Visits
M.O. Yuksel offers both in-person and virtual school and library visits, workshops, and presentations for book festivals and conferences.
Her visits are designed to be developmentally appropriate for different age groups and tailored to your audience needs.
GRADES K-1
Interactive sessions focus on story-elements and brainstorming ideas for stories.
GRADES 2-3
Sessions focus on the writing process and the research she does for her picture books.
GRADES 4-5
Sessions focus on the different elements of the writing process such as researching, drafting, revising, and critiquing.
GRADES 6-12
Sessions include an in-depth look at the writing and publishing process.
Schedule a Visit
These sessions are available to all schools, libraries, and home-school groups.
Students and staff have the option to order personalized, signed books through M.O. Yuksel’s local independent bookstore. She’ll provide order forms.
Aspiring Author Consultation
Have questions about the publishing industry? M.O. Yuksel, award-winning author of children’s books, can help guide aspiring authors like you. She offers a 50-minute personalized consultation. Her “Ask Me Anything” publishing-related calls or meetings may include:
- How to get started
- Submitting to publishers
- How to find an agent
- Querying agents
Picture Book Manuscript Critiques
Have a picture book manuscript you’ve been working on and wondering if it’s ready? Or perhaps you’re just getting started and would like a little guidance as you find your way into the wonderful world of picture books.
I provide manuscript critiques for picture book writers at all stages of their writing journey. I’ll provide feedback on areas relevant to your manuscript, including:
- Story structure and pacing
- Character development and emotional arc
- Voice, language, and word choice
- Age-appropriateness and audience
- Theme, heart, and overall impact
- Opportunities to strengthen the story
You’ll receive comments directly on your manuscript, including notes about grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics, as well as suggestions for wording, phrasing, sentence structure, and flow when helpful.
You’ll also receive an editorial letter highlighting the bigger-picture elements of your manuscript: what is working, what may need another look, and where I see opportunities to make your story stronger. When appropriate, I’ll include examples and possible approaches to help you think through revisions.
Writing a book is a journey. Sometimes all we need is another reader to help us see the path a little more clearly. I’d be happy to be that reader for you!
Ready to get started?
If you’re interested in a manuscript critique, please click the link below to inquire about availability. Your manuscript should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document in the body of your email.
The cost per critique is $70.
Once I’ve completed your critique, I’ll send you an invoice with payment options via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.
I look forward to reading your story and cheering you on as you continue your writing journey!
Please note: A manuscript critique is intended to provide editorial guidance. It does not guarantee representation, publication, or an offer from an agent or publisher.
TESTIMONIALS
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It was a joy to host M.O. Yuksel at the Norwalk Public Library. She captivated the room from the very beginning, sharing stories about her heroes and then reading from The Prince of Stars in a way that felt truly magical – literally covering the ceiling in stars as she read. M.O. has the ability to engage children across a wide age range. She seamlessly blended storytelling, movement, and play, even leading interactive games that helped the kids understand big concepts like the Earth’s rotation around the sun. Every child felt included, curious, and excited to participate. The program concluded with a hands-on craft that tied everything together, leaving the kids inspired and proud of what they had created. Parents and caregivers were just as impressed as the children with the program. We would enthusiastically recommend M.O. Yuksel to any library or school looking for an engaging, thoughtful, and memorable author visit.
— Vicki Oates, Director of Youth Library Services, Norwalk Public Library, CT
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There were some Magical Reading moments at Rising Star Academy on Monday! Our students were captivated by author M.O Yuksel’s read aloud session! They were completely engaged in her story and couldn’t wait to dive into activities inspired by the book! Thank you for sharing your talents with us, M.O. Yuksel!
— Rising Star Academy, Union City, NJ
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The students in my Children’s Literature class loved M.O. Yuksel’s engaging and informative presentation on writing picture books! She not only presented valuable information about picture books, but also spoke movingly about the importance of diverse books and Muslim representation. Yuksel was also generous in answering student questions and providing thoughtful responses. Afterwards, many students commented on how important Yuksel’s presentation was in expanding their understanding of diverse representation. Her presentation beautifully underscored one of our main course topics–how necessary it is for children to see themselves reflected in books and for children to learn about cultures other than their own through books. We loved In My Mosque, her beautiful picture book, and we can’t wait to read her upcoming books!
— Dr. Diana Ma, North Seattle College, Seattle, WA
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We really enjoyed our time with M.O. Yuksel and her book, RAMADAN KAREEM! I also really enjoyed IN MY MOSQUE. I am so happy that there is more representation in our literature and that we can see ourselves through the stories we read!
— Farzana Kassam, Teacher, École Laura Secord Elementary School, Vancouver BC
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M.O. Yuksel put together an engaging presentation that truly made learning fun and fit in perfectly with our curriculum. Her presentation and books offer the mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors that every librarian hopes for when connecting students with books.
Renee Neiger, Cranbury Elementary School, Norwalk, CT
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M.O. Yuksel’s AMA service for aspiring authors was tremendously helpful in providing insights and recommendations as I prepare to step into the querying trenches. She helped me understand industry standards, which allowed me to make adjustments accordingly and shift into a more professional mindset. I would highly recommend booking an author consultation with her!
— Sadia K.
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As a Grade 4/5 class, we first read “In My Mosque” in April 2021. The students fell in-love with the text, the visuals, and the message of celebrating Islam. A Muslim student came forward and stated that “they felt seen” when engaging with the book; they were represented in a positive, welcoming, and celebratory way. I then invited M.O. Yuksel to come and visit my Grade 4/5 class in June 2021. A week prior to Yuksel’s visit, there was a terrorist attack in a community close by; a Muslim family was murdered in London, Ontario for simply existing as Muslims. As a teacher of Muslim students, my priority was to ensure their mental-health and well-being were placed at the forefront. For this reason, I wanted to strictly celebrate Islam during Yuksel’s visit.
Yuksel entered the virtual space promptly centring the needs of students. Yuksel led an art activity that encouraged the students to draw/paint/virtually design a mosque of their own. Conversations were then held about what we see within a mosque, what we know about mosques, and what we wonder about mosques. Students’ learning was validated by Yuksel as she acknowledged that many were coming from different learning journeys and experiences.
Thank you, M.O. Yuksel, for centering students’ needs and the voices of Muslim students. Thank you for writing a beautiful story about Islam and its beautiful places of worship.
— Sara Savoia, Classroom Teacher, Simcoe County District School Board, Canada
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Growing up I enjoyed reading books; however, never had a book that related to me. A book that relates to my culture and or religion as a character or setting. As a mother of two, I am beyond pleased to have authors like M.O. Yuksel to have books out for children to connect to. It’s important to have books that young children can relate to as they grow.
When I came across M.O. Yuksel’s book, IN MY MOSQUE, I knew this was the one. It not only showed our own culture, but it represented the importance of diversity in each culture. Also, that Muslims are united in a setting of a mosque no matter where they are from. The illustrations are beyond powerful. The students and I were excited to turn the page to see what is next.
I had the honor to meet M.O. Yuksel at a school visit. She shared her journey and how she came about publishing her first book. My students could relate and talk about her in their writing prompts. Her connection and engagement with the students of all ages was very inspiring. She shared a template of the pigeons that are in her book. As soon as my students came back to class, they wanted to color one. Her visit and the student’s engagement has inspired me to create a bulletin board with the template of her pigeons from the book. “Your wings already exist; all you have to do is FLY!” M.O. Yuksel’s passion and talent for book writing is a reminder to never give up. She flew and flew until she has reached to be a well-known author that inspires not only children but mothers and educators as well. I look forward to reading her upcoming books!
— Shymaa Negm, 2nd Grade Teacher at Maarif USA School
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M.O. Yuksel’s AMA service for aspiring authors is wonderful! There was so much that I was feeling nervous about in regard to the book publishing industry, but Mindy had clear answers for all of my concerns. I loved getting to hear about her writing process and her first-hand experience in publishing. Her insight and assurances were comforting and her wealth of knowledge helped make me more determined. The road to publication may be long, but I now feel much more confident about making the leap to break into the book world. Many thanks, Mindy!