Kid's Book Revisions Plus:
What Our Students Say

As we relaunch as KBR Plus, we have gathered new statements from folks with whom we worked in the past, and have re-posted a few past endorsements we believe are still relevant.

New Testimonials:

As we know, revision is where the true magic happens in the story-making process. Over the years, I've taken several online revision courses from Kids Books Revisions (now Plus!). Because every story is unique and requires its own approach to the revising process, I find there is always something new to learn -- a new activity, a new tactic, a new way of thinking. And there are no better teachers to these revising strategies than Eileen, Emma, and Harold. Harold was instrumental in revising my story The Girls of Gettysburg, published by Holiday House in 2014. Harold and Eileen proved fundamental to the revising process for my (eighth!) book, Barbary Chronicles, to be published by Charlesbridge Moves in October 2026. I continue to use Emma's wisdom and insights throughout my writing and revising process in every project, including my current work, a manuscript we had worked on years ago during one of her workshops. The Power of Three I call them, and for good reason. Their combined editorial and publishing experience, their insights into the story-engineering process as well as into the publishing industry is unmatched. In addition, the webinar format they use is easy to follow. especially for a techno-dimwit like myself. I look forward to taking more classes!
-- Bobbi Miller, author of The Girls of Gettysburg (recommended by Booklist and School Library Journal, a 2015 Thomas Jefferson Cup Overfloweth honor book and the 2015 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People honor book) and Barbary Chronicles (forthcoming).

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On a Recent In-Person Retreat:

In 2025 I had the joy of participating in a revision retreat led by Emma Dryden, Eileen Robinson, and Harold Underdown. I started the retreat with a full draft of an early chapter book and a picture book manuscript. I left the weekend feeling focused, supported, challenged and set free in full revision mode. Harold's incisive observations grounded the revision and gave rise to specific additions and changes. Eileen's spirit and sense of wonder inspired me to stay true to my story and I relished her genuine and spontaneous response to my picture book pitch. And Emma's continued partnership (I've been working with her 1:1 for a few years now) has been invaluable as she accompanies, challenges, affirms, and informs my work and my process. I found it so valuable and it generated a comprehensive revision that I'd love to take back to the three of them!
-- Heather T. Banis, PhD, Author and Psychologist

The Revision Retreat I attended in 2025 at Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights Foundation) with Emma Dryden, Eileen Robinson, and Harold Underdown exceeded my expectations. Three weeks before we met at the Barn, each editor presented an online warmup class on Zoom to prepare us for the actual "in-person" retreat. We had a perfect mix of teaching, critiquing, writing time, and individual consultations. Emma, Eileen, and Harold were friendly and accessible, each bringing different and valuable perspectives to our work. They created such a welcoming space for us and I left the retreat with a toolbox of revision techniques and an improved manuscript! I hope I have another opportunity to work with this terrific trio of editors!
-- Janine Johns, Author

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I took Harold and Eileen's 2023 Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights) online Revision Retreat and enjoyed a deep dive into revision tools and techniques, from big picture/developmental to line edits. They offered a plethora of tools for my toolbelt, and especially unique and fun ways to approach my own manuscript so that I could see it with fresh eyes. While I had already read many craft books, Harold and Eileen introduced me to new resources I hadn't considered, but which offered invaluable ideas and even a book that provided before/after manuscripts through their revision process. As a still-new author, I walked away from their retreat feeling like I had a new menu of exciting approaches that extended to all of my writing.

I also recently worked with Harold one-on-one while revising my middle grade manuscript. I can't possibly sing enough praise for Harold's sharp eye and thoughtful approach. I have worked on my manuscript for years and it has had many, many eyes across multiple critique groups and partners. While my manuscript received serious editor interest, working with Harold has helped me to see it in a new light and identify important remaining issues. Harold has consistently thought about me as he has read other books, pointing me towards various decisions the authors made that were relevant to my own questions. He offered thoughtful, holistic insight, answered all of my questions, and genuinely took the time and care to read my manuscript with a depth that is rare. Since Harold is a pleasure to chat with, the hours we spent discussing my manuscript have been a special gift, and I'm now working away on revisions with more confidence and, importantly, supported direction.
-- Danna Zeiger, published author

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From the Kid's Book Revision Years:

Comments on "Revising and Re-Imagining Your Picture Book Manuscript" (webinar series, February-April 2017):

I've been writing picture books for almost ten years but Harold & Eileen's webinar presented revision strategies I had not considered before. An extremely valuable series that I would recommend to every picture book writer. -- Tara Lazar, published picture book author

-- from people's evaluations:
I learned a tremendous amount from your Webinar. For me it was like getting some 'secrets' for revising redoing re-imagining my story. I only wish I had the information for further development of my writing picture book skills years ago. The resources--little gems--you shared are invaluable. Thank you!

This course offers sound editing techniques to help writers take their picture books to the next level. I especially recommend it for those who have trouble connecting their stories to emotion or those who, like me, didn't really understand this concept until Eileen and Harold explained it with concrete exercises. Thanks!

I want to thank you. Working with you both on how to take up ms. revisions was a rich learning experience. And I very much appreciated your emphasis on picture books!
If you offer this picture book webinar in the future, I would probably enroll again if you'd let me. The structure of this webinar is innovative--a facilitated writers' group with an added instructional component. This approach fills a gap in the PB professional development community.
I live in a smaller community so resources for picture book writers are limited. I do try to stay connected with on-line critique groups but they wax and wane! So the R/R webinar is a great opportunity.

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The Editing without an Editor Webinar is filled with an abundance of techniques for looking at your manuscript with an editorial eye. It's not only a great introduction to writing children's books for those just getting started, but also- for those of us who have been in the field awhile - an effective way to recharge one's engine, review familiar tools of the craft, pick up some new ones and discover new resources. The participants' discussion adds much to the experience. There's a lot going on in each session, so it's quite helpful to have it up online afterwards to review at your own pace. -- Erica Silverman (published picture book author)

If you're in the business of writing for children, then I highly recommend KBR's, "Editing Without An Editor" webinar. This webinar not only gave me the tools that I needed to edit my manuscripts more efficiently, but it also gave me insider knowledge that can only come from someone who has been an editor. Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson both offer a combination of brains and insight - I couldn't recommend this webinar more. -- Elaine Kiely Kearns (writer and owner of KidLit 411)

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On Revising and Re-Imagining Your Picture Book workshop at the Eric Carle Museum, March 2014:

Kids Book Revisions' picture book workshop is a fantastic opportunity to learn everything from the basics to the cutting-edge in the world of writing picture books. With both lectures and hands-on writing exercises, I gained knowledge and practiced techniques that I continue to use today. I learned about current trends in the marketplace, where my stories might fit, and how to approach new drafts. Understanding the insiders' perspective of what goes through the mind of an acquiring editor has greatly helped me when writing and revising. Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson showed me ways to re-imagine my stories and helped me take them to the next level, and ultimately onto children's bookshelves. -- Josh Funk, published picture book author

One of the handouts I received when I took this workshop had this statement: "What works for you is important--but so is trying new things." This workshop is cram-packed with new things that will make you think about your writing and revision processes. I apply the tips and techniques I learned to every manuscript I write. For me, the cost of the workshop is a bargain because what I got from it is priceless. -- Carol Munro

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