Amber Ross

Amber Ross – Editor

Children's fiction and nonfiction editor. With 14+ years' exp. developing book ideas for publishers, I can help get your book ready to sell.

Overview

I can turn your idea into a marketable book. Throughout my career, I have concepted thousands of award-winning, well-reviewed books . . . as well as some that weren't well received or strong selling. In terms of being an editor, these losses are your gain. I have learned as much—if not more—from my failures than my successes.

I have a wide-ranging publishing background, and have worked on a variety of books for different publishers, audiences, and markets. I've developed nonfiction and reference trade books, board books, picture books, early chapter books, middle grade, and YA.

Right now, I'm best poised to help chapter book, middle grade, and children's nonfiction authors get their books ready to publish.

Testimonials:
"I've written a lot of books over the last decade and worked with a whole slew of editors, but can say without hesitation that one of my favorite editors of ALL TIME is Amber R. We worked together on the Haunted States of America series and I haven't met anyone with a more keen eye for detail. I tend to get a little carried away with my ideas, and Amber was pivotal in helping me get the train back on the tracks in terms of voice, structure, and making sure the tales made sense. I always got the sense that she cared about the books and had a vested interest in making them shine. Her comments and suggestions were spot on and she was gracious enough to tell me which parts creeped her out and which ones could use a kick in the pants. Editors are busy people, but despite that she was always friendly, responsive and easy to work with. Long story short? Amber is a fantastic editorial partner-in-crime and I'm hopeful we can make literary magic together again soon!" - Thomas Kingsley Troupe, Haunted States of America series

"Amber is an excellent editor and creative development director. Her clear communication and consistency helped create great stories. I loved her ability to recognize missing pieces and work with the author to find solutions. Her uncanny ability to find inconsistencies and errors made the final version of my story professional and ready for publication. She is thorough, competent, and professional. She has vision for and an understanding of the publishing industry. My opportunity to work with Amber improved my writing, my story, and my process. I would recommend her for anyone looking to improve their creative works and get their stories ready for the publishing world." -Tracy Daley, author of If the Fires Comes, which received a starred review in Kirkus

"It has been a pleasure to work with Amber on numerous book projects. Her sharp eye and editorial instincts have been so helpful—her feedback is thorough, yet still encouraging and positive. I would highly recommend working with her if you want your writing to be the best it can be." - Whitney Sanderson, Unicorns of the Secret Stable and Second Chance Ranch series
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2020 — Present

I utilize my 14+ years' experience in the publishing industry to provide freelance writing and editing services.

Lerner Publishing Group

Jun, 2021 — Present

I help plan the publishing list for Lerner Publications, as well as product manage the partnered and packaged product.

Red Line Editorial / North Star Editions

Dec, 2014 — Apr, 2020 (over 5 years)

I was a key player that helped launch North Star Edition's middle grade series fiction and early chapter books in the Jolly Fish Press imprint. For all the series on this list, I concepted the idea, secured authors, and edited the books. Their most-lauded series to date is I Am America, and two of the first four books received a starred review in Kirkus. On the Red Line side, I worked with educational publishers to develop their title lists. This included generating nonfiction book ideas and specs to meet each publisher’s goals and needs.

Capstone

Sep, 2008 — Dec, 2014 (about 6 years)

I concepted hundreds of nonfiction books every year, including their Captured History series, which remains one of Capstone’s most well-awarded series to date.

Pearson

Oct, 2006 — Sep, 2008 (almost 2 years)

I managed all stages of the textbook development, from photo selection to fact checking (and everything in between).

PDI Ninth House

Mar, 2003 — Sep, 2006 (over 3 years)

Before breaking into publishing, I was an editor in a corporate environment.

Amber has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Aleksandra M.

Aleksandra M.

Jun, 2021

Amber was a pleasure to work with and I'm so glad she is part of something extremely important to me. I could not recommend her enough! Thank you Amber for all your valuable input and for guiding me through this journey!
Shelly K.

Shelly K.

May, 2021

A good experience so far. I hope to continue my relationship with her.
Terry R.

Terry R.

May, 2021

I liked Amber's professionalism, her rapid response to questions, and her timeliness in providing review and advice.
Dave Q.

Dave Q.

May, 2021

Amber was very knowledgeable and gave me great direction on how to improve my story. She was upbeat, and answered my questions. I look forward to collaborating with her again.
Lauri S.

Lauri S.

May, 2021

Working with Amber was a fantastic experience. I hesitate to call myself a writer because I only had an idea that I want to put on paper. When I first signed up with Reedsy I did not even know what type of help I was looking for. Amber reached out and guided me step by step. My project evolved, changed, started over and went in multiple directions. She stayed with me through it all. She showed...
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