Claire Evans

Claire Evans – Editor

Former Penguin Random House editor with over a decade of experience, specializing in children's & young adult fiction.

Overview

Are you looking for an expert to help your words leap off the page? Do you need an outside eye to make sure your text is error-free, your writing logical, your prose compelling? I can help with that! I'm a professional fixer when it comes to writing.
I worked for almost a decade in the editorial department of a major publishing house (Penguin Random House). There, I partnered with many authors to develop their stories--both linguistically and structurally--in order to help them make the final project as strong as possible. Many of these books went on to win awards (National Book Award, Newbery Honor, etc) and be New York Times bestsellers. More recently I have been working as a freelance editor, writer, and proofreader on a broad spectrum of projects, everything from story scouting and audio book editing to proofreading and editing professional web content and policy papers.
I am detail-oriented, love playing with language, delight in fixing anything I can, and pride myself on my fast turnaround time. If you need an editor, copywriter, or proofreader to make your words sing, let me help you get it done!
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Dystopian Fantasy Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Middle Grade Mystery & Crime Young Adult
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Penguin Random House

Jul, 2009 — Apr, 2018 (almost 9 years)

Played an integral role in ensuring the smooth and successful running of a boutique PRYG imprint. Extremely knowledgeable about current titles and market trends. Primary actor responsible for writing jacket, sales, review, and web copy designed to make books stand out in multiple marketplaces, including updating web copy to capitalize on popular events and seasonal trends. Worked on New York Times bestsellers and novels that sold into many foreign markets. Actively involved in the complete editorial process (including editorial letters, phone calls with authors, line edits, and general story structuring) for middle grade and young adult novels, approx. 10 per year. Relied upon to speed read and respond to multiple urgent submissions overnight and provide editorial feedback on manuscripts with a short turn around period. Read over 300 submissions per year and provided individualized written feedback on each one.

Self employed

Apr, 2018 — Present

Some clients include Audible, Inc. and The New York Times.

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

Oct, 2010 — Apr, 2013 (over 2 years)

Attended multiple conferences, critiqued manuscripts, and presented to audiences of over 100 attendees per conference.

Portfolio

Jane, Unlimited

Kristin Cashore

An instant New York Times bestseller—from the award-winning author of the Graceling Realm series—about adventure, grief, storytelling, and finding yourself in a world of seemingly infinite choices."A wild gift for readers who like books that take them to unexp... read more
Trouble Never Sleeps

Tromly, Stephanie

An utterly satisfying sequel packed with razor-sharp dialogue, a love triangle you didn't see coming, and the most charismatic dynamic duo you ever met.Now that the infuriating and irresistible Philip Digby has left town for a lead on his sister who disappeare... read more
Sherlock meets Veronica Mars meets Ferris Bueller's Day Off in this story of a wisecracking girl who meets a weird but brilliant boy and their roller-coaster of a semester that's one part awkward, three parts thrilling, and five parts awesome.When Philip Digby... read more
***A New York Times Editors’ Choice***A Scottish medieval adventure about the youngest in a war-band who must free her family from a castle prison after knights attack her home--with all the excitement of Ranger's Apprentice and perfect for fans of heroines li... read more

Claire has 64 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Caroline L.

Caroline L.

Mar, 2022

Claire gave me an extremely detailed manuscript evaluation and helped me see things about my book that I didn't see before. Because she's so experienced and has worked with major authors, you feel like your in good hands with her. The only reason I didn't give her a 10/10 and only 3 stars for communication is because I reached out with some follow up questions, and I haven't heard back from he...
Read more
Madison M.

Madison M.

Dec, 2021

I have worked with Claire twice and would gladly hire her a third, fourth, fifth--essentially an infinite amount of times! She is meticulous, thoughtful, and an effective/prompt communicator. I recommend her for any and all editing needs.
Amy R.

Amy R.

Dec, 2021

I had Claire do a manuscript critique on my story and am amazed by the level of detail and quality of feedback that she provided. Not only do I have actionable steps to improve my story... but also my writing. She's like a book whisperer. I'm extremely pleased with the results and never want to go anywhere else for my book needs. I highly recommend her :)
Elizabeth S.

Elizabeth S.

Nov, 2021

Stellar editor, I will be using her services in the near future. Highly recommend!
Chuck E.

Chuck E.

Nov, 2021

Claire has provided me outstanding service. Her care, attention to detail and candid comments have added tremendous value to my book. I am a novice writer, and Claire really provided copy editing services and proofreading services of excellent quality and where I felt I and my work were understood. I would recommend Claire to any writer. I felt in good hands with Claire.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Claire and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Claire

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Pam Elise Harris

Pam Elise H.

I am a Development Editor for novels, scripts, and nonfiction, specializing in guiding new authors through the editorial process.

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Lucy Littlejohns

Lucy L.

Fastidious fiction proofreader focusing on romance, horror, thriller and fantasy. I work for publishers including Bonnier Books and Solaris.

Aviemore, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Barbara Kois

Barbara K.

Editor, coach: I’ve partnered with 250+ authors to make their books successful through various types of edits and professional support.

Tucson, Arizona, USA

100% reply rate

View profile