Anna Orchard

Anna Orchard – Editor

An experienced editor and researcher who can ready your manuscript for submission and provide in-depth research on a variety of subjects.

Overview

***Currently unavailable to take on new projects. Please contact me on anna at anagrameditorial dot com with questions***

I am a freelance editor and researcher with a decade of professional experience in publishing, editing, and research. On the editorial side, I specialize in young adult and adult fiction, memoir, and nonfiction under 100,000 words. On the research side, I have worked on everything from the history of pizza in New York City to genocide coverage in African-American periodicals.

After working in publishing, at bookstores, and with authors around the country, I founded Anagram Editorial, an editorial and research service for a variety of manuscript and content-strategy needs. At Scholastic, I acquired and edited middle grade, young adult, nonfiction, and fiction novels. I have consulted for authors such as Patricia McCormick and Paul Griffin, spoken on panels for aspiring writers at The New School and Stony Brook, and recently served as US Event Planner and Brand Consultant for the Roald​ ​ Dahl Estate. Collaborating with Penguin, the Estate, and creative ​ ​businesses across the country, I produced high-quality, brand-orientated events ​ ​with an eye toward long-term strategy for the late author’s estate.

Editing services include proposal evaluation, developmental and line editing, and extensive editorial notes. Research services include exploring topics for fiction and non-fiction projects as well as researching the agencies and houses best suited for your submission. Anagram Editorial also offers a personalized book recommendation service.

There’s little I enjoy more than working with imaginative and passionate writers to figure out tricky plot points, the perfect voice, and intriguing character development. Whether crafting marketing and brand strategies, researching unusual topics, or sculpting a manuscript into a tight piece of literature, I enable creativity, push for the highest quality, and bring your idea to life. I hold certificates in editing from New York University and a BA with highest honors in English Literature from Lehigh University.
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Anthologies Fantasy Humor & Comedy Literary Fiction Middle Grade Short Story Themes & Motifs Women's Fiction Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Education & Reference Travel
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Book Manuscript Editing and Fundamentals of Copyediting and Proofreading, NYU Center for Publishing
  • B.A. in English with highest honors and summa cum laude (minors in History, Africana Studies, and Classics), Lehigh University

Work experience

Roald Dahl Literary Estate

Jan, 2016 — Oct, 2016 (9 months)

I acted as sole event planner and brand consultant for the Roald Dahl Literary Estate's U.S. operations, during which I designed and executed—in honor of Roald Dahl's centenary— three unique campaigns that joined together over twenty top-tier business partners across the country. I far exceeded the partnership, financial, and audience targets for the centenary celebrations; in just one month, one campaign reached over 3,700 attendees nationwide (not including the online interactions) while another raised over $6,000 for charity. Thanks in part to these campaigns, 2016 saw the largest PR impact the Roald Dahl brand had ever witnessed in the U.S.

Anagram Editorial

Jul, 2015 — Present

Founder of an editorial and research service for established authors, first-time writers, and self-publishing individuals. I am available for freelance work in-office or from home for both short- and long-term projects. Please see the Anagram Editorial website for more information.

Robin Hood Foundation

Sep, 2013 — Jul, 2015 (almost 2 years)

Supported the Development team in orchestrating the most successful fundraiser in U.S. history, raising $101 million in one night to fight poverty in New York City.

Researched and wrote detailed profiles of current and prospective high net worth donors and numerous foundations.

Initiated formal system of editing and copyediting external correspondence company-wide, boosting quality of correspondence.

Managed multiple prospecting events, including developing program content, identifying target invitees, coordinating with external partners, and cultivating guests post-event.

Scholastic

Mar, 2011 — Apr, 2013 (about 2 years)

Edited fiction and nonfiction books for ages 5-18. Conceived of and edited original non-fiction titles focused on female-political and nonviolent activists.

Acquired an established YA author to write a book on an idea I developed (Adrift, published July 2015). Reached out to authors to develop proposals for special projects.

Wrote constructive, articulate editorial and rejection letters to agents and authors in response to hundreds of submissions.

Researched educational markets and analyzed sales information for multiple titles.

Selected as a paid guest speaker for a New School panel.

Patricia McCormick (author)

Jun, 2010 — Sep, 2013 (over 3 years)

Wrote and edited material for award-winning author’s website and social media platforms.

Created website that received 80,000+ unique views in one year during which time her latest book was New York Times Notable Book of 2012 and nominated for a National Book Award.

Scholastic

Jun, 2006 — Aug, 2008 (about 2 years)

Assisted with book editing and proofreading, from the acquisition to publication process.

Read solicited and unsolicited manuscripts for children and young adult audiences.

Wrote detailed reports on manuscripts for executive decision-making.

Composed feedback letters to authors regarding suggestions for improvement.

Recommended entries of short stories, poetry, and personal essays for the PUSH anthology.

Rodgers Book Barn

Jun, 2004 — Aug, 2014 (about 10 years)

Created and curated the YA section, an increasingly popular section with Barn customers.

Bought and priced used books at large and small book sale events.

Ran business in owner’s absence: served customers, recorded sales, priced and shelved books.

Portfolio

Mysteries, mazes, and magic combine in this smart, funny summer-camp fantasy -- like THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY for kids!Dahlia Shulman loves magic, and Math Club, and Guitar Hero. She isn't so fond of nature walks, and Hebrew campfire songs, an... read more
Monsters + Humor + Fun = THE NOTEBOOK OF DOOM!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every ... read more
A new early chapter book series where adventure is always just around the corner.This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches. Aimed at 5-to-7-year-olds, this line of books is for children who are just starting to read independently. W... read more
Profiles #6: Peace Warriors

Andrea Davis Pinkney

Meet six heroic social activists.The next book in our six-in-one, full-color bio series will focus on Peace Warriors. Featuring men and women who have worked passionately to pioneer peaceful solutions to violent conflicts throughout history. Our peace warriors... read more
There are six bios in one in this full-color series!Profiles is so much more than just your typical biography series. The next book in this six-in-one, full-color bio series will focus on Civil Champions--some of the incredible women who worked tirelessly to e... read more
Adrift

Paul Griffin

From critically acclaimed writer Paul Griffin comes a fast-paced young adult novel about five very different teens lost at sea with no one to count on but each other.Matt and John are best friends working out in Montauk for the summer. When Driana, JoJo and St... read more

Anna has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Chantel L.

Chantel L.

May, 2017

Anna is a true professional with reasonable rates for truly expert services. She has such a strong and impressive background, so, I was nervous initially when she accepted my work for an editorial assessment. She quickly put me at ease however, and, her assessment was quite comprehensive and extremely helpful. I am now going to begin taking her advice on different areas she suggested needed so...
Read more
Rachel W.

Rachel W.

Dec, 2016

Anna provided exactly the kind of developmental editing I needed to finish my first novel. Her suggestions and detailed criticisms pushed me through this uncertain stage of my writing. Her experience and feedback were well worth the cost of the service. I highly recommend Anna Orchard.

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