Overview
I've been an in-demand editor since my elementary school days, checking my classmates' papers and creative writing projects, and a bookworm since day one (probably!). So publishing was a natural fit for me!
I started my career at small, independent publishing companies. I even worked out of an author's home! I collaborated directly with authors, proofreading and copyediting adult fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. After a stint as a magazine editor, I returned to book publishing at the children's book publisher Phoenix International Publications, Inc. I then worked for over three years as an editor at Kidsbooks Publishing, copyediting and proofreading nonfiction readers, picture books, activity books, and more. I was lead editor on all reprints, ensuring that any errors from original print runs were corrected. And I was the coauthor and project editor for the bestselling nonfiction Biggest Book Series. I'm an expert in the Chicago Manual of Style, and I have experience writing in-house style guides as well. It was at Kidsbooks that I earned the nickname "Eagle Eye" for my ability to spot an error from miles away!
I currently proofread and copyedit for a number of major trade publishers, including Penguin Random House, ABRAMS, National Geographic Kids, Scholastic, Macmillan, and more, as well as for indie authors. I specialize in children's, middle grade, YA, and rom-com. I also proofread graphic novels, women's fiction, cozy mystery, adult trade fiction, and self-help.
Now I would love to help you tell your story! Whether you need a keen pair of eyes to ensure your typeset manuscript is clean and error-free, or you want a thorough copyedit of your picture book to make sure its style, POV, and usage are consistent and clear, I want to work with you. I can help you make sure your finished publication is as polished as possible.
Even if your primary genre is different than mine, I have extensive experience proofreading and copyediting—as well as reading—a variety of genres, so please contact me with your proofreading and copyediting needs!
REVIEWS:
"I've worked with Esther on various children's book projects, all requiring great attention to detail and a light but sure hand at polishing text for accuracy, sense, and readability. A talented editor, Esther was a pleasure to work with in every single instance. She's quick to respond at all stages of writing and is always understanding and calm. I believe in her instincts, her keen eye and work ethic, and write this recommendation without hesitation."
—Gail Herman, December 2020
"The book project I worked on with Esther has been through several editions and thus, several editors, but I thank my lucky stars that she proofread the pages. Bringing all the styles up to date, catching bloopers, as well as getting granular with finding missing spaces (or too many spaces), Esther’s keen eye gives me the confidence to send this book to press in top form. She’s also super professional and a great communicator. I look forward to working with her again!"
—Nava Atlas, August 2021
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Hachette Book Group, Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Simon & Schuster
Walt Disney Company
Charlesbridge Publishing
ABRAMS
Scholastic
Macmillan Publishing
Mascot Books
Penguin Random House - Penguin Young Readers
Lemur Press
Albert Whitman
Kidsbooks
Phoenix International Publications, Inc.
The Little Things Publishing, LLC
Portfolio
Esther has 10 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness

Charlotte F.
Apr, 2023

Charlotte F.
Feb, 2023

Charlotte F.
Dec, 2022

Charlotte F.
Nov, 2022

Charlotte F.
Aug, 2022
Sign up to read more reviews
Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Esther and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.