SEEKING EXPERT REVIEWERS

By Michelle Schaub 

As writers of nonfiction for children, we want the information in our books to enthrall and delight our readers. But above all, we have an obligation to make sure that information is true and accurate.

To ensure accurate information, we scour the library and internet for credible sources. We take field trips to fully immerse ourselves in our topics. We double, triple, and quadruple check our facts.

Even after the research, after the writing and revising, when I think my story is ready to send to editors, I take one final step to ensure my facts are precise. I seek out experts and ask them to review my book.

Where do I find expert reviewers?

I’m lucky enough to live down the street from Colorado State University, so this is often my starting point. I begin by looking up the department associated with the topic of my book. I study professors’ bios to see if any specialize in areas I’m writing about. This is how I found the reviewer for A Place for Rain, which released in March 2024. A Place for Rain is about a classroom that builds a rain garden to “lessen all that rainstorm mess” and create a habitat for wildlife. Through CSU’s Colorado Water Center, I connected with Jessica Thrasher, Director of Education and Outreach. One of Jessica’s jobs is to educate schools, businesses, and private homeowners on how to install rain gardens. Jessica was the perfect person to review my book!

When looking for expert reviewers for your own book, start with colleges and universities. If you live near one, perfect--you have a built-in connection! If not, search for institutes that specialize in your topic. For example, if your book is about birds, you might begin with Cornell University, home to the world-renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  In addition to seeking out university faculty, I’ve also had success connecting with museum directors and docents, National Parks Service staff (I spoke with many NPS foresters while writing Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees), and authors of scientific articles.

Once I find an expert and track down their email (usually provided on the organization’s website) the next step is to contact them. This step always stresses me out. I worry that I’ll be bothering this extremely important person. I brace for an email response dripping with annoyance. This has never happened. Occasionally, I do not get a response. Then I move onto the next name on my list. Most of the time I receive enthusiastic replies. Experts are usually thrilled to learn that I share their passion for a topic and are eager to help kids become passionate as well.

Here is the basic template I use when emailing experts. Feel free to tailor it for your own purposes:

Hello! I am a children’s author who has written a picture book about X.  The book, tentatively called X, is X words long and add a little more information about the purpose of the book (or you already have a contract) will be published by X Publisher and releases in X, 202X. It is extremely important to me and the editors that the facts contained in the book are accurate. To that end, I am seeking someone familiar with X Topic who could review X words of nonfiction text about X. If you are willing to serve as an expert reviewer or could put me in touch with someone from your organization who might be interested, I’d really appreciate it. I’m planning to acknowledge all expert reviewers in the back matter of the book and send them signed copies once the book is published.

One final benefit to seeking out an expert reviewer:  you connect with an enthusiastic audience. This may lead to other opportunities to get your book in the hands of people who care about your topic. In the case of A Place for Rain, working with Jessica Thrasher opened the door for me to present at Water Fests throughout Northern Colorado, where I share my book and educate classrooms on saving water and creating wildlife habitats with rain gardens.

Take that extra step to find an expert reviewer. You’ll ensure that the information in your nonfiction book is precise and delightful!

 

About the author: 

Michelle Schaub is an award-winning children’s author, poet, and teacher. Her most recent books are A Place for Rain (an Indiana Library Federation 2025 Best Read Aloud selection) and Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees (a California Reading Association 2025 Eureka Gold and NCTE 2025 Poetry Notable.) Michelle mentors aspiring children’s book writers through the Rhyme Doctors, www.rhymedoctors.com . She lives in Colorado, where she enjoys exploring the mountains with her golden retriever named Bear. Learn more about Michelle at www.michelleschaub.com