Brenda Gurr

Brenda Gurr – Editor

I'm a professional children's book editor with 20+ years of experience in working with picture books and junior fiction.

Overview

I'm a developmental editor and copyeditor with a wealth of experience working on picture book and junior fiction titles for the trade and education markets. This includes both fiction and nonfiction books. My list includes titles for award-winning picture book publisher Red Paper Kite Publishing. I'm also the author of dozens of children's books for renowned publishers, so I know exactly what it feels like to be on your side of the fence.

I am friendly, approachable and dedicated to helping you produce your best work. I adore children's books, and I absolutely love working with authors at any stage of their creative journey. Whether you are a first-time author or have many books under your belt, I'm ready to help you meet your self-publishing or traditional publishing goals. I am excited to hear more about your work!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (AUS) English (NZ)
Certifications
  • Bachelor of Arts (English)
  • Graduate Certificate of Editing and Publishing
  • Accredited Editor (IPEd Australia)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2007 — Present
Developmental editing and copyediting of fiction and nonfiction titles for the trade and education markets. Recent projects have included developmental editing of The adventures of Dogman and Rabbitwoman: A journey to save wildlife by Gillie and Marc Schattner (nonfiction), and developmental editing and copyediting of Sophie won’t sleep by Dr Danielle Camer (picture book).

Insider Guides

May, 2021 — Feb, 2024 (almost 3 years)
Copyedited online articles for an international student audience.

Red Paper Kite Publishing

Nov, 2019 — Present
Contract editor of picture books, including Daisy and Bear, Hugo, The Lost Moustache and Claudette. Claudette was longlisted in the Australian Book Industry Awards 2021.

The School Magazine

Jan, 2016 — Nov, 2018 (almost 3 years)
Wrote curriculum-based literacy lesson plans and activities for middle and upper primary teachers.

Portfolio

Hugo

Devezy, Yohann

Red Paper Kite Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Snoozette

Valentine Paradis

Red Paper Kite

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Claudette

Magisson, Hélène

Red Paper Kite

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
There's a Dragon Stuck in a Bucket

Goff, Lyndall K

Lyndall Goff

Copy Editing
Medieval Mashup (Leigh's Wheelie Adventures)

McIver, Charlene

Charlene McIver

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Bertie and the Ginger Cat

Bex Parkin

Red Paper Kite Publishing

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
From Dinosaurs to Diprotodons: Australia's Amazing Fossils

Clode, Danielle

Museum Victoria Publishing

Copy Editing
The Lost Moustache

Conley, Vikki

Red Paper Kite

Copy Editing
Sophie Won't Sleep

Camer, Danielle

Dr Danielle Camer

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing

Brenda has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lesley B.

Lesley B.

Mar, 2026

This is Brenda's second edit of my picture book. I liked that Brenda gave postive feed back about revisions I had made as well as providing detailed comments about each spread. This was very useful feedback. I made a number of changes to reflect her suggestions. I am much happier with the resu...
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Lesley B.

Lesley B.

Feb, 2026

Brenda was outstanding in her response to my work. I have decided to change the format of my story based on her feedback. The feedback was clear and offered suggestions as well to improve the text. I will rewrite the story and use Brenda agin to review.

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