Everyone
has a story to tell.
Hi! I’m Greetje, The KidLit Editor. For over 15 years, I’ve worked in children’s publishing, guiding more than 1,000 books from first idea to bookshelf. And I know that a good idea is only the beginning.
Maybe you’re an author working on a picture book manuscript. An illustrator developing a story or portfolio. Or perhaps you have an idea you believe in, but you’re not quite sure how to turn it into something ready for the publishing world. That’s where I come in.
I help authors and illustrators understand what their work needs to become stronger. From story structure, pacing and character to visual storytelling, originality and publishing potential. Not by turning it into the story I would make, but by helping you bring out the strongest version of yours.
You don’t need to figure out what editors are looking for on your own. I’ve spent 15 years on the other side of the desk. Now, I’m bringing that experience to yours.
Every story starts somewhere.
So let’s find out where yours begins.
Here is where (y)our journey starts
10 Things Editors Notice First
Before we ever talk about structure, direction or even publishing, we always have to start with the most important question of them all:
Why THIS story?
In this completely free video, I’ll take you behind the editor’s desk and share 10 things editors notice first when reviewing a children’s book.
Now, it’s your turn.
You’ve had a peek behind the editor’s desk.
Now take those insights back to your own story.
I’ve created a FREE WORKBOOK with the key takeaways from the video, extra editor insights and practical exercises to help you look at your work with fresh eyes.
Testimonials
of Authors and Illustrators I’ve had the honor working with.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Greet to any author or illustrator looking to tell a story that is truly their own.
What makes her so special is that she doesn’t try to shape you according to her own idea of what is good. Instead, she helps you discover what you have to say and gives you the confidence to dare to express it.
Greet hasn’t just helped me create a book. Above all, she has helped me believe in myself. She asks exactly the right questions. Questions that don’t steer you in a particular direction, but make you pause and really listen to yourself. From there, a story emerges that is entirely your own, whether you tell it through words or pictures.
Her guidance goes far beyond giving feedback: she helps you become the creator you already are.
Jessie Jans
Author & Illustrator - www.huppatee.be
I was lucky enough to have Greetje as my publisher for several years and together we saw our books travel all over the world.
She pushed me when I got stuck, challenged me as an author and helped me explore and grow as an illustrator. She always seemed to know when to encourage me and when to push me a little further in a very gentle, and respectful way.
Greetje played a key role in my creative growth, and her insight, encouragement and editorial eye have shaped me into the creator I am today.
Federico Van Lunter
Author & Illustrator - www.federicovanlunter.com
It's been an absolute pleasure working with Greet on so many books over the years. We first met at one of her masterclasses, and looking back, that meeting really was the launchpad for my career!
What I appreciate most is her honesty. Greet says exactly what she thinks, and she says it with respect, both for you and for your work. She never lets you forget that it's still your story, even when she's pushing you to make it better.
She has a sharp editorial eye. If something isn't working, she'll tell you straight away, but she also gives you the room to figure out your own way forward. She's not trying to make the story hers; she's helping you make it the best version of yours.
Delano van der Geest
Author & Illustrator - www.delanovandergeest.nl
I first met Greetje, my editor, at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, where I had just five minutes to tell her about my idea and the book I wanted to write. She listened with genuine interest, asked thoughtful questions, and immediately shared valuable ideas and insights.
We later worked closely on the manuscript together. We experimented with different narrative voices and even changed the narrator several times, trying out new possibilities. Greetje encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, supported me in expressing myself more confidently in another language, and helped me shape the story that had been in my heart into a book.
The whole process was incredibly professional, with communication that was always kind, constructive, and encouraging. I am so excited that the book we worked on together will finally meet its readers this month.
I wholeheartedly recommend Greetje’s Instagram account to all my writer and illustrator friends, especially those who want to create books for children. She shares valuable insights about children’s publishing, addresses the questions that so many of us have, and offers a wonderful perspective on the creative process.
Having an editor who speaks the same creative language as you, understands your story, and genuinely supports you throughout the process is such a wonderful thing. I feel very lucky to have had that experience with Greetje.
Özge Lokmanhekim
Author - www.ozgelokmanhekim.com
Greet works where kindness and creativity connect. I've had the pleasure of collaborating with her on 17 children's stories, all of which posed dynamic challenges and careful editing. She provided insights, directions, ideas, and critiques that helped push my writing beyond my perceived capability.
She has always been an ally in building self-confidence within the creative process. She understands that writing is a vulnerable craft and is an encouraging teammate when feeling frustrated or stuck.
She exudes passion for the art of storytelling and compassion for the artist. There's no other editor I have found that embodies this level of talent.
Adam Ciccio
Author - www.cicciocounselingcenters.com
Together with Greet, I’ve had the opportunity to bring several projects from first idea to finished picture book, something I’ll always be incredibly grateful for. She has helped take every single one of them to a higher level.
Working with Greet is an absolute joy. She’s knowledgeable, kind, and has a genuine eye for every individual creator and what they need.
When I submitted my very first manuscript, she gave me the warmest possible welcome into the world of children’s books. She guided me step by step and helped me find my way through this exciting new process.
Greet is the reason my career as a writer began and I couldn’t have wished for a more caring and supportive start.
Joni Kroese Bosch
Author - www.jufjoni.nl
Greetje has the rare ability to distill the potential of an idea, and then help you realise what it can be.
She's the coach that sees you and believes in your story, sometimes even before you do. She's armed with an impeccable taste, tons of experience on what works, gives truthful and authentic feedback and coaches in a warm and caring style.
You remain in charge of the vision as Greetje sails along, helps you notice things that would otherwise get lost and helps tailor the story, your story, until it has found a haven in publishing. She's an absolute joy to work with.
Bart Pincé
Author - www.instagram.com/bart.pince/
For years I felt frustrated with the publishing world. I sent in so many manuscripts but somehow I never got through. Until I met Greet. Her calmth, incredible kindness, superb knowledge about the publishing industrie and her unbelievable eye for what makes a story work, hit me immediately. She encouraged me but above all she made me believe in myself again. I dare say that I wouldn't have become the author I am today if it wasn't for her. She is not just an editor, she is the real deal.
Anneke Gerbrands
Author - www.annekegerbrands.com
Greetje has a fantastic ability of giving feedback to your story in a way that doesn’t take away its essence but helps you see more clearly what’s working and what’s holding your story back. She has a way of asking just the right questions which leads you to naturally fix the crinkles in your story yourself while still using your voice.
If you have a story you love bit just can’t quite put your finger on what’s not working, I’d highly recommend giving Greetje a look at it.
Kjersti Smith
Author & Illustrator - www.kjerstismith.com
Greetje is more than just an editor; she is a true mentor throughout the illustration process. She perfectly sensed my potential and lovingly challenged me to push creative boundaries I didn't even know existed. Her warm, honest, and open communication makes collaborating both wonderful and inspiring. Greetje never loses sight of the ultimate goal; she guides the process with sharp focus and determination to deliver a stunning final product. I highly recommend her to any illustrator!
Katrijn Jacobs
Author & Illustrator - www.katrijnjacobsillustrator.be/
It is such a pleasure working with Greet. She has a very clear eye for what’s missing in a story and she will guide you and your story without losing your voice.
What Greet does, goes much deeper than just giving feedback. When you are finished, you will have a strong and beautifully layered story. But you will also remember that all it takes, is just being 100% you. If editing was a game, Greetje would be the final boss.
Eileen David
Author - www.instagram.com/eileen_dvd
Greet has a talent to bring out the best in you. I am forever grateful to Greet for ‘discovering’ me; it is thanks to her that I took the step to become an author illustrator.
The first time I met Greet I showed her a couple of pen drawings and a handful of rough pencil sketches. She immediately saw my potential and gave me the confidence to develop my loose ideas into a fully realised book.
She is a great companion in the journey that is making a book. She knows how to give you the space to find and follow your own path but also to be there for you when you lose the way, or need help choosing a direction. She taught me many essentials in (visual) storytelling but, perhaps more importantly, she encouraged me to dig deep and find something in myself that I didn’t know was there.
Magnus Weightman
Author & Illustrator - www.magnusweightman.com
I was lucky to work with Greet as my editor for almost eight years. From her first email that took my portfolio from the much dreaded 'slushpile' to over 20 books that we we were able to send into the world! :)
Greet was the first to believe in my potential as a picturebookmaker and gave me the chance to illustrate my first picturebook. From there on I was able to learn and explore my craft alongside her encouraging advice and expertise.
She has a great eye for story and authenticity in a maker. Her feedback and advice is warm, positive and always leaves you with something to work with, no matter where you are in your creative process.
Her broad knowledge of the childrensbookmarket always pointed me in the right direction, never forgetting what was important to my story and my authenticity as a maker.
I couldn't have wished for a better editor to kickstart my adventure as an author/illustrator!
Esther van den Berg
Author & Illustrator - www.esthervandenberg.nl
Whenever I had a conversation with Greet, I feel energised and inspired. She takes her time for you, keeps it authentic, kind, caring.
She sees you for who you are and what you have to bring, which allows you to leave behind any noise about trends or performance or any other type of block.
Before you know it you are able to get back to the heart of what matters; enjoying the creative proces.
With Greet, you are truly in good hands.
Emilie Timmermans
Illustrator - cargocollective.com/emilietimmermans