Amy Betz

Amy Betz – Editor

Kids' book pro for twenty years, formerly with Scholastic, Disney. Honest, constructive feedback and a collaborative atmosphere.

Overview

As a Senior Editor at Scholastic and Disney, I worked with many award-winning and best-selling authors and illustrators. Whether you are looking for editorial feedback on a manuscript or need help to further develop an idea, collaborating with authors is my passion. Once we have completed our work together, you will have a manuscript that is ready for the next step in the publishing process.


I have worked on both stand-alone books and series, from the fact-based Magic School Bus and Dear America lines at Scholastic to the best-selling High School Musical and Hannah Montana tie-ins at Disney. I have been lucky enough to personally edit such luminaries as Joanna Cole, Edwidge Danticat, Walter Dean Myers, Mary Pope Osborne, and Cynthia Rylant.


I've received the Golden Kite Editor Award, was a mentor at the Northern New England SCBWI Writers' Retreat, and have spoken at numerous children's literature conferences.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Golden Kite Editor Award
Certifications
  • New York University Summer Publishing Institute

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2008 — Present

• I have edited and consulted on hundreds of children’s book and digital projects, ranging from picture books to middle-grade novels, ebooks, blog posts and apps.
• Little Zebra Books, Editorial Project Manager: This non-profit publisher serves rural communities in Africa through the distribution of African-language books.
• Blue Dream Studios, Editor: Developmental editor for graphic novels; reviewed page layouts and provided editorial comments.

Disney Press

Sep, 2005 — Apr, 2007 (over 1 year)

• Managed, acquired, and edited all Disney Channel-based publishing; liasoned with Disney Channel Brand Management team to ensure brand consistency.
• Acquired retellings of Walt Disney’s Cinderella by Newbery Medal-winning author Cynthia Rylant and Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland by best-selling author Jon Scieszka.
• Edited approximately twenty-five books per year, including picture books and novels; wrote cover copy, catalog copy, and marketing fact sheets for each title.
• Conceived and edited High School Musical: Stories from East High, a best-selling series of original novels; edited the New York Times bestseller High School Musical: The Junior Novel.

Orchard Books/Scholastic

Apr, 2001 — Aug, 2004 (over 3 years)

• Acquired and edited picture books, novels, and nonfiction; wrote cover copy, catalog copy and marketing fact sheets for each title.
• Tapped by Scholastic’s publisher to manage integration of the Orchard Books list when acquired by Scholastic; forged relationships with authors and illustrators on the Orchard list.
• Managed an Associate Editor, who edited foreign purchases and original titles.
• Oversaw committee that evaluated 800+ Orchard backlist titles to determine reprint viability.
• Negotiated contracts, including advances, royalties, and subsidiary rights, with authors and agents.

Scholastic

Jul, 1995 — Apr, 2001 (almost 6 years)

• Managed Dear America and launched two series under the Dear America umbrella; edited the majority of the books in the three lines and worked closely with marketing and Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs to promote the series.
• Edited several books in the science-based series The Magic School Bus and launched Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures, a social studies-based offshoot of the series.
• Wrote cover copy, catalog copy, and marketing fact sheets for each title.
• Managed an Associate Editor

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

May, 1994 — Jul, 1995 (about 1 year)

Bradbury Press, an imprint of Macmillan

Sep, 1993 — May, 1994 (8 months)

Portfolio

If you thought that the only thing Ms. Frizzle taught was science, you were wrong! In the first book in the Ms. Frizzle¹s Adventures line, she goes on vacation, takes control of a tour group, and takes readers back to ancient Egypt. With Ms. Frizzle as their g... read more
Provides an amusing look at a lively family gathering as they yelp and bicker about the various facts of the stories they tell, that is until Grandma pulls out a home movie and settles the dispute over what landed on Cousin Ernie's head once and for all.
First-time author/illustrator Lorena Eliasen brings to life the story of how a chameleon won his colors in this dazzling pop-up book.Lorena Eliasen's fable about how the chameleon earned his many colors is a stunning first book, filled with vibrant, detailed a... read more
Langston's Train Ride

Robert Burleigh

Robert Burleigh's inspiring text captures the magical moment when Langston Hughes came to believe in himself as a writer, as he first wrote "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."Clackety clack clack clack...Can you hear the rhythm of the train? Langston Hughes did. Tra... read more
Jeff Brumbeau's prequel to the best-selling THE QUILTMAKER'S GIFT, illustrated with Gail de Marcken's rich, sumptuously detailed paintings, will be embraced by new and old fans of the Quiltmaker.Escaping from the protective walls of wealth and privilege, a you... read more
During the Nazi persecution of the Jews in Austria, twelve-year-old Julie escapes to America to live with her relatives in New York City.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!Small enough to squeeze through power lines, Ms. Frizzle's cla... read more
The sequel to Alison Pollet's brilliant debut, NOBODY WAS HERE, follows quick-witted Cass Levin, through the rugged terrain of 8th grade at New York City's Elston Prep.Why are there so many books about orphans? That's what Cass Levin wants to know. Why, just a... read more
Mush, A Dog From Space

Daniel Pinkwater

Lassie, Go Home -- Mush Is Here! Now that Kelly Mangiaro's family has moved out of their apartment into a house, she figures her parents will finally let her get a dog. Instead, her mother gets a job, and Kelly gets a baby-sitter. Then Kelly comes upon Mush, a... read more
In a semi-autobiographical debut novel that is at turns poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, John Son conveys the uniqueness and universality of a Korean-American childhood.Jin-Han Park's story opens with his first memory: losing his hat to a sudden gust of wind... read more
Stuart Goes To School

Sara Pennypacker

This hilarious sequel to STUART'S CAPE is a witty look at an eight-year-old worrier's first day of third grade. Now in paperback!The first day of school is here, and Stuart is worried. What if he gets stuck in the boys' bathroom? What if he doesn't have anythi... read more
Stuart's Cape (pb)

Sara Pennypacker

A quirky, inventive chapter book featuring an unusual hero--an 8-year-old worrier. Now in paperback!Stuart's got problems. It's raining. He's bored. And worst of all, he's new in town, so he's got a lot to worry about. What does a kid like Stuart need in order... read more
Walter Dean Myers presents a thrilling record of Antarctica and the expedition parties that uncovered the frozen continent.Walter Dean Myers brings the dramatic race to the South Pole to lie in ANTARCTICA, tracking the explorers of the South Pole and the dange... read more
From extraordinarily talented and successful textile designer Kim Parker comes a gorgeous gift book brimming with insects, animals, and flowers.In "Counting in the Garden," readers count from 1 to 10, searching among the colorful flowers for various creatures ... read more
Get Busy Beaver

Carolyn Crimi

GET BUSY, BEAVER! is the adorable story of Thelonious Beaver, who doesn't fit in. But as he continues to do the things he loves, the other beavers realize how wonderfully special Thelonious is.Thelonious isn't like the other beavers. He's a little different.Wh... read more
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!On a most sense-sational trip that takes them through an eye, ... read more
In this paperback debut, Alison Pollet brings us the story of an observant uptown girl named Penelope, whose posh upbringing can't protect her from changes at home and at school.It's 1981, and nothing is going right in Penelope's life. She has just started sev... read more
A new novel from the award-winning author of AN ISLAND LIKE YOU, winner of the Pura Belpre Award.Maria is a girl caught between two worlds: Puerto Rico, where she was born, and New York, where she now lives in a basement apartment in the barrio. While her moth... read more
A charming story about finding the courage to tell someone special how you feel about them.Poor Pierre wishes he could tell Catherine how he feels about her, but Catherine is a graceful ballet teacher, and Pierre is merely a poor fisherman.By making a few sill... read more
In a stunning nonfiction debut, award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson focuses on five immigrants' stories to reveal the triumphs and hardships of early 1900s immigrant life in New York.Acclaimed author Hopkinson recounts the lives of five immigrants to New Yo... read more
"This is a story about darkness and light, about sorrow and joy, about something lost and something found. This is a story about love." Cinderella's story has been told over and over, but never has it been touched by the kind of magic created by the contributo... read more
First Person Fiction is dedicated to the immigrant experience in modern America. In "Behind the Mountains" Edwidge Danticat tells the story of Celiane and her family's struggles in Haiti and New York.It is election time in Haiti, and bombs are going off in the... read more

Amy has 162 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Darcy G.

Darcy G.

Dec, 2024

Amy was fantastic to work with. She had a keen eye for issues in my manuscript that I had been too stubborn to change, offering gentle yet insightful feedback and actionable recommendations that elevated my work. Her expertise and approach were invaluable, and I highly recommend her!
Judy N.

Judy N.

Nov, 2024

Another great collaboration! Will definitely use again!!
Morna G.

Morna G.

Nov, 2024

I would not hesitate to use Amy Betz for ANY editing task. Timely response and subtle, concise and very constructive suggestions for writing.
Lauren H.

Lauren H.

Nov, 2024

Amy gave incredibly helpful feedback on my query letter. I would definitely recommend working with her!
Daniel K.

Daniel K.

Nov, 2024

Very helpful@

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