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Critique and Editorial

Who am I?

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 Children's book author

Member of SCBWI

Published poet

Speaker

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What are my experiences?

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Educator:

Pre-K to University 

French and Creative Writing

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Editor-in-Chief of an online magazine

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Freelance editor and writer

for companies, organizations, & magazines

No matter where you are on your writer's journey, it is a privilege to join you. 

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Here are some reviews ...

"Michelle, you have an incredible eye for detail, and I truly appreciate how you catch and highlight elements that I have overlooked, even after numerous readings. Your feedback on my manuscript has been invaluable. Thank you so much for your great insights."

— Nazneen Akbari, PB author

Home Away from Home (Barefoot Books 2025)

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"Michelle puts her vast knowledge of kidlit and years of experience into her detailed critiques. From big picture to line edits, her thoughtful feedback is invaluable during the revision process. I can always count on her keen eye and fresh perspective to help polish my manuscipt."

— Kim Wilson, PB author

A Penny's Worth (Page Street Kids)

A Dollar's Grand Dream (Page Street Kids)

"Michelle’s feedback has helped me to strengthen my picture books in significant ways. Thorough and sensitive, she recognizes how to enhance and build up a work without diminishing the writer."

— Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Award-winning Children’s Book Author

Abdul's Story (Simon & Schuster)

Salat in Secret (Random House Studio)

"I have been lucky enough to receive critiques and advice from Michelle in-person and through virtual and email exchanges, and have come to rely on her poetic ear, her critical eye, and her very perceptive sense of the layers of a story. She has an incredible depth of knowledge about children’s literature and the publishing market, as well as a strong ability to communicate clearly and provide thoughtful next steps. Her appreciation of individuality and sense of vision in subject, voice, and style set her guidance high above cookie cutter critiques." 

     — Katey Howes

Award-winning PB Author and Poet

Woven of the World (Chronicle Books) 

A Poem Grows Inside You (The Innovation Press)

"I’ve had several critiques with Michelle, including critiques for my debut PB. She always gives great feedback that’s honest, thorough, and encouraging. She asks thoughtful questions and gives detailed notes in line edits that are constructive without being negative. Along with comments, she gives concrete examples and suggestions. I always come away with many actionable ideas to make my story better."

— Beth Charles, PB Author

Apple Pie Tired (Sleeping Bear Press)

How To Grow an Apple Pie (Albert Whitman & Company)

"Michelle provided very thoughtful and insightful comments that were invaluable in fine-tuning my manuscript before it went out on submission. In particular, she made a suggestion about the style that solved a problem raised by other expert readers. Thank you, Michelle!"

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— Katie Furze, Children’s Author

"Michelle is an invaluable and keen editor. She sees both the forest and the trees -- always addressing the big picture of a story along with the little details that make a story resonant and unique. I'm impressed by how quickly Michelle can spot an issue and offer myriad solutions for revision. She genuinely cares about every story and every author she meets, treating each one with respect and offering the best critique to suit. I've come to rely on Michelle's feedback so much it is foundational to my revision process."

— Sarah Kim Choi, PB Author 

"Michelle and I have been critique partners for several years and I always appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that she gives to considering how I can improve my work. Her comments on anything from a very rough first draft to a final story are always given honestly, thoroughly and in an encouraging way. My stories have definitely improved through my partnership with Michelle and I'm delighted that so many writers will be able to benefit from her insights and experience by using her new critique service."

— Catherine Friess

aspiring PB author & blogger at Story Snug

"Michelle has an exacting eye that can turn humdrum sentences into great sentences. The tone of her critiques is always positive and encouraging. She loves strong images and stories and the challenge of finding just the right word. She is highly professional and a true pleasure to work with."

— Karen de Foy, aspiring children's author, MG

"Michelle Nott is an experienced, reliable, thoughtful editor. On top of that, she’s a pleasure to work with. If you’re looking for specific and constructive criticism in order to improve your manuscript and get it ready for submission, I highly recommend her services."

— Mayra Calvani, YA and PB Author

"Over the years, I've worked with Michelle on several projects, and have always found her comments and suggestions invaluable. When she critiqued the manuscript of my historical novel "Rossio Square N.°59" ("Praça do Rossio, N.°59"), her input was crucial as I sought to identify plot holes, pacing and motivation issues, and places where character development sorely needed improvement. On a more micro level, she also pointed out problems of clarity, word choice, description, and chronology. One of her strengths, in my opinion, is her technique of asking questions that guide authors toward revisions that make their stories more complex, more layered, and ultimately more satisfying for the reader."

— Jeannine Johnson Maia, YA author

Rossio Square N.°59

Ready?

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Please email me with the service you need at milynn.nott@gmail.com 

(Subject: Critique Service).

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Here's How it Works
 

After I receive your email, I will reply with an available timeline.
 

If that date works for you, I will send an Agreement to be signed by

both parties and an invoice.

 

Upon receipt of the signed Agreement (and deposit, depending on the service),

I can confirm you on my calendar.
 

Thank you! 

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If you have a quick question, feel free to email me at milynn.nott@gmail.com 

(Subject: Author Question).
 

If I don't have an answer, I'll be glad to point you in the right direction.

 

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I believe the world is a better place when great books are published!

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Let's get writing!

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* Please remember that publishing is a highly subjective business and that I cannot guarantee your manuscript's success in the current market. 

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