Cara Stevens

Cara Stevens – Editor

An editor & book coach, I help writers find their voice & connect with readers. I specialize in children's books, how-to, & women’s fiction.

Overview

Whether you are just starting out on your writing journey or you are a seasoned author, I’d love to help you bring your story to life.


I am the author of "Picture Perfect: an insider's guide to writing picture books". I specialize in helping writers find their unique voice and coach them through their editorial journey.


I can…

* Provide a picture book package that includes all stages of mentoring and editing, from overall story structure help to copy-editing

* Provide one-on-one guidance to take your novel, children's book, or non-fiction project from idea to final manuscript

* Provide all levels of editorial service for children’s books, general fiction novels, women’s fiction, and non-fiction books

* Coach you through weekly or bi-weekly sessions, providing personalized feedback, assignments, accountability, and guidance to help get you to "the end".


About me:

Over the past 30 years, I've written and edited copy for Nickelodeon, Disney, and Sesame Street, and have worked with Random House, Harper Collins, Penguin, St. Martin's Press, Skyhorse, and several small publishing houses. I've authored seventeen unofficial Minecraft graphic novels, official and unofficial Terraria novelizations and activity books, unofficial Fortnite novels, and guides to Pokemon Go!, fidget spinners, and K-pop bands. I am currently an in-house freelance editor and proofreader for Nickelodeon, and I'm also a regular contributor to several lifestyle websites, focusing on health trends, wellness, fitness, hair care, and beauty.


In my experience as a published author, children's book editor, freelance lifestyle writer, and freelance editor, I've been on all sides of the editing equation throughout the years, so I intuitively understand your perspective and your needs. I specialize in line editing, general proofing, book editing, and copy editing across children's fiction and non-fiction, general lifestyle, health and wellness, and women's fiction. I'm easy to work with, fun, friendly, and creative, and always aim to get projects completed ahead of time and under budget.


I am a member of the Author's Guild, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (since 1994), and the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.


I was awarded the honor of 2023 Mentor for the SCBWI Los Angeles picture book challenge.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction DIY & Crafts Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Picture Books
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • 2023 SCBWI Los Angeles Mentor
Certifications
  • RYT200 (200 Hour Certified Yoga Instructor)
  • SCORE Presenter and Workshop Leader

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2001 — Present

I've been a freelance writer/editor since 2001, and have been writing and editing professionally since 1994. In that time, I have served as a freelance editor for Nickelodeon, senior writer at Conair, senior copywriter at House Party, Managing Editor of Haircolor and Design Magazine, contributed daily content to corporate social media and community sites for major corporations such as P and G, and authored more than 60 books, scores of online articles, magazine articles, print ads, trade ads, and many press releases, newsletters and corporate communications.

Prior to embarking on my freelancing career, I served as content manager, project manager, editor and writer at various online and interactive companies. I earned an undergraduate degree in Developmental and Social Psychology from Vassar College and a Master's Degree in Communications (Media Ecology) from NYU.

Portfolio

BTS: Rise of Bangtan

Cara J. Stevens

A must-have for diehard ARMY members and new fans alike, this fan guide celebrates everything you love about BTS with an in-depth look at their journey (and ARMY’s role in it)—featuring tons of color photos!This unofficial biography tells the story of BTS and ... read more
The American Icons series celebrates the people, places, and objects that have informed American popular culture over the last 75 years. Illustrated throughout and replete with anecdotes, fun facts, and informative sidebars.American Icons: Frank Sinatra celebr... read more
Provides basic information on e-mail and the Internet, and offers instruction on setting up e-mail accounts, sending and receiving messages, and using various features.
One in a series of unofficial graphic novels for MinecraftThe sequel to Megan Miller’s Quest for the Golden AppleFollows Phoenix and her new friends as they fight to save Xenos from zombie monksPhoenix, Wolfie, and their friends are back in this exciting secon... read more
As Miles’s quest to become Terraria’s greatest hero continues, he finds himself in a new biome where even the slightest attack could be lethal. He befriends a wizard and quickly begins to master the art of magic.But when he picks up an innocent-looking snow gl... read more
On an island where everyone is a warrior, only the strong survive. The Impossibles, a squadron of inexperienced soldiers, have been recruited from across the globe, tasked with the directive to train, fight, and win the ultimate victory in Fortnite’s Battle Ro... read more
Provides instructions for games, crafts, and recipes to create alone or with a group.
Dora has moved to a big city, made lots of new friends, and is going on all-new adventures! Girls ages 3 to 7 will love joining Dora on a magical pirate adventure in this full-color storybook with over 50 stickers.
The Bubble Guppies are always ready and eager to explore the world! In this book, they experience the joy of discovery as they have adventures on a farm, at the zoo, at the park, and at the playground. Learn all about shapes, counting, and colors, and have lot... read more
Packaged Together for the First Time, the First Three Installments of Sky Pony’s Redstone Junior High Series! When quiet farm girl Pixel receives an acceptance letter from the prestigious academy for gifted students, Redstone Junior High, she is thrilled! Litt... read more
Kids are obsessed with fidget spinners, unique, entertaining devices that are purported to help anxiety, ADHD, and other disorders, as well as generally distract or entertain kids, depending on how you look at it. Introducing the first book that shows kids how... read more
This story kicks off a new full-color series of unofficial graphic novels for Minecrafters! When quiet farm girl Pixel receives an acceptance letter from the prestigious academy for gifted students, Redstone Junior High, she is thrilled! And she works up the c... read more

Cara has 58 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Linda S.

Linda S.

Oct, 2024

Cara helped me with my query letter for my manuscript. She took time to learn about me so she could help me write the perfect letter that covered everything I really wanted to say but needed a little help doing so. She listened and gave me great advice and showed enthusiasm and excitement to help me with my letter. I would definitely recommend her, she is an incredible writer who has the exper...
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Ruby M.

Ruby M.

Jun, 2024

Cara is great! She has taught me so much. She answers questions on a timely manner. She has helped me think outside the box and really get a feel for what it’s like to be an author! .
Cara S.
Thank you, Ruby! It’s a pleasure to work with you!
Sarah F.

Sarah F.

May, 2024

Cara offered some valuable insights into a few simple tweaks I could do to strengthen up my manuscript. She was so easy to talk to on our video call and I came away from the process feeling excited and encouraged to keep moving forward with my work. I would definitely like to work with her again on another project.
George T.

George T.

May, 2024

Cara is incredibly patient and knowledgeable. She's the perfect guide for new writers just getting started.
Stefanie G.

Stefanie G.

May, 2024

Working with Cara on my latest project was a fantastic experience. She's not only extremely professional but also impressively quick in her work, making the editing process smooth and efficient. I really appreciated her deep industry knowledge, which came through not just in her excellent developmental edits but also in the practical advice she offered. Cara quickly understood the vision behind...
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