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 over fifteen 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. I’ll also give you 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
Languages
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
Certifications
- MA in Children's Literature, Roehampton University, London, UK
- BA in Writing Seminars, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Work experience
Self-employed
Award-winning author of numerous books for young readers, including the Nerd Camp series, The Length of a String, and The Renegade Reporters.
Self-employed
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
Courses taught:
Fiction Workshop
Writing for Young Readers
Origins: In Search of Self
Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs
Courses taught:
Writing for Young Readers
Writing for Young Readers: Next Steps
Fiction Workout and Workshop
Harcourt Children's Books
- 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
- 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.
Portfolio
Elissa has 9 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Tara B.
Aug, 2023
James S.
Aug, 2023
Nicole S.
Jul, 2023
Tina B.
Jul, 2023
Anna M.
May, 2023
Sign up to read more reviews
Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Elissa and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.
