Samantha Desjardins; Canada
"As a first time author and illustrator of a middle grade graphic novel, I was both grateful and impressed with the level of insight and careful attention to detail that Susan provided in her critique. The suggestions she offered and questions she put forward were all carefully considered and made their way into an improved version of Once Upon Utopia. Thank you!" - Rupy Bhogal: Canada
"I wrote a YA story about my childhood called A Thin Place. I mean, hey, I lived this. How tough could it be? It was a lot tougher than I would have thought, and in my first few minutes of talking with Susan Hughes that became clear. … Writing is an upside-down world. Maybe you don’t need someone like Susan. I did. And she helped, in both little and big ways.” - David Weiskircher, author of A Thin Place (Smokeblood LLC, 2019) and other novels; US
"Susan's insights helped me strengthen my YA manuscript Yesterday's Dead by getting inside the emotional journey of my character. Her unerring ability to identify just what's needed and exactly where to focus gave me a huge boost in polishing my manuscript for submission. And she's just plain fun to work with!" - Pat Bourke, author of Yesterday's Dead (Second Story, 2012); Canada
"Susan Hughes did a tremendous job editing my YA manuscript Robi's Flying Saucer Drive-In ...." - Kelly Winsa, Robi's Flying Saucer Drive-In (Kobo, 2015), US and Canada
"Susan Hughes is a great editor. She is very conscientious; she read every word of my YA manuscript closely and had helpful suggestions for shaping a scene to make it just a little better. She teaches and encourages along the way, and I gained insight from working with her. I know her developmental edit helped me find a home for my novel,and I plan to use her services again!" - R. J. Garcia, author of Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced (Parliament House, 2018), US
"When I contacted Susan, I wasn't totally sure what I wanted or what I needed. I just knew I needed help with the draft of Culmination, my first novel for adults! Susan put together a custom package for me, because it turned out I needed a little of everything. The publisher loved Susan's edits, and I ended up adopting most of them. I will use Susan in the future, for my sequel to this novel and other manuscript edits." - Holly Smith, author of Culmination (Mason Marshall Press, 2016), US
"Susan helped me transform the first draft of my non-fiction book for adults, DNA: The Elephant in the Lab, into a well-structured manuscript with a clear path from beginning to end. She didn’t hold back in suggesting clarification on things that I understood but had failed to realize others might not. There was also lots of help with style and chapter structure. Susan also did a developmental edit on an early draft of my adult novel. Again she provided excellent and thorough feedback with lots of detail on plot structure, character development, and other key facets that helped me enormously when writing the next draft. I will definitely call on Susan’s services again for any future projects and would highly recommend her for excellent, detailed feedback that will help lift your manuscript to the next level.” - Orson Wedgwood, author of “DNA: The Elephant in the Lab” (Amazon Digital Services, 2019), UK
"Susan makes you work and that’s the kind of ethos you need in a writing coach, advisor, editor, kindly critic. Susan has been all of these things to me and my various works, including my novels and stories, all for an adult audience. What Susan is not going to do is write the book for you, certainly she questions a character’s plausibility, identifying a jarring action or motive, or an arbitrary narrative shift. Her approach is thorough, very thorough ... I really can’t praise Susan enough – she’s a joy to work with." - David Evans, author of short story “Dobson’s Ministry of Deliverance” (Fairlight Shorts, April 2018) and other stories; UK
"Susan's in-depth analysis of my adult sci-fi police thriller has been a valuable learning experience for me as a novelist and a marvelous pathway to a tighter and more comprehensive presentation of my story." - James Durrah, US
"As a new author with an adult fantasy fiction manuscript, I was pleased with how Susan was able to illuminate a path for improvement for me. She helped me realize my weaknesses by providing insightful comments and offering individual character assessments. She suggested tips for building my new world which is so vital to a good fantasy. She helped my story sound more real and believable overall." - Hasan Muzaffer, author of Blood Secrets; US
"Without a shadow of a doubt, I would highly recommend Susan's editing services. As a writer, you can unwittingly end up being too close to your work to accurately self-edit and self-critique it, Susan's work helped me to very directly see what I was missing with my work on my YA graphic novel Siegfried: Dragon Slayer." - Mark Allard-Will, author of YA graphic novel Siegfried: Dragon Slayer (Renegade Arts Entertainment, 2021) and adult graphic novel The Burning Black: Legend of Black Shuck (Renegade Arts Entertainment, 2019); Canada
"Fantastic beta-reading is all I’ve got to say! Plenty of work for me to do. I think you went above and beyond the call of duty." - Mark Haynes, writer of adult creative non-fiction; Canada
“Looking for an accomplice to a murder (mystery)? You can't go wrong working with Susan. I rely on her to see the big picture, to point out inconsistencies and unlikely scenarios when she beta-reads my cozy mysteries. She's always spot on. Susan gives feedback in a constructive manner and genuinely desires to make the manuscript the best it can be. I've worked with her on several books and feel that I've grown as an author because of her input! - Susan Badaracco, author of The Columbus Letter (Amazon, 2021) and soon to be released The Breeches Bible. (Amazon); US
