Darcy Evans

Darcy Evans – Editor

Picturebook and children's literature expert with 8+ years of experience editing and reviewing books for Scholastic and HMH.

Overview

I have been incredibly lucky to work in the publishing industry for over thirteen years, and in children's for the past eight. I have read and reviewed nearly every board book, picture book, and early reader published in the past six years and provided editorial feedback for all the major houses. I also have experience reading and reviewing middle grade and YA manuscripts. My expertise in the field led me to be a to guest lecturer at The Pratt Institute on industry trends in children’s publishing and to teaching various picturebook course at places like the Denver Botanic Gardens. I'm excited to bring all of my experience and knowledge to help you create fabulous books that editors will be clamoring for!

I am especially motivated to create more inclusive books for every child reader. While at Scholastic, I was in charge of the research for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In that role, I spearheaded research on a variety of topics that's purpose was the develop a better understanding of what makes a book successful and how to create more inclusive lists. If you are interested in telling stories about marginalized characters and communities, I can help you get your book past the red tape and into the hands of the children who need to read it.

I am also passionate about creative nonfiction. I've worked with a variety of houses on creating fun nonfiction titles, filled with facts, that kids will be excited to pour over. (hint: humor always spices nonfiction up!)

If you have a cool idea you aren't quite sure how to bring to fruition or a fully developed concept you want help refining for the market, I'm your girl! I love to work with writers from all experience levels and can't wait to hear about your project.


Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Masters in Children's Literature
  • Masters Certificate in Publishing

Work experience

School of Botanical Art and Illustration

Oct, 2021 — Present

I teach a five week course on how to better illustrate stories by exploring specific elements in picture book illustration. My lectures include topics such as: how a picture book is put together, how composition affects pacing and narrative, how to build a to a page turn, and how to start building a compelling illustration portfolio. The course is part of the Art Exploration series and is not limited to botanical illustrators.

The Pratt Institute

Apr, 2017 — Present

I lecture on current trends in children’s publishing for an undergraduate children’s literature course and provide resources and advice on how to get published to potential future illustrators and writers.

Editorial Manager

Oct, 2014 — Sep, 2020 (almost 6 years)

Reviewed, edited, and acquired children's books from over fifty publishers to included in the Scholastic Book Clubs flyers.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Jun, 2014 — Sep, 2014 (3 months)

I managed authors and illustrator's fan mail and edited study guides in addition to copyediting all our metadata and the trade catalog.

Darcy has 23 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Patsy H.

Patsy H.

May, 2024

It was a great learning experience with Darcy. My first leap has been scary and tedious, but Darcy’s professionalism not only presented me with challenges to open my own thought process and creativity, but also gave me questions and challenges for self examination as I move along. I, now, find I challenge myself to expand a thought, limit words, illustrate the story not the words, and a myri...
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Jack S.

Jack S.

Apr, 2024

This was my second time working with Darcy and again I couldn't be happier. Her work is top notch and clear in her edits. She approaches helping authors with a teacher's touch and is able to help you not just make needed adjustments but learn the "why" behind the changes. She helps you not just fix your manuscript but become a better writer and anyone would be lucky to work with her.
Lia U.

Lia U.

Mar, 2024

Thanks a million, Darcy! It's always a joy to work with you and I thank you for your insight, expertise, and inspiration. Darcy works promptly but, it never feels like she's rushed to get the job done.
Lia U.

Lia U.

Mar, 2024

Darcy continuously provides feedback that is very helpful and constructive. She has a way of sandwiching feedback so that it is not only motivating, it is truly helpful. I find myself looking forward to collaborating with her again and again!
Patsy H.

Patsy H.

Feb, 2024

Darcy was great. I hope to continue with her throughout my journey. She was complimentary in the beginning of the review and that was greatly appreciated. The items I needed to work on were listed with examples of my problem areas, reasons for the changes, and why changes may be better. My illustration help was basically the same with examples of books to look at. I like that she did not g...
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