Writing a story for children looks simple. Getting it right is not. A picture book has to work on every page, out loud, for a child who is listening closely and a parent who is reading it for the tenth time. That is where we come in.
Purple Giraffe Press works with authors, illustrators, and small publishers who want their story to land the way it should. We work on picture books, early readers, and junior fiction, and we treat every manuscript like it matters, because to you, it does.
We usually reply within one business day.
- what it is
Our team has spent years reading manuscripts written specifically for young readers, and that focus shapes everything we do. We are not trying to be everything to everyone. We are trying to be the right people for your children's story.
You do not need a finished, polished draft to talk to us. Some writers come to us with a rough idea and a lot of heart. Others bring a manuscript that has been through five drafts already and just needs a sharp, honest read. Either way, we meet you where you are.
If you have searched for Sydney book editing services, children's writers will tell you the same thing: not every editor understands this age group. Editing an adult novel and editing a 500-word picture book are two very different jobs. We only take on children's work, so that is where our attention stays.
- why us
We are based in Sydney, and we work with local authors face to face, over video call, or entirely by email, whatever suits you best. Being local matters. We understand the Australian schools market, local publishers, and the kind of stories that resonate with Aussie kids and parents.
Our editors are not generalists who occasionally edit a children's book on the side. This is the only kind of work we do. That focus means we notice things a general editor might miss, like whether a page turn lands at the right moment, or whether a word is too advanced for a five-year-old to follow along with.
- what we can do
Picture books are a strange and wonderful format. You have maybe 500 to 1000 words to tell a full story, and every single word has to earn its place. That reality shapes how we approach every manuscript that lands in our inbox.
We break the work into stages, so you can choose the level of support that suits your budget and your draft, rather than paying for a full service when you only need one part of it.
A full read of your story with a written report. We look at pacing, structure, character, and whether the story actually works as a picture book, not just as a nice idea. This is a good starting point if you are not sure what your manuscript needs yet.
This is the big picture work. We look at plot holes, pacing problems, weak endings, and whether the story gives an illustrator enough to work with. For picture books, we also check page turns and rhythm, since these matter as much as the words themselves.
Here we go, sentence by sentence. We tighten language, fix awkward phrasing, and make sure the read-aloud rhythm actually works. Children's books are often read aloud hundreds of times, so the sound of the sentence matters just as much as the meaning.
Once the story itself is solid, it still needs a careful final check. This is the stage where we catch grammar slips, spelling errors, inconsistent character names, and formatting issues before the file goes anywhere near a printer or a publisher. It is easy to skip this step when you are keen to finish, but small errors stand out fast in a book that only has a few hundred words on the page.
The last check before publication. We read for typos, layout issues, and anything that slipped through earlier rounds. This is usually the final step before your book goes to print or gets submitted.
- age & stage
Every age group reads differently, learns differently, and connects with stories in its own way. That is why our editing approach changes depending on who your book is written for. We make sure the language, pacing, sentence structure, and overall reading experience suit the children who will actually be reading or listening to your story.
Books for babies and toddlers need simple language, repetition, rhythm, and clear emotional moments. We edit with a focus on read-aloud flow, engaging repetition, and age-appropriate vocabulary that keeps the youngest readers interested while supporting early language development.
Picture books rely on a perfect balance between words and illustrations. We refine sentence rhythm, page turns, dialogue, and storytelling so every word supports the illustrations and creates an enjoyable reading experience for both children and parents.
Children beginning to read independently need stories that build confidence without feeling too easy. We edit for clear sentence structure, consistent pacing, suitable vocabulary, and engaging characters that encourage young readers to keep turning the pages.
Older children expect stronger plots, believable characters, and deeper emotional connections. Our editing focuses on story structure, character development, dialogue, pacing, and age-appropriate themes while keeping the writing accessible and engaging for independent readers.
- who we help
Our clients come from all sorts of backgrounds. We regularly work with:
If you fit into more than one of these groups, that is fine too. Most of our clients do not fall neatly into just one box.
- what to look for
There are a lot of editors out there, and not all of them are the right fit for a children's manuscript. Before you commit to anyone, it is worth asking a few honest questions:
A good editor will answer all of these without hesitation. If someone dodges the questions, that tells you something too.
- why it matters
Some authors wonder if editing is really necessary, especially for a short picture book manuscript. Here is what proper editing actually does:
None of this is about changing your voice or your idea. It is about making sure the story you already have reaches its full potential.
- ready or not
Authors often ask how they will know when their manuscript is actually ready for editing or for submission. There is no single answer, but a few things tend to hold true across strong manuscripts:
You do not need to tick every box before reaching out. Most manuscripts we see are missing at least one of these, and that is exactly what editing is for. The point of a fresh set of eyes is to spot what you cannot see anymore after reading your own story fifty times.
- how it works
Email us your draft, along with a short note about where you are and what kind of help you think you need. If you are not sure, that is fine; we can work that out together.
We read a sample of your work and confirm which service suits your manuscript best. If we think a different level of editing would serve you better, we will say so honestly.
No vague pricing, no surprise invoices. You will know exactly what you are paying before any work begins.
Your editor reads closely, takes notes, and works through your manuscript with care. For developmental and line editing, this includes a written report alongside the marked-up manuscript.
You get the chance to ask questions about our feedback. Editing should be a conversation, not a one-way document dropped in your inbox.
You receive your edited manuscript, your report, and any notes needed for the next stage, whether that is illustration, submission, or printing.
- our catalog
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Children Book - why choose us
If you are trying to find the best children's book editors in Sydney for your project, the honest answer is that fit matters more than any single credential. We would rather be the right fit for your book than simply the biggest name.
The Purple Giraffe Press TeamAustralian Children’s Publisher No adult fiction, no business documents, no distractions. This is our full focus.
No handing your manuscript between different people partway through.
You will always know what a service costs before you agree to it.
A manuscript improves faster with honesty than with polite vagueness.
From spelling to cultural references, we know what fits here.
Questions during the process get a real answer, not a template reply.
- author love
- pricing
The cost of children's picture book editing services in Sydney depends on a few things: the length of your manuscript, the level of editing you need, and how many rounds of feedback you want included. A short manuscript assessment costs less than a full developmental edit, and a proofread costs less again.
We do not publish a flat price list because a 400-word manuscript and a 2000-word early reader are not the same job. What we do promise is a clear, written quote before any work starts, so you always know what you are paying for and why. Get in touch with a sample of your manuscript, and we will give you a straightforward quote within a couple of business days.
- explore more
We built our service list around the real gaps that stop authors from finishing and launching their books. Here is what falls under our roof.
Illustration, page layout, cover design and KDP-ready formatting, built around your story for picture books and beyond.
Learn more about Book Design in SydneyShare your idea and we write the whole manuscript in your voice, for children's books, fiction and personal family stories.
Learn more about Ghostwriting in SydneyPromotion plans that get your book seen, from Amazon and Kindle visibility to local Sydney bookshops, schools and reviews.
Learn more about Book Marketing in SydneyInterior layout, fonts, image placement and print-ready and KDP files, formatted specifically for children's books.
Learn more about Book Formatting in SydneyYou bring the idea, the characters, and the world. We write the full novel in your voice, from first chapter to last page.
Learn more about Fiction Ghostwriting in SydneyCharacter design, full page art, spot illustrations and cover art, matched to the mood, pacing and age group of your book.
Learn more about Custom Illustrations in Sydney- get in touch
Share your idea or manuscript and we will come back within one business day with a friendly, no-pressure plan and a free estimate.
We usually reply within one business day.
- ready when you are
If your story has been sitting in a drawer or on your laptop, waiting for someone to give it an honest read, we would love to help. Send your manuscript through and tell us a little about where you are. There is no pressure and no obligation, just a straightforward conversation about your story and what it needs next.
Get in touch with Purple Giraffe Press today, and let's get your book ready for the world.
- good to know
Honest answers to the questions Sydney authors ask us most. If yours is not here, a quick consultation will cover it.
Book a Free Consultation →No. While we are based in Sydney and love working with local authors, we work with clients from all over Australia by email and video call.
It depends on the service and how busy we are at the time, but most manuscript assessments take one to two weeks, and full developmental edits can take three to four weeks. We will always give you a timeframe before we start.
Not necessarily. A manuscript assessment can work well even on an early draft. If your story is still rough, we can help you work out what stage it is actually at.
We do not provide illustration services ourselves, but we can help prepare a clear brief for an illustrator once your manuscript is edited.
We work across picture books, early readers, and junior fiction, roughly ages zero to twelve, though picture books make up most of our work.
Yes. We can edit a short sample of your manuscript so you can see our style and feedback before booking a full service.
Yes, and often more than people expect. A picture book has so few words that every single one needs to be doing its job properly, and a second set of trained eyes almost always finds something the author has missed.
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