Elissa Weissman

Elissa Weissman – Editor

Award-winning middle grade and picture book author who taught creative writing at Johns Hopkins. American living in New Zealand.

Overview

As an award-winning author of numerous books for young readers published by Penguin, Simon & Schuster, and Abrams, I love helping fellow writers hone their craft and navigate the publishing industry. Since graduating from the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars, I've spent almost twenty years leading fiction workshops and teaching courses on writing for children and young adults at several universities. Each class involves editing three or more pieces of student writing per week. It’s been a delight and a privilege to nurture so many writers and see their work get stronger with each draft. Many have gone on to earn MFAs, successfully self-publish, or sell their manuscripts to major houses.


My editing combines literary craft with a practical understanding of the current market. For an editorial assessment, I’ll send you a detailed letter with feedback on what’s working with your story, what needs work, and why. For a developmental edit, I’ll write a detailed letter with big-picture notes, plus comments in the margins and line-specific questions and suggestions.


I am honest, but I’m also encouraging and kind. (As an author myself, I know how scary it is to receive feedback on your writing!) I am also happy to discuss my notes and answer your questions via phone (on a US or NZ number) or video chat. You’ll come away with concrete suggestions for revision, plus clear guidance for next steps to achieve your publishing goals.


Whether you’re a total beginner or you have a few books under your belt, I’d love to help you get your project in the best shape it can be. I can’t wait to read your work!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Humor & Comedy Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor for Older Readers
  • Junior Library Guild Selection
  • Cybils Award for Middle Grade Fiction
  • Sunshine State Young Reader Award, runner up
  • California Young Reader Medal, finalist
  • Bank Street Best Books of the Year
  • Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor for Picture Books
  • Crystal Kite Winner for Picture Books
  • Barnes & Noble Best Books of the Year
Certifications
  • MA in Children's Literature, Roehampton University, London, UK
  • BA in Writing Seminars, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2006 — Present
Award-winning author of numerous books for young readers, including the Nerd Camp series, The Length of a String, and Hanukkah Upside Down.

Self-employed

Mar, 2013 — Present
Courses taught: Fiction Workshop Writing for Young Readers How to Submit Your Children's Book to Publishers Each course entails: - Providing written editorial feedback on 3-4 pieces of student writing each week. - Leading group discussions on how to make each piece stronger. - Preparing and delivering lectures on plot, character, dialogue, theme, voice, and other elements of fiction writing. - Developing original writing exercises to help students master the elements of crafting fiction. - Sharing knowledge about the current children's book market and the business of being an author.

The University of Baltimore

Feb, 2008 — May, 2012 (about 4 years)
Courses taught: Fiction Workshop Writing for Young Readers Origins: In Search of Self

Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs

Feb, 2007 — Apr, 2019 (about 12 years)
Courses taught: Writing for Young Readers Writing for Young Readers: Next Steps Fiction Workout and Workshop

Harcourt Children's Books

Jun, 2004 — Aug, 2004 (2 months)
- Read and reviewed submissions. - Wrote detailed feedback on submissions for acquiring editors. - Assisted editors with the day-to-day business of children's book publishing. - Wrote flap copy and taglines for children's books.

Henry Holt Books for Young Readers

Jun, 2003 — Aug, 2003 (2 months)
- Read and reviewed submissions. - Wrote detailed feedback on submissions for acquiring editors. - Assisted editors with the day-to-day business of children's book publishing.

Elissa has 22 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laura-Mae B.

Laura-Mae B.

Oct, 2023

Pinned
Elissa has been thorough, thoughtful, amazingly kind and critical in the most encouraging and insightful ways. My book (yet to be completed) has a much clearer path forward because of Elissa's genuine interest in understanding the underlying "why" of my story, and helping me think through all the...
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Tara B.

Tara B.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
As a writer who was brand new to this level of professional editing and revising, I was nervous about the process. Elissa put my mind at ease with her very first message, igniting my confidence and instilling a genuine sense of collaboration. With authentic encouragement and spot-on feedback, Eli...
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James S.

James S.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
Working with Elissa was wonderful! It was the first time I'd worked with an Editor and she made the whole process incredibly easy, clearly communicating expectations and quickly gaining understanding of what I'd like to get out of the project. Her feedback was insightful and provided a wonderfu...
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Craig N.

Craig N.

Mar, 2025

Elissa went above and beyond. Very professional, with thorough insights. Importantly, very friendly. Absolutely five stars!
Florence M.

Florence M.

Dec, 2024

Elissa put in alot of time, effort, and incredible attention to detail when she edited my book. This manner of detail was exactly what I needed as a first time author. I appreciated her honesty, expertise, and insight during our collaboration for this project.

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