Erin Dionne

Erin Dionne – Editor

20+ years of experience guiding picture book, middle grade, and YA authors. I'm a professor, author, and your creative cheerleader.

Overview

I'm an experienced writer and editor who has made a career supporting other storytellers. My job is to help you write the story you want to write, not tell you what you should be writing. We'll identify areas of strength in your work, and areas where your story needs more structure. I ask questions and point out issues, helping you get clarity on your work and figure out how to solve problems. Most importantly, you will learn what your story needs to be successful.

For the past 25 years I've taught writing to all skill levels in both higher ed and via craft-based workshops at nationally recognized conferences and organizations. I understand plot structure, character development, drafting and revision (my favorite part of the writing process). As a traditionally published author, I've worked through all stages of the editorial process with top-notch professionals at Penguin/Random House, Charlesbridge, and Scholastic Press. I understand the vulnerability and fear that comes with writing, and can help guide you through that to confidently create your book.

My novels have won awards and been featured on state reading lists across the country. I am an active author and publishing professional, working on my own books as well as those of my clients. So I'm in the trenches with you, developing stories and struggling through the drafting process.

I have a BA in English and Communications, and an MFA in Creative Writing. More importantly, I've worked with hundreds of creatives in different capacities and understand what it takes to write a good story.

Let's work together to get your project to the next level!

Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Humor & Comedy Middle Grade Picture Books Psychological Thriller Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Edgar Award Finalist
  • Massachusetts Book Award Finalist
  • Boston Author's Club finalist
  • PEN Discovery Night Award Winner

Work experience

The Highlights Foundation

May, 2020 — Present
Teach and co-teach writing workshops in-person and online. Currently teaching "Unstuck" online with Chris Tebbetts. Have taught at their Whole Novel retreat, a course on revision, and one on strong endings.

The Wrtiers' Loft

Feb, 2010 — Nov, 2020 (over 10 years)
Served on the board for years, taught workshops on all aspects of writing craft--drafting, editing, revising, how to write a novel, character development, plot structure, etc.

Montserrat College of Art

Jul, 2003 — Present
Teach creative writing, scriptwriting, storytelling, literature and other writing-based courses to undergrads.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Fruit Bowl

Hoffmann, Mark

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Light Comes to Shadow Mountain

Buzzeo, Toni

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Stories I Told My Dead Lover

Jo Paquette

Blackstone Publishing Inc

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Confessions of a Candy Snatcher

Sinclair, Phoebe

Candlewick

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review Book Coaching
The Willow

McDonald, Wendy M.

Table for 7 Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Book Coaching

Erin has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Pat W.

Pat W.

Dec, 2025

Pinned
Erin was excellent to work with and provided me with valuable insights to improve my book before publication.
Cindy S.

Cindy S.

Dec, 2025

Pinned
Erin was tremendously helpful. Her very constructive criticism is serious, and because she offers feedback from the POV of both a professional editor/writer, and 12 year old reader (not all editors can do this well), the edit is invaluable. She enabled me to see what wasn’t working, why, and what...
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Erin D.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm glad my notes were helpful, and I really love your project!
Mark F.

Mark F.

Nov, 2025

Pinned
Working with Erin has been an absolute joy. She is a truly great professional — thoughtful, insightful, and incredibly thorough. Her editorial feedback on The Brayhill Chronicles was clear, constructive, and full of care. Erin managed to highlight exactly what needed refining while keeping my con...
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Patrick P.

Patrick P.

Feb, 2026

Erin is a true pro. She is helping me realize my vision with a steady, careful eye and sensitive feedback/direction.
Erin D.
Patrick is a delightful client--takes this work seriously, makes changes, and is an excellent collaborator.
james S.

james S.

Nov, 2025

Erin was quick, responsive, professional, and gave insightful feedback. No complaints!
Erin D.
Thank you, James! It was a pleasure working with you. Best of luck on your project!

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