Danielle Davis

Danielle Davis – Editor

Hello! I'm Danielle, children's book author and picture book coach, editor, and teacher. My second language is children's books.

Overview

It's true: my second language is picture books! I’ve been writing, reading, developmental editing, critiquing, teaching, and reviewing the form for 20 years and have had the privilege of working with countless writers on their manuscripts and stories. I also teach picture book writing at Writer's Digest University.

My books are TO MAKE (HarperCollins), a picture book about the creative process, and ZINNIA AND THE BEES (Capstone), a middle grade novel, as well as three more picture books forthcoming from traditional N. American publishers.

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Coaching Testimonial: "Working with Danielle was one of the most affirming and transformational creative experiences I’ve ever had....[It] felt like a true creative partnership—supportive, energizing, and full of ‘aha’ moments." —Lauren Kratz

Editing Testimonial: "Danielle breathes life into your book and is a joy to work with. Her encouraging energy and attention to detail are unparalleled." —Brigette Allen, creator of C Train.

Coaching Testimonial: "[Danielle] is a coach, cheerleader and an absolute gem of a person to have in your corner. Whatever idea you have, wherever you are in this journey, Danielle is a great ally to work with to make your story a success. I would highly recommend her without reservation, and I hope to work with her again.” —Rahmi

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I grew up in Singapore and Hong Kong and now live in Los Angeles. I've taught middle school and community college and have an M.A. in literature and creative writing. I'm also organizer and educator at The Rights of Every Child project.

I have a literary agent, blogged for 10 years about picture books, and am deeply involved in the children's literature community. I care about collaborating and tuning into a writer's vision and voice to support their story, process, and writing identity. Let's do this!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • TO MAKE: A winner of the Bookstagang Best of 2022 Awards in the "Future Classics" category!
  • ZINNIA AND THE BEES: Southern CA Independent Book Award Finalist
Certifications
  • Masters of Literature and Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2017 — Present
Picture Book Practitioner (editor, mentor, motivator): one-month coaching service to go from concept or draft to polished manuscript—and what to do next. Tailored to you and includes video calls, line notes, tools, support, guidance, inspiration, and collaboration. Video critique: one-hour call with feedback, comparative titles, and a reciprocal conversation about a project to help bring your story to life via specific ideas and revision strategies.

Writers Digest University

May, 2024 — Present
I teach a twice-yearly 6-week online picture book course at Writer's Digest University. Testimonial: “Danielle is children's picture book author with heart. She has a knack for articulating what a writer/author may be struggling with in a way that makes the writer say, "that's it!" She's engaging, kind, and knows her craft. She shares her insights in a meaningful way and helps the writer/author realize [they] already [have] the skills [they need] and she's there to help writers and authors recognize how to elevate those skills." —Rola C.

Self-employed

Jan, 2016 — Present
I work with independent publisher clients Global Bookshelves and McSea Books where I'm editor of these titles: ZAKEE AND THE QUIET MAGIC OF BEING YOU, I SPOT AN INVENTION: SANI AND JAI'S TREASURE HUNT, and several forthcoming. In addition, I enjoy working with self-publishing clients and was editor for these picture books: C TRAIN, MY COLOR IS RAINBOW, TRICKY TRICHOTILLOMANIA, THE GIRL AND THE SUN, and BEFORE AND AFTER BABY.

Portfolio

We Are Cheesemakers

Kaur, Navjot

Saffron Press Publishing House Inc.

Editorial Assessment
Dog vs. Unicorn (Dog vs. #1)

Chang, Maggie

Scholastic Paperbacks

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Zakee and the Quiet Magic of Being You

Bismilla, Shameer

Global Bookshelves International, LLC

Editorial Assessment Proofreading
I Spot an Invention: Sani and Jai's Treasure Hunt

Melwani, Dinesh

Global Bookshelves International, LLC

Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Before and After Baby

Maegan Blackwell

Rosebank Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
C Train: A New Beginning

Meredith Rusu

The Circle Tales

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
The Girl and The Sun

Ashley McIntosh

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

Danielle has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Aubrey D.

Aubrey D.

Apr, 2026

Danielle did a wonderful job helping me develop and shape my story into the best version!! It was truly a joy to work with her and have such a wonderful sounding board and guide. Highly recommend for having that much needed outside perspective from a thoughtful, dedicated editor!
Nicole T.

Nicole T.

Apr, 2026

Danielle was fantastic to work with. This was my first time hiring through Reedsy and working with an editor and she set the bar HIGH. Incredibly detailed read out and thoughts, not only via text but she included a voice over with additional thoughts included. Highly highly recommend.

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