Adam Blackman
Children's Book Author & Editor
Adam Blackman Editorial Services
I help writers shape and shine their work.
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As Acquisitions Editor at Cardinal Rule Press, I have built a diverse list of award-winning, realistic, representative picture books for socially thoughtful children.
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As Consulting Editor at The Little Press, I develop middle grade manuscripts for a growing list.
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As a a Freelance Editor, I offer manuscript critiques and developmental editing for books for younger readers, specializing in picture books, chapter books, and middle grade. ​​
Testimonials
"Adam cut straight to the heart of my story, and pulled it even deeper. He recognized pivotal moments in my text that amped the humor. With his thoughtful guidance, my story became something so much more."
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-Ciara O'Neal, author of Pedro the Pirate
"Adam's editing and suggestions were extremely helpful to the aspiring author and on point. The comments were made in such a way that an aspiring author could navigate them and bring their manuscripts up several levels."
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-Lynne Marie, owner Rate Your Story
"Adam’s knowledge of structure and talent at honing in on perfect, succinct wording has been just the ticket for my documentary film. He has provided invaluable support on grant applications, funding reels, and the feature film edit. His insight has helped to craft the film itself and also written materials that are a crucial part of the fundraising process."
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-Katy Scoggin, filmmaker
Services
Picture Book Critiques​​​
$100 (max 800 words)
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*Full critique letter addressing character, plot, pacing, and style (aka voice).
*Line edits to highlight areas of strength and opportunity within the manuscript. ​
*7-day turnaround
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Revision
$50
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*Review of next draft.
*Only offered after initial critique.​​​
Middle Grade Developmental Edit​​​
$2,500 (max 50,000 words)
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*Full critique letter addressing overall issues. What's working, areas for improvement. Character, plot, pacing, and style (aka voice).
*Line edits to highlight areas of strength and opportunity within the manuscript. ​
*7-day turnaround​
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*
Revision
$500
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*Review of next draft.
*Only offered after initial critique.
Miscellaneous Editorial Support
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Want to set up a call? Don't see what you're looking for? Try me!
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With a Bachelor's in English Literature from Bowdoin College and an MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College, I am experienced in working with fiction for older readers.​​​
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With 20+ years experience in nonprofit social enterprise and development, I have written and collaborated on grant proposals from social services to documentary films. ​​​​​​​​
Writing
Some say I'm a dreamer
I write quirky picture books with equal doses of heart and humor and have published short stories, book reviews, and feature stories in literary magazines.
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About
I'm a former bookstore manager and nonprofit director turned freelance editor and writer. My journey from litfic to kidlit began the day my son came home from school feeling ashamed of his beloved pink sparkly shoes. Seeing his need for more acceptance inspired a story and ended up reshaping my writing and editing practice.
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I have an MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence college and share a hutch in Brooklyn, NY with my tween son and adolescent bunny.
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