Diane Landolf

Diane Landolf – Editor

I am an enthusiastic, skilled children's book editor and writer with 25 years of experience in the publishing industry.

Overview

For more than 20 years at Random House Children's Books, I had the pleasure of acquiring and editing a huge range of books for young readers, specializing in chapter books and middle grade. I was the longtime editor of chapter book series including A to Z Mysteries and Magic Tree House Fact Tracker, and in middle grade, I worked on everything from literary fantasy such as DRAGONS IN A BAG by Zetta Elliott, to commercial series like Babymouse Tales from the Locker, to cutting-edge nonfiction with Kate Messner's History Smashers series. I love fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, horror, and humor—dark, irreverent, goofy, clever—it all works for me as long as it's funny!As a developmental editor, I am ready to help you take your chapter book, middle-grade, or YA manuscript to the next level. I can show you how to dig deep, looking for ways to improve the plot, strengthen the characters, and explore the big questions at the heart of your writing. If you're happy with your plot and character development but feel your language and dialogue could use some extra finessing, I can provide a close line edit to make your words truly shine.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2022 — Present

Random House Children's Books

Jun, 2000 — Feb, 2022 (over 21 years)

Portfolio

Dragons in a Bag

Elliott, Zetta

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Spell and Spindle

Schusterman, Michelle

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Hide and Geek

Jagger, T. P.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Horse Diaries #1: Elska

Hapka, Catherine

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Diane has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laura Y.

Laura Y.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Diane's edits were just what I needed! She pointed out places the novel was strong, and made suggestions of where it could be improved. I agreed with everything she said! This was my first time working with a content editor, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was definitely worth every penn...
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Chelsea B.

Chelsea B.

Mar, 2024

Pinned
I truly have nothing but good things to say about my recent experience working with Diane. I have a middle grade manuscript that I have been working on for years and aspire to have traditionally published and I finally got brave enough to ask for a professional opinion about it. I was pretty anxi...
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Bryna B.

Bryna B.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
I can’t say enough good things about working with Diane. She was professional, prompt, courteous, and offered expert insights regarding my middle grade manuscript. She guided me to get the reading level and tone polished for market. She was able to spot problems easily and offer actionable sugge...
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Karen B.

Karen B.

Nov, 2025

Working with Diane exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful for her shared knowledge and professionalism. A good editor will be direct, encouraging, and thorough. Diane was all of this and more. I can't wait to move my project forward, and I will do so with more confidence as a result of he...
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Diane L.
Thank you, Karen! It was such a pleasure working with you!
Raluca S.

Raluca S.

Nov, 2025

Thank you so much, Diane, for your ideas and feedback. You infused the story with the much-needed ideas and perspective to lift it when it sagged and deliver a more meaningful ending. I really appreciated your patience with my follow-up questions.
Diane L.
Thanks, Raluca! I'm so glad you found my suggestions valuable.

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