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 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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.

Professionals similar to Allison

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Thea Newell

Thea N.

Big 5 publishing house editor specializing in fiction, mystery/thriller, cookbooks, self help, design and lifestyle.

Austin, TX, USA

85% reply rate

View profile
Linda Seed

Linda S.

I am a copy editor with years of traditional publishing experience. I specialize in romance, women's fiction, and cozy mysteries.

Cambria, California, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Katie Wall

Katie W.

Book coach/developmental editor passionate about partnering with authors to shape compelling, character-driven stories. Honest yet kind.

Vancouver, WA, USA

90% reply rate

View profile