Once you've finished writing and rewriting, what next?

[Dobble]

Do you need one of those editing/feedback services if you're a rookie writer? They all seem so expensive. Any recommendations? Or do you go straight to submitting to agents?

How do you find critique partners/groups and beta readers (for children's books)?

So many questions.

Join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) - they can put you in touch with a critique group where other writers read each others' work.

Or you could send out to a few agents and see what happens. Then if you only get standard rejections you could consider using an editing service. I've used Cornerstones before, they're expensive but very good.

Editing services are there to help you - they're not an extra hurdle you have to go through before a publisher will look at you. So it's up to you really. If you think it will help you develop your work, go for it (although choose very carefully and make sure you know exactly what you're buying). But if it's just for reassurance and feedback, I personally wouldn't bother. The opinions that matter are those of potential agents and publishers. And the only way to get those opinions is to start querying!

A copy of the Writers and Artists yearbook is v helpful (there is a special children's edition). Twitter is a great place to find agents who are seeking new authors.

Good luck and well done on finishing your book!

Internet writing forums are good places to find critique partners. Goodreads has groups for it, too.
And if it's for kids, what about trying it out on some actual children, or parents? I find feedback from people who aren't writers is useful, as well as people who are.

I wouldn't pay money for a critiquing service, personally, though maybe I've just been lucky with the people I knew, some of whom were able to give me advice to a similar standard. Definitely try critique partners first, though.

Thank you everyone. Some very helpful tips.