I love working one-on-one with pre-published and published writers to support their writing, submitting, and publishing journeys. My focus is on fiction and nonfiction for children and youth. My mentoring is informed by my background as an editor and writing workshop leader as well as my MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. My own published works include fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle-grade and young-adult novels, and short stories for teens.

I see my role as a writing coach who listens to and supports you in expressing your stories in your way. For me, mentorship is a way to give back, pay it forward, and promote community with the goal of helping all voices in our world feel worthy, heard, and valued. I want to share my writing craft knowledge and experience to help you to write the best book you can.

Testimonials

To get an idea of what it’s like to work with me, here are a few testimonials:

“Karen brings the unusual combination of deep compassion and sharp intellect to her work as a writing coach. She met me exactly where I was, confused and adrift in outlining my story idea, and gracefully led me through a process of plot mapping and character development. Thanks to Karen, I’m now excited to begin working on my novel in earnest.”
Maud Macrory Powell, author

“Karen’s feedback on my novel was thorough, insightful, and encouraging. Her full novel evaluation was instrumental in helping me get my manuscript submission ready. Her attention to detail was excellent, and her feedback provided me with a well-organized roadmap for my revision process. Karen was able to pinpoint areas for improvement and offer suggestions in a way that always felt respectful and supportive. I am grateful for her gentle, forthright support and my novel is better for it.”
— Mary Jane Nirdlinger, writer

“Karen’s feedback was the MOST useful, helpful, thorough, thought-provoking, and detailed critique I’ve ever received. I felt privileged to have had an opportunity to receive Karen’s feedback on my picture book. The depth of detail she provided elevated the manuscript while providing a masterclass in picture-book writing that I have applied to subsequent work. Karen’s feedback was informative and supportive. Karen’s communication felt uplifting and enhancing, letting my story vision shine.”
— Reed Hilton-Eddy, writer

“I can whole-heartedly recommend Karen as a mentor. She has a deep understanding of story structure, is detail-oriented, and asks exactly the right questions to help you truly see your work-in-progress. But she goes beyond that: Karen regards your story, and your writing process, with empathy and real care, and instills the confidence you need at every stage of revision. Her feedback will help you find clarity as well as a renewed passion for your work, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, a picture book or a novel. Karen gives your work much more than fresh eyes, she gives it fresh heart.”
— Patricia McCowan, author

“I’ve worked with Karen on two picture books, and her feedback has been invaluable: thoughtful, insightful, detailed, and thorough. She is very knowledgeable about the market and was able to help me navigate a path toward publishing while staying true to the particular stories I wanted to tell. Her advice made my manuscripts — and my overall understanding of the craft of picture-book writing — immeasurably stronger, and she was an absolute pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Karen Krossing as a mentor or manuscript consultant.”
— Robin Stevenson, author

Below are some ways we might work together. Please email me to discuss options.

Manuscript Critiques

I offer manuscript critiques of picture books, early readers, and middle-grade and young-adult fiction. Along with your manuscript, I ask for a short letter that outlines the history of your project, your writing history, what type of feedback you’re seeking, and what questions you have for me.

What to Expect

My feedback will include a written report on elements such as character, structure, plot, pacing, voice, and world-building to help you form a vision for your manuscript revisions. I may include comments and line-edits on the manuscript, depending on the stage of the project. If you request it, I can provide feedback on a synopsis or query letter. You’ll receive my feedback within four weeks of payment and receipt of your manuscript. I also include a 45-minute Zoom or phone call to discuss my feedback and your next steps.

Fees

The fee will vary depending on the number of manuscript pages. Please email me to discuss my fees.

Long-Term Mentorships

For writers who prefer ongoing feedback, I offer long-term mentorships. Maybe you have a first draft or tricky revision that you’re striving to complete. Maybe you’d like to develop your writing skills in a particular genre or with a particular craft focus. Whatever your goal, we will set up an initial consultation, make a plan for what you want to achieve, and set your monthly goals.

What to Expect

Each month, you will send me a pre-determined number of manuscript pages as well as a letter about what worked and what felt challenging for you during the month. I’ll review your pages and provide detailed feedback within a week. We’ll follow up with a 45-minute Zoom or phone call to discuss the feedback and next steps. I’ll also be available by email between calls. Mentorships may run from two to six months.

Fees

The fee will vary depending on the number of months you prefer and the number of manuscript pages you’d like to send each month. Please email me to discuss options.