Overview
I began my career at Sterling Publishing, working primarily on nonfiction titles. Although I thought I wanted to be in fiction, I found that I loved the challenge of nonfiction. Helping to explain sometimes complex subject matter in a way children could understand and finding a new angle on content that had often been covered more than once was exciting, and I loved learning from my authors as I developed their books. Today I know more about the solar system, the ghosts haunting the White House, and how to start a successful babysitting company than I ever dreamed I would!
Following a new career opportunity, I moved from Sterling to Penguin. With the move came a change in the types of books I edited, and I began to work on picture books and middle grade fiction, as well as licensed tie-in books. This change to licensed books ultimately led me to Disney, where I spent eight years editing books tied to the Disney Parks and to Disney movies. This work provided a whole new challenge, as I helped authors to create stories that were new and fresh, expanding the worlds of beloved characters far beyond that envisioned by the filmmakers, all while staying true to the world of Disney canon. This is a skill I have found to be incredibly valuable in today's landscape of books featuring modern retellings of classic tales. I was also afforded the opportunity to create original fiction, and had a chance to return to my roots, with nonfiction titles based on Disney heritage. In my time at Disney, I edited over eight hundred books. Among my favorites (and my most successful) were Hide and Hug Olaf, by Kevin Lewis, which sold over 400,000 copies, and Olaf's Night Before Christmas, which sold over 250,000 copies.
Now, I'm excited to take on a new challenge: helping you to turn your book into exactly what you hope it will be. I look forward to working with you and, together, creating an absolutely fantastic book.
Testimonials:
“I’ve worked with Brooke for many years and can’t speak highly enough about her abilities as an editor. She has consistently elevated my work with her insights, and her creative comments never fail to inspire. I can’t imagine having written my books without her help, and consider myself fortunate to have worked with her.” --Jason Lethcoe, Author
"Although we’d had many years experience illustrating children’s books, Periwinkle Smith and the Twirly Whirly Tutu was the first picture book that was entirely ours, and Brooke’s guidance was invaluable. She’s a master at pacing a story, helping us know exactly where things should move along, and where a page turn should surprise with a big reveal. As illustrators it was interesting to see just how spot-on and almost cinematic her art suggestions were; quick spots, spreads, extreme closeups, and even bits of side business not mentioned in the text as extra fun for the reader. We can’t recommend Brooke’s editing skills highly enough. She’s a treasure."--John & Wendy, Authors
"Brooke is an excellent editor who inspires and guides the creative process in a highly competent and collaborative way. Having worked with her on several books now, I have no doubt that she similarly brings out the best in all of her authors."--Tania Zamorsky, Author
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- Masters of Science in Publishing from NYU
Work experience
Self-employed
Freelance editor and writer for a variety of publishing companies, including Disney, HarperCollins, and Penguin Random House.
Disney Publishing Worldwide
-Acquired and edited titles across all Disney Franchises, as well as books tied loosely to the world of Disney but with no preexisting story line.
-Worked closely with authors to shape stories and devise concepts for new story creation.
-Edited approximately thirty titles per year for Disney's trade list (which is available to all booksellers) and another sixty to eighty titles per year for the custom list (which sells to single stores seeking unique titles). Highlights include Olaf's Night Before Christmas, which sold over 250,000 units and Hide-and-Hug Olaf, which sold over 400,000 copies.
-Worked with managing editorial, design, and production departments to keep titles on schedule and on budget.
Penguin Random House
-Acquired and edited approximately thirty children's fiction and nonfiction titles per year.
-Worked closely with authors to develop story ideas and determine what nonfiction subjects would be of interest.
Sterling Publishing
-Acquired and edited children's nonfiction titles.
-Developed book concepts myself, then hired authors and worked with them to shape and develop the books.
Portfolio
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Brooke has 270 reviews
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