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Word Witches

specialist support for children's writers

Editing and Mentoring 

from Emma Finlayson-Palmer & Carolyn Ward

Children's Writers: Contact us at wordwitches2018@gmail.com

for a free tailored quote

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Many years writing and working together

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Co-author Competition winners

Organising the Skylark conference near Wolverhampton

Books

BIO

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Emma Finlayson-Palmer

(@FinlaysonPalmer) (R) writes CB and Teen/YA and is represented by Veronique Baxter at the David Higham agency. She has many years editing experience and loves to give back to the #writingcommunity. Emma lives in the West Midlands with her husband and a multitude of children, cats and chickens! She's an author, artist and illustrator who runs #ukteenchat, a writing themed chat on Twitter. Emma’s first book for 5-8 year old readers, Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic, was published by UCLan in 2022, and the sequel, Spooky Sleepover, followed later in the year.

Her next book is out in January 2024, and is an Early Reader with OUP, Mega Merle. She is currently working on a new Graphic Novel project. 

        Carolyn Ward (@Viking_Ma) (L) writes MG and YA and is represented by Thérèse Coen at Susanna Lea Associates. She caught the editing bug for children's writing several years ago and loves helping fledgling authors to find their voices.

She has written flash fiction, poetry and short stories over the years, many of which have  been published in print, newspapers and anthologies. 

She is married with three children and lives near Wolverhampton, UK.

Her first book, Bella Bright and the Ghost Game,(currently shortlisted for the Dudley Children's Book Award 2024) was published in August 2023, with the sequel due out August 2024. She is currently working on YA Horror projects. 

Bio
In The Press

WORD WITCH TESTIMONIALS

CAROLYN

"

One of my luckiest days as a writer was the day I was selected for #MentorMatch 2018 with Carolyn as my mentor. She was amazing, giving me detailed and insightful suggestions that took my book to another level and ultimately resulted in my getting an agent. I can't say enough about her editing skills!

Michael Lunsford

Children's Author

San Francisco, US

"

Carolyn pulls you out of the pages and shines a light not only on the ugly what-was-I-thinking parts but also on what is working. Not only is she a great editor, she will be your biggest cheerleader too.
She picks up on things you don't think about - would that fruit grow at that time of year? How long would it take for a cruise ship to turn around?
If you need help with plot & structure she can do that. She has a good ear for dialogue. She won't let a character get away with a single word that they wouldn't say.
...if you want someone to get your manuscript in shape, Carolyn's your girl.

"

THANK YOU so much for your time & brilliant feedback... I really appreciate the hard work you put in to help me... you've given me the confidence to keep writing.

 Anon

client, 

Children's Writer,

UK

Jenny Pearson

Children's Author,

 UK

WORD WITCH TESTIMONIALS

EMMA

"

Emma is a fantastic editor and I highly recommend her. Her edits and suggestions are to the point, and are always to make the MS better and stronger, but she also provides a lot of encouraging feedback for when your writing works. She has worked on the first three chapters of my MG MS and not only has she made it better, but I now feel confident to begin submitting to agents with it. 

Chris

Galvin

Children's Writer

UK

"

Emma read my novel in super quick time and the feedback that I received was detailed and constructive. Emma’s feedback didn’t feel overwhelming, and helpful examples were provided when tacking issues in the text. I would certainly request more feedback from Emma without a second thought.

Lisa 

Sorrell

Children's

Author,

UK

​

"

I’m fortunate Emma came into my life as a Beta reader for my last WIP and her encoragement and support have been invaluable. Emma approaches her critques and feedback with professionalism and positivity; her joy for writing is infectious and her editing, insightful and encouraging. Not to mention she is the Queen of killer pitches! 

Tizzie

Frankish

Children's 

Writer

UK

CONTACT

For further information please contact wordwitches2018@gmail.com

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