Danielle Sunshine

Danielle Sunshine – Editor

Let's get your book publication ready! I'm a seasoned editor and author coach with expertise in kidlit, memoir, and new adult.

Overview

I'm a writer just like you, so I know how it feels to be stuck. How do you improve your manuscript when you are so close to it? What do you do when the plot is flat, the dialogue stilted, the pacing slow?


I can tell you. As a seasoned author coach, editor, and writing instructor, I will collaborate with you to make your stories stronger. I have over two decades of experience editing chapter books, middle grade novels, historical fiction, novels in verse, memoir, new adult, and non-fiction. My clients have gone on to secure agents at top literary and entertainment agencies, publish award-winning stories with traditional publishing houses, and self-publish.


I would like to work with you! I have a keen interest in developing writers of all levels and helping them refine their craft through constructive feedback, communication, and support. You'll gain the tools you need to move forward as a confident writer. For five years, I volunteered as the Regional Advisor of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators San Francisco South chapter, helping hundreds of writers further their craft and build their careers.


I am an adjunct professor at Canada College and frequent guest lecturer at Stanford University and other esteemed academic institutions. I hold a BA in English Literature from the University of California at Berkeley and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts (focus on writing for children and young adults).


In addition to working with writers, I have worked as a Managing Editor, Copy Editor, Line Editor, and Proofreader for Room to Read and the Asia Foundation, two NGOs focused on building literacy around the world.


I offer my clients:

- Professional, expert service

- Clear, reliable, punctual communication

- Thorough feedback

- Personalized and customizable revision plans

- Extensive experience in the publishing world


Here is what some of my clients say about me:

"From the moment we started our coaching sessions, I knew I was in good hands. Danielle tailored her services to meet my specific needs and took the time to understand my goals, challenges, and aspirations, so that we could create a personalized coaching plan that fit me. Working with her has been a transformative experience. I highly recommend her coaching services to anyone in need of a supportive and empowering writing coach."

- Amber Edwards, writer


“Danielle is a conscientious and creative editor with a deep knowledge of craft. She is one of those rare mentors who can simultaneously support and challenge an author to bring out the best in a story.”

—Ashley Walker, PhD, MFA, writer


“Danielle's vast knowledge and leadership experience in the SF regional chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators means that she is uniquely qualified to edit work with an eye to both the craft and business of writing. Her patience, kindness, and sense of humor make learning from her a pleasure.“

—Lisa Papademetriou, MFA and bestselling author, founder of Bookflow

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Historical Fiction Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy New Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • o Sue Alexander Award Nominee, SCBWI Los Angeles Conference, 2018
  • o Winner, Best Novel Manuscript, SCBWI Golden Gate Year Conference, 2022
  • Scholar in Residence 2023-2024 SCBWI, San Francisco South
  • Cushman Late Bloomer Award, SCBWI 2023
Certifications
  • MFA, Vermont College of Fine Arts
  • BA, University of California, Berkeley
  • Teacher of English as a Second Language (TESL),  University of Cambridge

Work experience

Cañada College

Aug, 2016 — Present

As an adjunct professor at Cañada College, I teach critical writing and other subjects to non-native speakers of English to prepare them for matriculation into university.

Stanford University

Sep, 2019 — Present

As a guest lecturer/editor at Stanford University, I help students refine their picture books and prepare them for self-publication.

Self-employed

Dec, 2018 — Present

As a freelance editor, I work with individual writers to help them prepare their manuscripts for publication. I also work with NGO's like Room to Read and The Asia Foundation to produce better books for students and readers around the world.

iWrite Marketing

Jan, 2006 — May, 2010 (over 4 years)

As owner, editor, and principal writer for iWrite Marketing, I produced original material for companies in the medical, biotech, and consumer products industries, including Stanford Hospital, Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, American BioOptics, and CTB McGraw-Hill.

Hewlett-Packard Company

Jan, 1998 — May, 2001 (over 3 years)

As a product marketing manager, I led strategic analysis, business, and marketing planning for entry into new markets, wrote marketing requirements documents, and designed and developed white papers, collateral, sales materials, and packaging. I also led cross-functional product launch teams, designed interfaces, and managed and executed usability testing for human interface design.

The Learning Company

Sep, 1993 — Apr, 1998 (over 4 years)

As a product manager, I managed positioning, branding, and feature development for multi-million dollar software products, conducted market research, participated in user-interface design, and wrote and produced marketing copy.

Diablo Magazine

May, 1990 — Aug, 1990 (3 months)

As an intern/writer at Diablo Magazine I performed research, wrote short-form articles, and fact checked articles for the magazine.

University of California Press

May, 1990 — Aug, 1990 (3 months)

As a publishing intern at UC Press, I organized correspondence with writers, attended editorial meetings, and supported administrative staff.

Danielle has 16 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

J. V. S.

J. V. S.

Apr, 2024

Danielle thoroughly understood my needs and expectations and responded with clear ideas to improve my work.
Jenn L.

Jenn L.

Apr, 2024

Very helpful and detailed assessment!
Danielle S.
So glad my feedback was helpful. I look forward to talking with you more and answering any questions you may have.
Paola J.

Paola J.

Mar, 2024

I have been working with Danielle for several months and have learned a great deal from her. Danielle is encouraging, professional, and thorough. Her reading list has been very helpful to me, as have her assignments. I am enjoying the coaching services from Danielle and will, of course, continue to work with her. I highly recommend her! Paola
Danielle S.
Thank you for your review! I am so glad our collaboration is helping you get closer to your vision for your WIP.
Laurel Paula J.

Laurel Paula J.

Mar, 2024

Danielle was wonderful to work with. She is incredibly professional, respectful and an expert in her craft. I look forward to working with her again.
Danielle S.
Thank you Laurel! I look forward to working with you, too!
Anai B.

Anai B.

Jan, 2024

I deeply enjoyed working with Danielle. She is so incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and so easy to communicate with. She is amazing to work with and learn from. I anticipate continuing my collaboration with her.
Danielle S.
Thank you so much, Anai. I am very excited to continue working with you and watching your story bloom!

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