Abby Ranger - Editor
Dedicated editor of children's books specializing in middle grade and YA fiction. Worked at HarperCollins, Disney-Hyperion, and Scholastic.
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Overview
My career has grown from my love of children's and YA fiction. Before setting up my own shop here in Portland, OR as an independent developmental editor, I spent twelve years at the center of the children's book publishing industry in New York. I held posts as a senior editor at HarperCollins, and as an editor at Disney-Hyperion and Scholastic.
The shelves of books I’ve edited are mostly middle grade and young adult novels—from lush fantasies and intricately plotted mysteries to goofy classroom comedies—as well as picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels. I love children's books that don't underestimate their audience's intelligence, and that allow all kinds of young readers to feel seen. My authors’ books have been New York Times bestsellers, Edgar Award nominees, New York Times Notable books, and Junior Library Guild selections, and have earned multiple starred reviews. Nothing is more satisfying to me than helping writers radically improve their work while staying true to their voice and vision.
In addition to editing, I'm an adjunct professor in the book publishing program at Portland State University, where I teach graduate-level courses in developmental editing and YA publishing. To me, teaching and editing go hand-in-hand. I always hope that writers who work with me gain insight and tools that strengthen both their craft and their confidence.
TESTIMONIALS
"Abby is amazing. Her editorial notes are challenging and insightful, displaying a masterful command of character, plot, world-building, and everything in between. Every time I work with her, I learn things that improve not only the manuscript in question but future projects as well."
-Livia Blackburne, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight Thief
"Abby Ranger is simply one of the best editors in the business. Her creative insight, attention to detail, and unwavering support throughout the process is what every writer dreams of in an editor, and I am forever grateful for having worked with her."
-Gregory Funaro, New York Times bestselling author of Alistair Grim’s Odditorium
"I have worked with Abby at two different publishers, on two different series. In fact, it was the opportunity to work with her that drew me from one publisher to another. Abby knows how to sound those chords that are in your heart already. There are very few suggestions she makes that don’t resonate. She will be your partner in making your work the best it can be."
-Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms and the Shattered Realms series
“I've had the great good fortune of working with Abby Ranger on three books over a period of several years. Besides her intelligence, experience, and levelheadedness, what I most appreciate is her sensitivity. She took the time to listen and to learn how to help me make the best choices for each book. Lucky the writers who get to work with her.”
-Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winning author of A Single Shard
The shelves of books I’ve edited are mostly middle grade and young adult novels—from lush fantasies and intricately plotted mysteries to goofy classroom comedies—as well as picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels. I love children's books that don't underestimate their audience's intelligence, and that allow all kinds of young readers to feel seen. My authors’ books have been New York Times bestsellers, Edgar Award nominees, New York Times Notable books, and Junior Library Guild selections, and have earned multiple starred reviews. Nothing is more satisfying to me than helping writers radically improve their work while staying true to their voice and vision.
In addition to editing, I'm an adjunct professor in the book publishing program at Portland State University, where I teach graduate-level courses in developmental editing and YA publishing. To me, teaching and editing go hand-in-hand. I always hope that writers who work with me gain insight and tools that strengthen both their craft and their confidence.
TESTIMONIALS
"Abby is amazing. Her editorial notes are challenging and insightful, displaying a masterful command of character, plot, world-building, and everything in between. Every time I work with her, I learn things that improve not only the manuscript in question but future projects as well."
-Livia Blackburne, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight Thief
"Abby Ranger is simply one of the best editors in the business. Her creative insight, attention to detail, and unwavering support throughout the process is what every writer dreams of in an editor, and I am forever grateful for having worked with her."
-Gregory Funaro, New York Times bestselling author of Alistair Grim’s Odditorium
"I have worked with Abby at two different publishers, on two different series. In fact, it was the opportunity to work with her that drew me from one publisher to another. Abby knows how to sound those chords that are in your heart already. There are very few suggestions she makes that don’t resonate. She will be your partner in making your work the best it can be."
-Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms and the Shattered Realms series
“I've had the great good fortune of working with Abby Ranger on three books over a period of several years. Besides her intelligence, experience, and levelheadedness, what I most appreciate is her sensitivity. She took the time to listen and to learn how to help me make the best choices for each book. Lucky the writers who get to work with her.”
-Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winning author of A Single Shard
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Picture Books
Young Adult Fantasy
Work experience
Founder and Editor
Self-employed
June, 2017
–
Present
(almost 5 years)
I work with authors, literary agents, and children's book publishers on a freelance basis to make stories stronger. My services include manuscript evaluations, detailed editorial letters, constructive margin comments, query letter reviews, and editorial consultation tailored to clients' individual needs.
Senior Editor
HarperCollins
October, 2012
–
June, 2017
(over 4 years)
- Acquired, developed, and edited a balanced list of literary-commercial picture books and middle grade and young adult novels for HarperCollins Children's division.
- Select projects include Newbery Medal winner Linda Sue Park's acclaimed Wing and Claw series, Cinda Williams Chima's New York Times bestsellers FLAMECASTER and SHADOWCASTER, and Tom O'Donnell and Tim Miller's hilarious Hamstersaurus Rex series.
Editor
Disney-Hyperion
January, 2009
–
October, 2012
(over 3 years)
- Acquired, developed, and edited a balanced list of literary-commercial children's books and young adult novels for the Disney-Hyperion imprint.
- Select projects include Cinda Williams Chima's New York Times bestsellers THE GRAY WOLF THRONE and THE CRIMSON CROWN, Victoria Schwab's celebrated debut THE NEAR WITCH, and Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner's New York Times bestseller THESE BROKEN STARS.
Associate Editor
Scholastic
February, 2005
–
December, 2008
(almost 4 years)
- Provided editorial support to multiple senior and executive editors.
- Acquired and edited titles for the Scholastic Press imprint.
- Select projects include editing Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, a New York Times bestseller, and assisting on Brian Selznick's THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, winner of a Caldecott Medal.
Portfolio (16 selected works)
Flamecaster (Shattered Realms)
Cinda Williams Chima
A New York Times bestseller now in paperback, this dazzling beginning to the Shattered Realms series is indispensable for fans of Cinda Williams Chima and a perfect starting point for readers who are new to her work. Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series, this is a breathtaking story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line be... read more
Shadowcaster (Shattered Realms)
Cinda Williams Chima
From New York Times bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima, this is a thrilling story of the unfathomable costs of war, the allure of dark magic, and two principled and conflicted characters drawn together despite everything they stand to lose.Alyssa ana’Raisa, the reluctant princess heir to the Gray Wolf throne of the Fells, feels more comfortable striking with a sword than maneuvering at co... read more
Wing & Claw #1: Forest of Wonders
Linda Sue Park
From Newbery Medal-winning author Linda Sue Park, this is a captivating fantasy-adventure about a boy, a bat, and an amazing transformation. The first book in an enchanting trilogy, Forest of Wonders richly explores the links between magic and botany, family and duty, environment and home.Raffa Santana has always loved the mysterious Forest of Wonders. For a gifted young apothecary like him, e... read more
Wing & Claw #2: Cavern of Secrets
Linda Sue Park
In the second installment of the spellbinding Wing & Claw series, Newbery Medal—winning author Linda Sue Park takes a young apothecary hero to new heights of danger, exciting adventure, and intriguing botanical magic.Raffa Santana has spent all winter hiding in the harsh wilderness of the Sudden Mountains, and now it’s time to return home. Home, where his parents will help him fight back again... read more
Hamstersaurus Rex
Tom O'Donnell
BEWARE: Rampaging Mutant Dino-Hamster! Fans of My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish and The Terrible Two will be scrambling to get their hands on this hilarious classroom comedy. When a mysterious growling hamster appears at the back of his class, Sam knows just what to call him: Hamstersaurus Rex. Sam tries to protect Hammie from an overzealous Hamster Monitor, and from the meanest bully in the history... read more
Hamstersaurus Rex vs. Squirrel Kong
Tom O'Donnell
SQUIRREL ATTACK! Sam Gibbs and his super-strong tiny buddy, Hamstersaurus Rex, are back in this hilarious classroom comedy, perfect for fans of Dog Man and Stick Dog—and for anybody who might be entertained by a mutant rodent showdown.Sam and Hammie Rex discover a terrifying giant squirrel hiding in the woods behind Horace Hotwater Middle School. But nobody else believes Squirrel Kong is real.... read more
These Broken Stars
Amie Kaufman, Meagan Spooner
It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more ... read more
The Summer of Bad Ideas
Kiera Stewart
In this funny, big-hearted friendship story, perfect for fans of Wendy Mass and Linda Urban, twelve-year-old Edie and her impossibly cool cousin, Rae, set out to complete a mysterious list of “Good Ideas for Summertime” that their eccentric late grandmother wrote back when she was their age.But good ideas? Most of them seem like bad ideas. Reckless. Foolish. Ridiculous. Still, by accomplishing... read more
Chicken in School
Adam Lehrhaupt
Join Zoey the chicken for a tour of her unusual classroom in this celebration of creativity, friendship, and tasty snacks. When Zoey decides to turn the barn into a school and become a teacher, everyone in the barnyard learns that the best part of school is using your imagination. From the hilarious author-illustrator duo that brought you Chicken in Space, this story about playful approaches t... read more
One Special Day (A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters)
Lola M. Schaefer, Jessica Meserve
Does having a new brother or sister make you into MORE than you already are?Spencer is about to find out.He's as strong as a bear, as funny as a monkey, and as wild as a tiger. But on one special day, everything changes. Now Spencer is strong, funny, wild, brave, free... and gentle, too.
Jepp, Who Defied the Stars
Katherine Marsh
Fate: Is it written in the stars from the moment we are born? Or is it a bendable thing that we can shape with our own hands? Jepp of Astraveld needs to know. He left his countryside home on the empty promise of a stranger, only to become a captive in a luxurious prison: Coudenberg Palace, the royal court of the Spanish Infanta. Nobody warned Jepp that as a court dwarf, daily injustices would ... read more
Shiver
Maggie Stiefvater
From a dazzlingly talented young writer, a haunting and original supernatural romance in the vein of TWILIGHT.For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearles... read more
The Archived
Victoria Schwab
Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown in... read more
The Wizenard Series: Training Camp
Wesley King
#1 New York Times BestsellerFrom the mind of basketball legend and Academy Award–winning storyteller Kobe Bryant comes this radically original portrait of five young basketball players, one enlightening coach, and the awesome transformative power of the game. Filled with insights about the mental stamina and emotional clarity that peak performance requires, this is an indispensable story for y... read more
Legacy and the Queen (Legacy and the Queen, 1)
Matthew, Annie, Bryant, Kobe
The Near Witch
Schwab, V. E.
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