Includes a 45 minute Zoom meeting
Get the Publisher's Perspective
Straight from the Larrikin's Mouth!
OUR LARRI-KING
James Layton is older than he looks because he has 30 years experience as a children’s bookseller in the Australian education market. He’s also the Publisher at Larrikin House, so his perspective is broad and unique.
James has developed his own unique assessment criteria based on all the elements that someone who’s going to put up $20,000 to publish your story needs to consider.
His specialty is concept, so over and above the usual assessment, there’s every chance James will have a breakthrough idea during your zoom session that could transform your story into something viable.
Words & Nerds
PUBLICIST, AUTHOR & PODCASTER
Dani Vee is host of the popular literary podcast Words & Nerds (which gets 50,000 plays every month) and has interviewed more than five hundred creatives about their writing or illustrating process.
She is also a facilitator at literary festivals, and has judged manuscripts for picture book awards, the Ned Kelly Awards and the Ngaioi Marsh Awards.
As Larrikin House publicist she liaises with industry professionals and assesses picture book manuscripts together with James Layton (Publisher) in the Larrikin House slush pile.
Dani currently has nine hilarious books in the pipeline with Larrikin House! Her specialty is creating humour, edge and quirk into your manuscripts.
Specific & comprehensive feedback
Like most publishers, we just don’t have the time or resources to send feedback on manuscripts. However, by going through the assessment process, you’ll be given very specific and comprehensive feedback on your story. You will also have the opportunity to workshop the possibilities with James during the Zoom meeting. This is always where the best stuff happens. – according to James
James’ Zoom meetings are recorded so you can refer back to them anytime you like.
Once you have been through the checkout, please email your manuscript to assessments@larrikinhouse.com and you will be allocated a date and time for your assessment.
WORD ON THE STREET
What do successfull Authors and Illustrators say about the Larrikin House Manuscript Assessment service, experience and outcomes?
SEAN E AVERY
Author / Illustrator
I've been submitting manuscripts to publishers for the past nine years. It's a tough gig. It's a tough gig because you never really have any idea whether you're an inch, a mile or an entire solar system away from snagging a book deal. James is specific and professionally honest; a breath of fresh air to any aspiring author who is serious about honing their craft. I submitted a manuscript and within a week received the most detailed analysis of my work I've ever read. As an extra happy bonus, James was so impressed with my submission that he offered me a publishing contract for the story I sent in.
I couldn't recommend this service more highly.
CATHERINE MEATHERINGHAM
Children's Author / SCBWI ACT Committee Member
'My picture book manuscript assessment with James Layton was one of the most comprehensive assessments I've had.
James helped me to see how to improve my story from a craft perceptive as well as its market placement and saleability. W.I.N.K.S has given me a rare insight into exactly what a publisher looks for when they read a manuscript.
I'll be using W.I.N.K.S when I'm writing new stories to ensure I have ticked off all the elements needed to make my story shine – or wink!'
CARLA FITZGERALD
Author
'James' rubric has clearly been developed with an in-depth understanding of the commercial realities of the industry. In addition to helping you improve the specific manuscript, the assessment informs your future work. I frequently refer back to the rubric and believe it has made me a better writer. It is also an opportunity to have your work considered by a fantastic publisher, who may (as they did with me) work with you to get your manuscript to publishable standard.
Apart from all that, James is honest, encouraging and great to deal with!'
MICHÉLE DODD
Author
'James, I’m very impressed with your assessment!
You outlined some really big points that I need to consider. I can see how well researched and knowledgable you are and coming from a book selling/marketing background you have the credentials!
You have given me a lot to think about. Thanks again for your time.'
PAT GRAFTON
Author
'Hi James I just wanted to write to say thank you for the feedback you sent me.
While I was nervous about getting assessed in the first place, the whole process turned out to be a very positive one. Your rubric, detailed comments and scores are so helpful, and our zoom discussion was inspiring.
Thank you once again for your assessment process - I highly recommend it!'
JACINTA FROUD
Children's Author
I recently had a manuscript critique with James and found it both insightful and practical.
James used a specially designed rubric to assess my manuscript against his W.I.N.K.S criteria. He gave me honest and positive feedback and an understanding of the publishing industry, particularly focussing on one of the most important aspects for publishers - marketability.
James was personable and friendly, the session gave me the knowledge of where I could improve and the confidence to keep submitting.
MILLIE LEWIS
Author
James’ W.I.N.K.S rubric is clear and comprehensive, and he clearly knows the publishing industry inside and out.
His assessment feedback was detailed, practical and encouraging, and was delivered with a healthy dose of good humour, living up to the Larrikin name.
As a newbie author, I was thrilled to have the opportunity for him to critique my manuscript… and to my surprise and delight, he offered me my very first publishing contract a week later!
NINA DE GOEDEREN
Author
Hi James,
Thank you for your amazing feedback.
I love the W.I.N.K.S Manuscript Assessment Rubric that you have used as it covers everything so clearly and is easy to follow and apply to my work for improvement.
You have definitely given me a lot to work with in order to improve my story.
I will definitely take all of your suggestions on board.
