Eric Braun

Eric Braun – Editor

Editor with 2+ decades in publishing. Specialize in children's fiction and NF but love working on books for adults as well.

Overview

I'm an editor and author with 25+ years of professional publishing experience. I believe that story is at the heart of what it means to be human, and story is the key to making any book—even a self-help handbook—sing.

My wheelhouse is middle grade fiction and nonfiction, but I have written and/or edited hundreds of books for readers of all ages, including picture books, middle grade novels, self-help books (for grown-ups and for kids), histories, biographies, short stories, fractured fairy tales, and . . . well, you name it. I even edited a novel about a bowl of chili that comes to life. My broad range of clients has included countless independent authors, Free Spirit Publishing, Capstone Press, Lerner Books, Darby Creek, Book Bridge Press, and Hazelden Publishing. I have collaborated on projects under contract with Penguin Random House, St. Martin's Press, Rowman & Littlefield, and others.

Besides words, I love punk bands, Ultraman, campervans, and skater Vans. What do I love even more? Mountain biking and camping, sometimes at the same time (but I never go into the woods without a notebook and pen). The only poem I’ve had published was titled “Braunschweiger Song.” It was about braunschweiger.

After more than two decades of making books, I remain fascinated by stories and love to work with clients to help them tell theirs, whether as an author, editor, or book coach. I’d love to hear your story.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Parenting & Families Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Social & Family Issues
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • MFA, fiction writing, Minnesota State University

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 1998 — Present
High-quality substantive and developmental editing and ghostwriting specializing in children's fiction and nonfiction and self-help for kids and grownups.

Free Spirit Publishing

Nov, 2004 — Feb, 2013 (over 8 years)
Edited and project managed nonfiction books for children, educators, and parents from acquisitions through publication. Launched and managed company blog.

Lerner Publishing Group

Apr, 2000 — Mar, 2002 (almost 2 years)
Edited and project managed nonfiction books for children.

New Rivers Press

Jan, 1998 — Apr, 2000 (about 2 years)
Jack of all trades at small, independent literary publisher.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
2B Determined

Cindy Neuschwander

Chocolate Puddle Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Little Wolf, Forest Detective

Whybrow, Ian

HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Landing Zones

Micus, Edward

New Rivers Press

Developmental Editing
Music of the Inner Lakes: Stories (MVP)

Sheffer, Roger

New Rivers Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Nice Girls and Other Stories

Cezarija Abartis

New Rivers Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Florence Nightingale (On My Own Biography)

Zemlicka, Shannon

First Avenue Editions ™

Developmental Editing
Zach Stands Up (Zach Rules Series)

Mulcahy, William

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
Zach Hangs In There (Zach Rules Series)

Mulcahy, William

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid

Stefanski, Daniel

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
Zach Apologizes (Zach Rules Series)

Mulcahy, William

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Zach Gets Frustrated (Zach Rules Series)

Mulcahy, William

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
Zach Makes Mistakes (Zach Rules Series)

Mulcahy, William

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Notes from a Child Psychologist

Propp, Louis

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Cannabis: What You Need to Know (What You Need to Know Video Series)

Hazelden Publishing

Hazelden Information & Educational Services

Developmental Editing
Ampheus Grenald: A Light in Darkness

Bansal, Krishiv

ARK Press

Developmental Editing
Rules! Rules! Rules! (Little Laugh & Learn®)

Munene, Malcolm

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANT: Companion Book

Angulo, Jonathan I

Jonathan I. Angulo

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PHLEBOTOMIST: Outpatient Laboratory Edition

Angulo, Jonathan I

Jonathan I. Angulo

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
HOW TO BECOME A PHLEBOTOMIST IN CALIFORNIA

Angulo, Jonathan I

Jonathan I. Angulo

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Welcome To The Enchanted Forest

Glassman, Rebecca Himmel

Rebecca Himmel Glassman

Developmental Editing
Yay! You Failed! (Little Laugh & Learn®)

Anderson, Shannon

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
Hi, Worry. Bye, Worry! (Little Laugh & Learn®)

Rae, Olivia

Free Spirit Publishing

Developmental Editing
Gloppy

Pat Hall

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Ease the Tease (Little Laugh & Learn™)

Freedman M.S.W. L.C.S.W., Judy S.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Eric has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

John A.

John A.

Feb, 2024

Eric Braun is the right-hand man everyone needs! As a new self-published author, I wanted to connect with an editor who was able to help me and guide me through the entire process, and luckily Eric was the right person for the job. When I first contacted Eric, I instantly felt that he knew and ...
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Colin H.

Colin H.

Jan, 2024

I hired Eric as a developmental editor on a book for boys, ages 6-10 (and their parents). I wanted feedback on the age appropriateness of the draft, including the language, ideas, etc. Eric did an incredible job with the assignment, not only giving smart notes about how to adjust for age appropri...
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Logan B.

Logan B.

Oct, 2023

Eric did a great job learning how i write and trying to help me improve the way the reader interprets the principle i am trying to write. He helped me with sequence and making sure that i don't loose my readers in pages and pages of exposition. I have learned that my book really is dozens of sh...
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Jamie P.

Jamie P.

May, 2023

Eric was wonderful to work with on my query letter. He was very communicative and prompt, and his suggestions were on target and incredibly helpful. I highly recommend!
Carol D.

Carol D.

Feb, 2023

I chose Eric in part because I liked his fun attitude about children's books. I wasn't disappointed. I found his advice very useful and will apply his ideas to additional children's stories that I have written.

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