Work with an Acquiring Editor
Take your story from promising to submission-ready.
Writing a strong children’s book takes more than a good idea. It takes structure, pacing, strong characters, a clear point of view and an understanding of what makes a story work in today’s publishing world.
The first question I ask is always:
What are you really trying to say with this story?
Because once that’s clear, every creative decision becomes stronger.
Together, we’ll look at your work through an acquiring editor’s eyes: what already works, what’s holding it back, and what needs to change to take it to the next level without losing what makes the story yours.
Whether you choose detailed written feedback or a one-to-one session, you’ll come away with clear editorial direction, practical next steps, and a stronger, more submission-ready story.
The goal is simple: to help you create the strongest version of your story and get it ready for publishers.
Choose your path
What’s included?
This session is designed for those who prefer clear, focused feedback without a live call.
You can send me your manuscript, illustration portfolio, or project, and I will take the time to review it carefully and thoughtfully. I approach your work with both a creative and editorial eye, looking at what is already working, where it can be strengthened, and how it can move forward.
All feedback is delivered in a written PDF, so you can return to it whenever you need.
My feedback includes:
the placement of your story within the current picture book landscape
your expected target audience
a comprehensive review of your work, focusing on how well your story connects to its intended reader, its impact, and originality
clear, actionable feedback on your writing or illustration style, structure, and pacing, with suggestions for refinement
honest insight into the commercial potential of your project
practical exercises to help you work on structural weaknesses and strengthen your storytelling skills
What happens next?
After your purchase, you’ll automatically receive an email with a link to a short submission form.
There, you can upload your manuscript, illustration portfolio, or project, and answer a few questions about your work and what you’re hoping to get from the feedback.
Once I’ve received everything, I’ll begin reviewing your project. You’ll receive your personalised written editorial assessment within 7 business days.
This option is ideal if you’re looking for professional, honest feedback and clear direction, while working independently and at your own pace. If you would prefer a more personal approach, with the opportunity to discuss your project together, you can choose the One-to-One Editorial Session instead.
What’s included?
Each feedback session starts with a 15-30 minute video call, where I get to know YOU.
Why are you writing or drawing? What drives you? Which message do you want to deliver? And why?
I want to know everything about your intention and true wish for this project to become. No worries, I will send you some questions upfront to think about, so you don’t feel overwhelmed at the moment. But watch and see how a deep dive into your intention will redirect the course of your work and start your creative flow at the same moment.
This sets the bar for the feedback that I will give you. This way, my feedback is not ‘just’ my opinion, but a clear roadmap of the direction you are looking for. (sometimes without even knowing before)
After the call, I will take the time to look at your project in a focused and thoughtful way. This is a moment for me to slow down and really understand what your story is doing, where it already works, and where it can be strengthened. In a written assessment, I will guide you through your project with both a creative and editorial eye, helping you see it more clearly and make more intentional choices as you move forward.
1. So, during the call, I will:
search for your true intentions behind what you do
understand the context this message is brought from
get you to clarify the core message you want to tell
get to know your expectations around your work
2. Afterwards, you’ll receive a written assessment of your manuscript or illustrations, including:
the placement of your story within the current picture book landscape
your expected target audience
a comprehensive review of your work, focusing on how well your story connects to its intended reader, its impact, and originality
clear, actionable feedback on your writing or illustration style, structure and pacing, with suggestions for refinement
honest insight into the commercial potential of your project
industry-specific guidance to help your work move closer to publication
a deeper understanding of how the publishing world works, from both a creative and editorial perspective
3. Finally, you can send me your revised manuscript or illustrations for one last review, so I can give you feedback on the changes you’ve made and help you make sure your project is ready for its next step.
What happens next?
After your purchase, you’ll automatically receive an email with everything you need to get started.
First, you’ll be able to schedule your One-to-One Editorial Session at a date and time that suits you best.
You’ll also receive a link to a short questionnaire where you can upload your manuscript, illustration portfolio, or project and answer a few questions about your work.
These questions help me understand not only what you’ve created, but also why you’ve created it, allowing us to make the most of our time together.
Once everything has been submitted, I’ll prepare for our session and look forward to meeting you.
Together, this process is designed to give you clarity in your story, direction for your next steps, and the confidence to move your work forward in a way that feels both true to you and aligned with the publishing world.
Testimonials
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
of Authors and Illustrators I’ve had the honor working with.
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