My Story
Lindsay Ward has a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. She is the author and illustrator of over two dozen books for children. Her work has been reviewed in Kirkus Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly, and the New York Times. Lindsay is the founder of Critter Lit, a picture book manuscript and illustration critique service for up-and-coming authors and illustrators. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio with her husband, author Frank Tupta, three boys, dog, Sally, and a flock of ducks.
Sounds good, right? My publishing career in a few sentences, gives you only what you need to know. But everyone's story is always more complicated. What my bio doesn't say is what it actually took to get published. How I decided at seventeen to move across country from California to New York to study illustration. How I bounced around from New York City to Boston for a couple years, hoping to find the right fit. How I sent postcards of my illustration work for almost three years, every three months, until someone took a chance on me. How I struggled to make ends meet while I was trying to get my first illustration job. Or how hard it was to pursue a dream that most people thought was impossible. The road to publication is different for everyone. There is no formula. I wish I could say, "do this, this, and this," and you'll be published. But unfortunately it doesn't work that way. So that leaves me with the one thing I can offer you: my experience and advice.
Because having the best job in the world is tough. And it takes a village and a massive amount of creative energy.
Thus Critter Lit. A place where you can get critiques in a reasonable amount of time: TWO WEEKS! Where you won't feel as if you have been sent to the Waiting Place for an undetermined amount of time. A place where you can get real advice from a practicing author and illustrator: me.
Feedback
What can you expect from a Critter Lit critique? Each manuscript or illustration critique will offer honest, constructive feedback. My goal is to help you make your book better. I'm not going to placate you and say that your book is perfect as is. Because that's probably not the case. You wouldn't be sending me your work if you thought it was ready to submit, right? If you're looking for someone to go easy on your work, then I'm probably not the right fit. I want to help you become a better writer and/or illustrator, which takes a lot of hard work, and a heavy-handed red pen. I'll offer my insight as both a children's book author/illustrator and as a previous bookseller who's well acquainted with the market. Execution and marketability are equally important to making it in this industry. My notes will always address both.
Hopes
Your work gets published! Whether you choose to traditionally publish, self-publish, or create an amazing app, I want to help you make your story the best it can be. Many, many people helped me on my road to publication, and for them I will forever be grateful.
So here's my chance to support you.
