Amy Sklansky - Editor
Children's book specialist with 30 years of experience and 75+ books published. Clients include HarperCollins, Scholastic, and Disney.
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
Are you looking for someone to take your children's book to the next level?
Do you want editorial feedback on your idea or manuscript?
Maybe you want to polish your story before you self-publish or submit to agents?
Are you writing in verse and want to make sure your words sing?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're reading the right page. I'd love to work with you!
CONFESSION: My favorite genre to edit is picture books and poetry for children. This is exclusively how I choose to spend my editing time. If you've written a novel or chapter book, I wish you well, but we're not a good editorial match. I'm a picture book specialist.
I excel at both developmental and big picture editing, as well as close-up line editing and proofreading. I have a knack for verse. I'm experienced and reliable, and I deliver on time.
My credentials:
More than 30 years of publishing experience both as an author and an editor
EDITING: I began my career as an editor at HarperCollins Children's Books, where I edited a variety of picture books through middle grade novels and where I oversaw series such as MathStart and Let's-Read-and-Find Out Science. I also worked for Studio Goodwin Sturges, a boutique agency representing children's book illustrators. I've edited dozens of published children's books ranging from board books to middle grade novels. I've coached hundreds of aspiring authors.
From 2013 - 2020, I worked as a Mentor in the Children's Literature Fellow program at Stony Brook University. This role allowed me to work with brand-new and developing picture book writers over the course of a semester. For me, helping writers learn and hone their craft is satisfying and inspiring work.
WRITING: I'm the author of 16 original children's books published by Scholastic, HarperCollins, Henry Holt, Clarion, Quarto, and Little, Brown. They include picture books (fiction and nonfiction), board books, beginning readers, and poetry collections. Additionally, I have published more than 50 children's books as a ghostwriter or under my pen name, Amy Edgar, for companies such as Disney, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Quarto, Little Brown, and a handful of educational publishers.
Don't be shy! I'd be happy to consider your request or discuss your project. All questions are worth asking. I look forward to helping you take your work to the next level.
Do you want editorial feedback on your idea or manuscript?
Maybe you want to polish your story before you self-publish or submit to agents?
Are you writing in verse and want to make sure your words sing?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're reading the right page. I'd love to work with you!
CONFESSION: My favorite genre to edit is picture books and poetry for children. This is exclusively how I choose to spend my editing time. If you've written a novel or chapter book, I wish you well, but we're not a good editorial match. I'm a picture book specialist.
I excel at both developmental and big picture editing, as well as close-up line editing and proofreading. I have a knack for verse. I'm experienced and reliable, and I deliver on time.
My credentials:
More than 30 years of publishing experience both as an author and an editor
From 2013 - 2020, I worked as a Mentor in the Children's Literature Fellow program at Stony Brook University. This role allowed me to work with brand-new and developing picture book writers over the course of a semester. For me, helping writers learn and hone their craft is satisfying and inspiring work.
Don't be shy! I'd be happy to consider your request or discuss your project. All questions are worth asking. I look forward to helping you take your work to the next level.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Poetry
Certifications
- Radcliffe Publishing Course
Work experience
Author/Ghostwriter/Editor
Self-employed
September, 1997
–
Present
(over 25 years)
Worked for the following publishing clients as an author, ghostwriter, or freelance editor: Scholastic, HarperCollins, Clarion, Disney, Henry Holt, National Geographic, Quarto, and Little, Brown. (My pen name is Amy Edgar.) I've also edited picture books for self-published authors.
Mentor, Children's Literature Fellows Program
Stony Brook University
August, 2013
–
Present
(over 9 years)
Over the course of a semester, coach students in developing a picture book project in order to hone their writing skills.
Editor
Studio Goodwin Sturges
October, 1997
–
July, 2002
(over 4 years)
Worked as an editor at this boutique illustrators' agency. Helped develop projects and support and promote illustrators.
Editor
HarperCollins Children's Books
September, 1993
–
August, 1998
(almost 5 years)
Launched the MathStart (picture book) series and edited 30 titles. Edited many titles in the Lets-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Edited a variety of picture books, chapter books, and middle grade novels.
Portfolio (21 selected works)
Knock Knock, Trick or Treat!: A Spooky Halloween Lift-the-Flap Book
Sklansky, Amy E., Galletti, Chiara
Read and find out all about eggs -- and how baby chicks grow inside of them. Learn how chicks develop,how they get the food they need to grow, and how a mother hen helps keep them safe in this simple introduction to the life cycle of a baby chick.
Sweet Hearts
Amy E. Sklansky
Each day is a chance to open our hearts.Let love lead the way -- that's how it all starts!!Celebrate your little sweet heart in this imaginative rhyming novelty book with colorful tiered pages and a clever die-cut shape that looks just like a heart!Sweet Hearts is sure to delight curious readers of all ages with its irresistible Valentine's Day theme, rhyming text, and eye-catching illustratio... read more
You Are My Little Pumpkin Pie
Amy E. Sklansky
Your scent is so delightful, Like cinnamon and spice. Each time I kiss your tender cheekI have to kiss it twice.This oh-so-sweet tribute to adorable babies evokes the warmth and comfort of a delicious piece of yummy pumpkin pie. Amy Sklansky's delightful rhyming text makes this new board book the perfect read aloud to show little ones just how much they are loved.
Out of This World: Poems and Facts about Space
Amy Sklansky
Amy Sklansky and Stacey Schuett give young explorers the moon and stars and beyond! The mysteries of the universe and the science of space exploration are perennialy popular subjects, and Out of This World is a wonderful introduction. Amy Sklansky has written evocative poems about planets and stars and rockets and moon landings and satellites. Each poem is supported by additional facts and exp... read more
Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans: Poems for Halloween
Amy E. Sklansky
Jack o' lanternJack o' light.Jack o' darkness.Jack o' night.A spirited collection of Halloween poems guaranteed to tickle the funny boneThrillsome, shocking, bewitching-Halloween! It's the only night of the year where a being can truly be . . . itself! But Halloween's not just for goblins. Read along and see for yourself as bats, witches, daring adventurers, even ordinary kids (especially ordi... read more
In this Level 2 reader series, Molly loves animals! In this first book, she helps an adorable puppy who gets stuck outside in a storm. Then the puppy gives her a magic charm bracelet! Now Molly can hear animals talking! She soon finds out that the muddy puppy doesn't have a name or a home. Can Molly help her new friend? Is there a magical surprise for Molly in the end? *A real charm bracelet i... read more
The complete retelling of favorite Disney movies in a true read-aloud style.
The Little Mermaid II Super Chapter Book
Amy Edgar
Book by Amy Edgar
A Tab Book: seven spreads with characters on each tab so little hands can easily turn to their favorite rhyme or hummable.
LIFE: Our Century in Pictures for Young People
Richard B. Stolley
Drawing on more than 350 photos from LIFE Magazine, a look back at the last century captures the most important events of this time and includes essays from nine notable children's authors. 250,000 first printing.
Featuring such special guests as a hot-air balloonist and an expert sand-castle builder, a wonderful activity book from the popular TV program shows kids how to make a pine-cone bird feeder, pack a picnic, create a post heap, and much more. Original. 35,000 first printing.
Perfect for tour planning and on-the-ground use, this guide will prove indispensable on any expedition to explore Civil War history in America. Packed with color photographs, more than 600 historic battlefield and additional Civil War related sites, walking tours, 50 detailed maps, and the collective expertise of Civil War historians and dozens of park service experts, this handy, practical gu... read more
Just Enough Carrots (MathStart 1)
Stuart J. Murphy
Elephants, rabbits, and birds shop in this funny grocery store. Can you guess what the little rabbit wants more of? Munchy, crunchy carrots, of course! And fewer of? Squirmy worms and chewy peanuts (yuck!). So why is his mother buying all those cans of worms?
A Nest Full of Eggs (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)
Priscilla Belz Jenkins
Named a Best Children's Science Book of the Year by Science Books & Films, this classic picture book follows a full year of growth and change for robins: how the birds develop inside their eggs during the spring; how they mature into fledglings in the summer; how they learn to fly in the fall; and how they leave for warmer climates in winter—only to return when spring comes around again.Now re... read more
The Lonely Cloud: The Amazing Adventures series
Alan Matkovic
Twins Alexander and Sophia, along with the edition of their little brother, play at the park like any other day. Unexpectedly, a fluffy friend joins them for a day of fun and mirth. This story explores the value of friendship, trying one’s best at new activities and the treasure in remembering a wonderful day. The Lonely Cloud is recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.
My Vote Counts
Parker, Candace, Crawford, Baily
Once Upon A Pizza: Eight crazy ways pizza wasn't really invented, and one it might have been.
Goldberg, Gene, Stone, Stephen
Supreemie: Kylo's Journey through the NICU
Nico Shanel
This book takes readers on a journey with a premature baby named Kylo. Born weighing just 1 pound 3 ounces, Kylo may be small but that doesn’t stop him from being super! He’ll have to stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), which is way different from mommy’s belly until he’s big and strong enough to go home. But adventure and growth await him during his hospital stay. This story foll... read more
How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters
Froh, Charly, Svobodová, Zuzana
Pebbles and the Biggest Number
Joey Benun, Brooke Vitale, Laura Watson
Amy has 64 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Simply the best!
Charlotte Frohwitter, December 2021
Amy was wonderful to work with, and very patient as I reworked and revised. Her communication was clear and her suggestions were good. I'd definitely work with her again and would recommend her for picture book developmental, copy editing and proofing.
Donna Boock, November 2021
Amy was more than delightful to work with. Her professionalism, brilliance, attention to detail, going the extra mile, thoughtfulness, and creativity were just a few of the many things about her that made me adore her. I will, without a doubt, be back to seek her services. Amy is a true gem, and I give her my highest recommendation, without any reservation.
Lioness Spirit Animal, June 2021
Many thanks Amy!
Salam Atoui, May 2021
Amy's developmental editing is thorough, detailed, specific and very helpful. I have now reached out to her twice to get her professional feedback. She is kind, punctual, and is very knowledgeable in her field. Highly recommend!
Jessica Azenberg, May 2021
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Alicia Kort
I'm an editor and writer based in NYC. I've edited a variety of genres and material for Disney, DreamWorks, Newsweek and other clients.
New York, NY, USA
Yen-Yen Lu
I am a freelance editor who has worked with independent publishers across poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and children's books.
London, UK
