Let’s Make Your Manuscript Shine ❤️
Hello, Fellow Writer! I'm so glad you're here, and excited that you're considering working with me one-on-one. Whether you're revising your first book or polishing pages before querying agents, I’d love to help you shape your story with heart, clarity, and confidence. I believe in honest, thoughtful, constructive, and kind feedback—and in helping pre-published writers bring their very best stories to life.
“Mae is somehow both sharp and gentle at the same time but most importantly, she brings much needed joy to the work!” —Amanda Rawson Hill, Award-Winning Author
Who I Work With
You're probably in the right place if:
– You’ve built some foundation in your craft through SCBWI, classes, craft books, or self-study.
– You’re ready for thoughtful, in-depth, story-level feedback from someone who deeply understands both the creative process and the publishing landscape.
If you’re just getting started or still figuring out the basics, this might not be the best fit right now—but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure. I’m always happy to have a quick email exchange to see if I’m the right person to help support where you are in your writing journey. If not, I’ll try to share a few helpful resources. (Email address below!)
Who I Am
I’m the author of 20+ trade and educational books, including middle grade novels with a Big Five publisher. My books have earned starred reviews, a New York Times review, have been named to many state-reading lists, and I have 7 (!) new MG novels on the way beginning in 2026. I’m deeply engaged in our wonderful #kidlit community. I’ve lead writing workshops, taught craft classes, and regularly speak about craft, books, and subjects affecting the kidlit community at industry events nationwide including SCBWI and the Andrea Brown Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshop. For several years, I also worked at the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program in Los Angeles, advising students and helping authors and publishing professionals develop their courses.
I’ve honed my own craft working with editors like the amazing Wendy Lamb. My novel-writing journey began with fellowships through PEN and the Atlantic Center for the Arts, through countless workshops (which I still take!), and through many (many) rejections. I’m also a former journalist and parenting writer, and a very young, 20-something version of me was once a Hollywood assistant—where I wrote screenplay “coverage” (and took coffee orders for production crews!). All these experiences helped shape my storytelling.
I know how much love (and how many drafts) go into crafting a great book, and I bring that same empathy and care to every writer I have the pleasure of working with.
“Mae is one of the best editors I’ve ever worked with.”
—Ian Lendler, Creative Director for Tanya McKinnon Literary and Award-Winning Author
What I Offer
All feedback is big-picture—focused on the overall story—with occasional light line editing or suggestions when helpful, grounded in deep industry insight and care for your story.
FULL MANUSCRIPT CONSULTATION (Middle Grade or Young Adult novel)
This is a comprehensive critique designed to give you thoughtful, honest insight into how your story works as a whole. We’ll focus on voice, structure, pacing, character arcs, plot clarity, emotional resonance, and market readiness. You’ll get a clear sense of what’s strong and what’s already working, what needs more shaping, and what steps will help you reach your final draft. This feedback can help you see your story with fresh eyes and make intentional choices as you progress toward “The End.”
Rate: $3,500
Submit: 250 pages (around 65,000 words; page-count based on standard industry format*)
Turnaround: 5-6 weeks
You’ll receive:
– A detailed editorial letter
– Comments in your manuscript
– A follow-up Zoom or phone call (or email if you’d rather!) of up to 1.5 hours
*Standard Industry Format: double-spaced, one-inch margins, indented paragraphs, standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Courier New)
PARTIAL MANUSCRIPT CONSULTATION (Middle Grade or Young Adult novel)
If you’re in the middle of writing your novel and want clear, thoughtful feedback on a substantial section, this is a perfect fit. We’ll dive into voice, pacing, character development, and story structure to help you see what’s working well so far, and where you might strengthen your writing. This critique is designed to give you practical, craft-focused insights that will help sharpen your foundation and clear guidance on how to carry that strength through the rest of your manuscript. This option is also a perfect fit if an agent has requested your first 50 pages.
Rate: $650
Submit: First 50 pages (around 12,500 words; page-count based on standard industry format*)
Turnaround: 3-4 weeks
You’ll receive:
– A detailed editorial letter
– Comments in your manuscript
– A follow-up Zoom or phone call (or email if you’d rather!) of up to 1.5 hours
*Standard Industry Format: double-spaced, one-inch margins, indented paragraphs, standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Courier New)
PICTURE BOOK CONSULTATION
This developmental critique offers a close look at your manuscript’s voice, structure, pacing, character arc, plot, and emotional resonance. My goal is to provide you with clear, helpful, and thoughtful guidance to strengthen your story and bring your picture book to its fullest market potential.
Rate: $300
Submit: One standalone manuscript of up to 1000 words. (Of you’re over this word count, I highly recommend this helpful post on industry norms by my agent, Jennifer Laughran—it’s widely shared for a reason!) Please note I currently only work with fiction picture books. If you’re working on nonfiction, I’m happy to recommend you to other editors.
Turnaround: 1 - 2 weeks
You’ll receive:
– A detailed editorial letter
– Comments in your manuscript
– A follow-up Zoom or phone call (or email if you’d rather!) of up to 1-hour
“Mae asks all the right questions! She inspires you to go deeper into your story.”
—Marie Miranda Cruz, Award-Winning Middle Grade Author
WANT TO GO DEEPER?
If you’d like to keep the conversation going after your consultation—or just need a standalone call (without a manuscript critique), you can book a one-on-one call anytime to talk through your revision, ask questions, brainstorm next steps, or simply get some well-informed guidance on your publishing journey. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, and I’m here to help you navigate your path with care and confidence.
1-hour Zoom or phone call - $150
KIND WORDS FROM COLLEAGUES & CLIENTS
“Mae is somehow both sharp and gentle at the same time but most importantly, she brings much needed joy to the work!” —Amanda Rawson Hill, Award-Winning Author
“Mae is one of the best editors I’ve ever worked with. She is able to perform the most difficult part of editing a manuscript that for some reason just “doesn’t work.” She identifies the problem, offers multiple solutions, and most importantly, she doesn’t give up until we’re both happy with the final result. Working on craft with Mae has made me a better writer.”
—Ian Lendler, Creative Director with the Tanya McKinnon Literary Agency and Award-Winning Author
“As a writing colleague, I am impressed with Mae’s professionalism and ability to offer helpful solutions. She will help make your writing shine and allow you to present your strengths as an author in the best way possible.”
—Rod Pulido, Award-Winning Author of Chasing Pacquiao
“Mae asks all the right questions! She inspires you to go deeper into your story.”
—Marie Miranda Cruz, Award-Winning Middle Grade Author
“I had the pleasure of workshopping with Mae at a conference and I would absolutely work with her again in any editorial or mentoring capacity in the future! Her style is warm and encouraging… I loved her style of asking questions too, helping me see the issues and find solutions instead!! The feedback was invaluable for me as I revised my book before querying and signing with my agent!” —Avery Hart, Author
“Mae made everyone in our small [critique] group feel welcome and valued. Her picture book critique was invaluable… I’m so grateful for Mae’s mentorship in what can feel like an overwhelming industry—you really can’t go wrong working with her!” —Carly Vester, Writer
“Mae's quick feedback was valuable and thorough. Not only did she help identify what areas needed work—she highlighted which aspects were working, and how to best make them shine brighter. Her observations, insight, and encouragement were instrumental to the continued growth of my work.” —Jessi Pitts, Playwright and Author
READY TO WORK TOGETHER?
Fill out the short form below and I’ll get back to you soon. Or if you’re not seeing exactly what you need, please feel free to reach out by email! I’m always happy to chat and see if there’s a way I can point you in the right direction.
Email: mae(at)maerespicio(dot)com.
With appreciation! :)