Overview

I've been editing publications since I was in elementary school and my classmates wanted me to check all their papers and creative writing projects. 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 manuscripts in the adult nonfiction and general fiction genres. After a stint as a magazine editor, I returned to book publishing, starting with a year in the Acquisitions department of children's book publisher Phoenix International Publications, Inc. I then worked for over three years as an editor at Kidsbooks Publishing, copyediting and proofreading every title, from longer nonfiction titles to 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 project editor for the nonfiction Biggest Book Series, which became a best-seller for the company. I co-wrote a number of the Biggest Books, and I worked directly with freelance writers, fact-checkers, and proofreaders. I'm an expert at 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 a mile away!

I currently proofread and copyedit for a number of major trade publishers, including Albert Whitman, 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 edit, copyedit and/or proofread graphic novels, women's fiction, cozy mystery, adult trade fiction, self-help, and more.

Now I would love to help you tell your story! Whether you need a keen pair of eyes to ensure your manuscript or layout is clean and error-free, or you want a thorough copyedit to make sure your book's style and voice is consistent and clear, I want to work with you. I can help you clarify your writing style and authorial voice and make sure you maintain the tone you want to convey in your work, so 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

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Children’s Non-Fiction Self-Help & Self-Improvement

Fiction

Historical Fiction Middle Grade Picture Books Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction Young Adult