Cara Stevens – Editor

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" and "Write, Teach, Spark: a step-by-step guide to writing a book that matters", as well as several dozens of published books for children and young adults. 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 am a certified business mentor and Subject Matter Expert (SME) with the U.S. Small Business Association.

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