Avery Naughton

Avery Naughton – Editor

Experienced National Geographic and Smithsonian book editor specializing in editing, storytelling, and brainstorming.

Overview

Hello! My name is Avery and I cannot wait to work with you on your manuscripts and other writing projects. As a former book editor at National Geographic and current book editor at The Smithsonian, I understand the publishing world well.

I am happy to edit a variety of writing projects, including full-length manuscripts. I have the most experience working on non-fiction children's.

When collaborating with me on your writing projects, you can expect clarity, timeliness, honesty, and professionalism. I only take on projects I have the capacity for, and because of that, I can promise to do your project justice and give it the time and attention it deserves. I believe that the best editors are the best listeners and communicators, and I am quick to respond to any queries. I always complete projects on time and bring an upbeat approach to every interaction. I understand that each author's approach is unique, and I do my best to meet you where you are in your process. Let’s make something you’re exceptionally proud of together.

When reviewing your project, I take ample time to provide detailed and clear feedback that adheres to industry standards and offer explanations for my suggestions. I conduct an in-depth edit with red-font changes and additions, providing you in the end with one “clean” copy removed of marks, and one with the changes. I always check for grammar, punctuation, flow, tense, and tone. As part of every project, I include a separate Word Document of trends I noticed and edited, and larger suggestions I have to make the manuscript shine.

I hope to get the privilege of reading your work and collaborating with you in the future. Please feel free to reach out to me with any inquiries and questions.

Outside of work, I love—you guessed it—reading, traveling, and spending time with my rescue dog, Pickles.

Testimonials from Clients:

"Avery is incredible. Her notes were invaluable and her edits were spot on. I've already recommended her to two other writers less than a week after the job completed. Amazing work!!"

"Avery was absolutely brilliant. She was extremely thorough and detailed, and provided feedback that significantly improved the overall composition of my work. I’d hire her over and over again for copy edit or proofreading. She’s a must-hire. I’m so glad I found her!"

Overview of Skills I Offer:

- Proofreading

- Brainstorming

- Content development

-Developmental editing

- Line-by-line manuscript editing

- Project management

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Nature
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

The Smithsonian

Feb, 2023 — Present
As an editor with Smithsonian Enterprises, I create proposals and review book content with top publishing partners like DK and Penguin Random House.

Freelance

Jan, 2021 — Present
In addition to my full-time editing job at National Geographic, I work as a freelance editor part-time. In my freelance work, I have primarily focused on editing adult book manuscripts, proposal packages, query letters, and short stories. These projects have been in the genres of travel guides, self-help, thrillers, mysteries, and science fiction. Some of my favorite projects to work on are reviewing query letters and proposal packages so clients feel their most confident submitting to publishers.

National Geographic

Nov, 2019 — Jan, 2023 (about 3 years)
I worked as an Associate Editor in the National Geographic Kids Books division. I managed roughly fifteen projects at a time, including both fiction and non-fiction titles. I found and hired authors, pitched and developed original book concepts, reviewed proposals, proposed and managed budgets for projects, edited manuscripts, collaborated with our design and photo teams throughout the layout process, and wrote marketing materials for each book. I also took on additional special sales projects and international product approvals to help boost financials. In every project I approached, I brought a sharp eye for tone, reading level, research integrity, audience perception, and ability of content to align with the mission of the National Geographic brand. I took pride in completing projects ahead of schedule and well within the designated budget.

National Geographic

Jun, 2018 — Nov, 2019 (over 1 year)
In the National Geographic Kids Books department, I worked as an Editorial Assistant. I performed important editorial work such as reviewing proposals, answering mail from our readers, heading special sales projects, and eventually taking on my own larger book projects. I also supported the division administratively by assisting my direct supervisor, managing calendars, setting up and conducting meetings, creating contracts for editorial contractors, sending out copies of our books, and paying off department bills on a monthly basis.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Dinosaur Roar! The Tyrannosaurus rex

Curtis, Peter

Simon Spotlight

Developmental Editing
What Dinosaur Am I? (Dinosaur Roar!)

Curtis, Peter

Simon Spotlight

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Dinosaur Roar!

Stickland, Paul

Simon Spotlight

Developmental Editing
Predators: A Smithsonian Coloring Book

Smithsonian Institution

IDW Publishing

Developmental Editing
Lunchtime at the Zoo

Smithsonian Institute

Candlewick Entertainment

Developmental Editing
Snow Day at the Zoo

Smithsonian Institute

Candlewick Entertainment

Developmental Editing
Halloween at the Zoo

Smithsonian Institute

Candlewick Entertainment

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Arsonist

Coulson, Ken

Koehler Books

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Deadliest Animals on the Planet

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Weirdest Animals on the Planet

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Why? The Human Body

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Query Letter Review
Brain Candy 3

Harris, Michelle

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Just Joking Funny Animals 2

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Explorer Academy Field Journal

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Brain Candy 2

Hargrave, Kelly

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Avery has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Sayuri S.

Sayuri S.

Nov, 2021

Pinned
Avery was a thoughtful, careful and encouraging partner for my nonfiction picture book project. I am so grateful for the awesome edits she made (both developmental and at the copy edit level) and for her thought-partnering on my big questions about my work and the industry. Avery is a gem and I h...
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K L.

K L.

Jul, 2025

A Star is born in the world of children’s book editors. Avery N. has a true gift for working with new authors. She has completed editing my three children’s books. Her insights have truly transformed my writing. Not only was she constructive, but she also conveyed with genuine care for my growth....
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Avery N.
This is incredibly kind, thank you so much Karen!
Felicia S.

Felicia S.

Jun, 2022

Avery was very professional. She provided great feedback and was able to complete my project in a timely manner. I enjoyed working with her and I most definitely would work with her again.

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