Who’s Lou?

Hi!

I help picture book and middle-grade authors and poets increase their creativity and craft by providing clear, step-by-step editing, coaching and training so they can improve their skills to gain publishing opportunities.

I can help if you…

are looking for a developmental editor or storytelling coach
really, truly want to learn new things
have a positive attitude to feedback and the desire to improve
are willing to put in a little extra effort to achieve your goals
believe a professional skill takes time to develop
are committed to giving new things an honest try
believe in the power of storytelling and how it can change lives
join The Kidlitter Letter community.

Whether you’re just starting out as a writer, have been writing for ages, or plan to only write as a side hobby, I am a resource you can rely on.

The Kidlitter Letter can help by…

providing you with a warm, supportive and creative community. In this safe space, I share resources, we celebrate each other’s wins and there’s a creative challenge or actionable opportunity in every issue that will get you closer to your dream of becoming a published author if you act on it.

You can become a Kidlitter by:

subscribing to the newsletter, The Kidlitter Letter
grabbing a PDF freebie of 44 children’s and teen magazines looking for submissions
grabbing a free starter kit for beginner rhymers
grabbing a free book marketing starter kit for kidlit and YA authors
grabbing a free downloadable feedback form to use with children beta readers
grabbing a free PDF worksheet on How to Nail Middle-Grade Voice

If you have questions, send them to me via the form on the Contact page. I’m a real human and I always answer e-mails.

But who am I really?

I live in the French Alps. Yes, it is very Heidi-esque.
I was an ESL teacher and ran my own language school in France for almost two decades. It was hard. Not the teaching, which I love, but the constant paperwork and politics.
I have two sons who speak impeccable English, but with very hairy French accents.
I have a Golden Retriever who’s also bilingual, but she doesn’t have an accent because she doesn’t speak. She’s a dog.
Children’s poetry and books make me thrum. As well as editing them, I also write for the picture book and middle-grade market.
Instagram is my social media platform of choice because pictures = a thousand words = less noise on the Internet.
I’m originally from South Africa, and am one of the thousands of people who voted for Nelson Mandela to become President. I’m seriously proud of that.