Danielle Sunshine

Danielle Sunshine – Editor

Let's get your book publication ready! I'm a seasoned editor and writing 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 editor, writing teacher, and writing coach, I will collaborate with you to make your stories stronger. I have over two decades of experience writing and editing picture books, 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.


Along the way, I founded Middle Grade Lunchbreak, a book club of professional writers who discuss books with an eye for craft. I am an adjunct professor of writing at Canada College and a frequent guest lecturer at Stanford University as well 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 have said about me:

“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


“I think Danielle excels as an editor. She is thorough, precise and inventive. She has a wide knowledge of children’s literature and a superior command of the English language. Whether for line editing or copy editing, I highly recommend her.”

—Jane Houng, MFA and author


“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
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 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kristen A.

Kristen A.

Mar, 2023

There is nothing about working with Danielle that isn't rewarding. Whether it regards your manuscript or your personal growth as a writer, she has the ability to soar you to the next level with each interaction. I said it in my first review and will repeat in this review. Do not hesitate to make Danielle your choice. You will never regret it.
Kristen A.

Kristen A.

Feb, 2023

From the very beginning I knew I had made the right decision is choosing Danielle. The combination of professionalism and her outstanding ability to communicate and teach gave me exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it. For those considering Danielle for their projects, I absolutely would not hesitate in reaching out.
Danielle S.
Thank you, Kristen! What a lovely review. I so enjoyed working with you and reading your manuscript.
Jyrah K.

Jyrah K.

Aug, 2022

Danielle has been AMAZING to work with. Always eager to answer any questions and her knowledge is superb.
David P.

David P.

Mar, 2022

Danielle's feedback was honest, insightful, and very encouraging. Her advice has opened me up to ideas and strategies that I hadn't considered but that will benefit me going forward. I am very grateful for her input.
Danielle S.
Thanks David! So glad I could help!
David H.

David H.

Feb, 2022

Very thoughtful, caring and also imaginative. She really helped improve my writing. Oh, and punctual!
Danielle S.
Thank so so much David! Wishing you the best of luck with your book!