Consultancy | Andy Wheeler Author

Children’s Book Consultancy

Helping strong stories become publishable books

Writing a children’s book is one achievement. Understanding whether it is truly ready — and what to do next — is another.

After more than a decade leading children’s book development at Bear With Us Productions, I now work independently with a limited number of authors each month.

This is not a production package.

It is direct, experienced guidance at a critical stage — before submission, before illustration investment, and before unnecessary expense.

Experience That Shapes the Work.

As former Director of Bear With Us Productions, I oversaw the development of children’s titles across picture books, middle-grade fiction, and series publishing.

During that time:

I worked with over 1,000 authors.
I helped develop award-winning children’s books.
I guided writers through both self-publishing and trade routes.
I advised on illustration, production, ISBN allocation, and high-street pathways.

I understand where manuscripts tend to weaken.

I understand where money is often spent too early.

And I understand how strong concepts become publishable books.

This consultancy exists to strengthen the work before the next step is taken.

The Consultation.

I work with only five authors per month. This ensures proper attention and considered, honest feedback.

Fee: £395

Your consultation includes:

Full manuscript review (within agreed word count).
Structural and developmental feedback.
Clarity, pacing, and age-range evaluation.
Grammar and presentation review.
Publishing pathway discussion (self-publishing vs submission).
Overview guidance on ISBNs, formatting, and illustration direction.
A 45-minute strategy call or video call.
Written action summary.

Delivery within 10 working days.

Please see my other consultancy review options and pricing below

Who This Is For

This service is suited to authors who:

Have completed a draft.
Are serious about publishing.
Want experienced direction before investing further.
Value a clear, professional assessment.

If I believe your manuscript is not ready — or that consultancy is not the right step — I will say so clearly.

A Selective Service

This is intentionally limited.

Once five spaces are filled, bookings move to the following month.

I work best when the process is focused, personal, and grounded — not high-volume or transactional.

Trusted by Authors Across Multiple Projects

I have worked with first-time writers, multi-book authors, and children’s titles that have reached major high street retailers. Here is what some of them say.

Industry Endorsement

"We have had the pleasure of working closely with Andy Wheeler in his role as Author Advisor and Consultant, and we can confidently say his insight, professionalism and instinct for strong storytelling are exceptional.

The projects Andy has introduced to us have consistently stood out. They arrive thoughtfully developed, well-positioned and aligned with the realities of the children’s book market.

Several of the authors he has guided have gone on to secure publishing partnerships with us, benefiting from enhanced editorial development, national and international sales, expanded distribution, and licensing opportunities. Their books are now selling nationally and worldwide, a testament to the strong foundations laid before submission.

We would not hesitate to recommend Andy to any writer seeking informed, honest and commercially aware guidance."

Florence Hannah – Director

Magic Moon Publishing

An imprint of Partnership Publishing

Enquiries

If you're preparing a children’s book and would value clear, professional guidance, you can book a free 20-minute clarity call.

Before the call, please send:

A brief summary of your book.
Intended age range.
Current word count.
Where you feel you need support.

Following this, I will confirm availability and outline the next steps.