Allison Wortche

Allison Wortche – Editor

20 yrs experience editing award-winning and bestselling picture books, MG, and YA. Former Senior Editor at Random House Children’s Books.

Overview

I am an independent editor with over twenty years of experience in the children’s publishing industry. I offer editorial and creative guidance to authors of picture books through young adult novels, from broad story development to detailed line edits. I love working with both emerging and established writers to help shape, strengthen, and polish manuscripts.


As a senior editor at Knopf Books for Young Readers/Random House Children’s Books, I acquired and edited picture books, middle-grade, and young adult novels. The titles on my list garnered over 50 starred reviews and included New York Times bestsellers, Caldecott and Newbery Honor Books, Edgar Award winners, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, ALA Notables, and YALSA BFYAs.


I’m also the author of several published children’s books, so I know what it feels like to be on the writer’s side of the process, too!


My services include manuscript critiques, developmental editing, line editing, and query letter feedback. I can also give you a sense of where your project might fit into the current market by suggesting competitive/comparative books to take a look at.


Please be in touch! I look forward to meeting you and reading your manuscript.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Coming of Age Historical Fiction Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Social & Family Issues Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2017 — Present
I provide manuscript critiques, developmental editing, line editing, and creative guidance to authors of picture books through young adult novels.

Knopf Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House

Sep, 2004 — Mar, 2017 (over 12 years)
I acquired and edited board books, picture books, middle-grade, and young adult novels.

Allison has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Deborah M.

Deborah M.

Jan, 2025

Pinned
Allison's editorial letter far exceeded my expectations, and was right on time, as promised. She clearly had read my manuscript thoroughly, and her suggestions were knowledgeable, thoughtful, creative, and helpful. She offered positive feedback about what worked and included multiple options fo...
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Lucy C.

Lucy C.

May, 2024

Pinned
Allison was a pleasure to work with and very responsive. She provided enormously helpful revisions for a very reasonable price. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with her.
Stephanie H.

Stephanie H.

Mar, 2024

Pinned
Alison was a pleasure to work with. She provided expert advice based on her experience and knowledge of the industry. I would definitely hire her again as her recommendations were spot on.

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