JR Creaden

Katie Spina

I chose to work with JR Creaden on my award-winning Children’s chapter book The Wolf and The Wind because I wanted to put out a book that could compete with those produced by large publishers.

The contracting process was easy. The expectations were laid out clearly, so I understood what the purpose of the a development edit was, and more specifically what it wasn’t. It laid out what line edits were for, so I was prepared at each step of the process.

When I submitted my draft for developmental edits, I acknowledge it was a mess. I started out with a plan that it was going to be a middle-grade novel, but as I wrote it, the language changed to chapter books. It was inconsistent, and I needed help.

I submitted the developmental edits draft without much guidance to Mx. Creaden. I wanted a clear perspective, and that was what was delivered.

The written feedback was given predominantly in questions, which I found super helpful. I had time to review the feedback before we scheduled an hour-long call to discuss further. Mx. Creaden pointed out that the manuscript shifted from middle grade to chapter book, and I needed to decide which it was going to be. 

They didn’t lead me to a decision, but when I decided chapter book did make more sense, they agreed and helped me with a plan of action to make it work. They advised that a portion would need to be cut, but they didn’t tell me what to cut. They guided me to my conclusions as a support and a help.

We set a timeline for when to expect the next draft, and I gave myself more time because I knew I had to completely rewrite it to make it work. 

Line edits went smoothly. The feedback pointed out conventions of a chapter book because of the nature of the reader. Younger readers don’t tend to read cover to cover in one sitting. Each chapter should begin with a quick summary of the previous chapter to allow readers to realign with the story.

Mx. Creaden was supportive during the entire process. The feedback was thoughtful and presented in a way that recognizes writing for publication is both professional and personal. The purpose of the editing process is to make a stronger draft, and with their guidance, I wrote a book that took First Prize in the 2024 Bookfest Awards and the Bronze medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.

They were my first choice for editor when I was ready for book 2, and I look forward to working with them on future books in the series.