Editorial Services

Making Jewish Children’s Literature the Very Best It Can Be

The Whole Megillah is pleased to list editorial and book doctor/coaching services to help you get your manuscript into its best possible shape.

Deborah Brodie–Freelance editor, book doctor, and writing coach

After 22 years at Viking and six as co-founder of Roaring Brook Press, Deborah Brodie is now a freelance editor, book doctor, and writing coach for publishers, literary agents, and individuals. She appreciates working directly with new and not-yet-published authors, asking questions—the right questions—that lead the author to new insights and practical new approaches to plot, characterization, pace. The goal is to build on the writer’s strengths, create tools to use on the next book, and help the writer reach for the next rung of the career ladder.

Deborah works on picture books and middle grade novels, as well as fiction and nonfiction for teens and adults. Visiting Faculty in the MFA in Creative Writing Program at The New School in New York City, she is also an MFA Mentor for Simmons College in Boston. Visit Deborah’s web site.

Emma Dryden–Editorial services and career coach

With more than 25 years of experience editing and publishing children’s books, most recently as Vice President, Publisher of Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books, imprints of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Emma has a deep understanding of the business of children’s books within an ever-changing publishing landscape. Her expertise is working with authors to help define, enrich, and craft their work to make it viable for the current marketplace. She is a skilled fiction, fantasy, and poetry editor and my interests range from picture books and graphic novels to humorous middle grade, high fantasy, and edgy teen fiction–and anything in between!

Contact Emma at drydenbks.

Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC

With more than a decade of experience in the trenches at Viking Children’s Books working on numerous award-winning books, Catherine knows the ins and outs of how to target a query letter, how to find the right agent, and—most importantly—how to help an author improve a manuscript so that it’s the best it can possibly be.

Free initial manuscript evaluation

• General editorial feedback
• In-depth manuscript line-editing
• Proposal/query/synopsis evaluations and critiques
• General career consultation

Rates:
Catherine will conduct a free initial evaluation of your manuscript, and will send an email suggesting the action plan that she would like to take with your project. If your work is not a good fit with Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC for any reason, written declination will be sent via email within 10 business days of receipt.

Most typical projects will be charged at an hourly rate of $85/hour. Hourly rate projects will receive an initial meeting with me (in person when possible, by phone or email when not), a manuscript reading, and a written editorial letter with general comments and feedback.

For in-depth line-editing, detailed editorial feedback, or work on more complicated, long-term projects, a flat fee will be charged, beginning at $250 for picture books and $2,000 for longer fiction and nonfiction. All flat fee rates are subject to adjustment based on the size and scope of the project and will be agreed upon prior to any in-depth work.

For more information, see Catherine’s website.

Barbara Krasner–Copy editing and editing

Every manuscript deserves a pair of eyes other than the author’s to make sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. Barbara has a discerning editorial eye and ear, honed during workshops at Vermont College of Fine Arts where she earned her MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults, and at Highlights Foundation workshops. Visit Barbara’s website.

Anna Olswanger–Book coach

Some published writers come to Anna who have approached their career in an unplanned way. They’ve grabbed whatever publishing opportunity came their way with the result that they don’t feel in control of their career. And some writers may need help before their career begins. They may need to formulate a mission statement based on their life goals. Writers need a vision of their career, their books, and their lives. They need to think about how they can accomplish their goals. These writers may benefit from a book coach, someone who will help them make decisions and, most of all, encourage them to write from their individual experience.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of working with Anna as your book coach, visit her web site for more information.

Joyce Sweeney–Writing coach and manuscript critiques

Joyce Sweeney is the author of fourteen novels for young adults. Many of her books appear on the American Library Association’s Best Books List and Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. Based in Coral Springs, Florida, Joyce offers manuscript critiques and mentoring services to writers all across the country. Visit Joyce’s web site for more information about her services.

Let us know about your experiences!