Overview

I'm a full-time freelance writer and editor. In my more than 20 years as an editor of young adult and middle grade novels and children’s picture and novelty books, I reviewed, developed, outlined, content edited, line edited, copy edited, and proofread hundreds of books for houses including Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Random House, and Scholastic. I also have written more than 100 books that have been published for children and young adults.

A few definitions to explain what editorial services I can offer:

Reviewing: Deciding whether a manuscript is worth pursuing, based on interest, originality, age appropriateness, relevance, genre consistency, character development, world-building, language use, voice, style, cinematic visual acuity, and rhythm.

Formulation: Conceptualizing an idea from its initial stages, building the setting, characters, themes, and overarching plot direction.

Outlining: Creating a step-by-step skeleton of the story structure for a writer to follow.

Developmental Editing: Analyzing a manuscript draft for language, visual efficiency, pace, structural functionality, scene coherency, character development and consistency, emotional truth, story rhythm and arcs, believability within the book’s own idiom, originality and avoiding clichés, natural-sounding dialogue, and effective dramatization and humor.

Line Editing: Commenting on and/or correcting a manuscript scene by scene, page by page, paragraph by paragraph, line by line, word by word, to give reader’s reactions in situ, iron out knotty sentence structure, smooth issues, cut dysfunctional moments and language, and tackle narrative problems. Line Editing is often part of Content Editing, but in cleaner manuscripts, it doesn’t need to be as in-depth. Sometimes minor rewriting is included in Line Editing.

Copy Editing: Correcting a manuscript for grammar, spelling, punctuation, inconsistency in time, character, and setting details, word usage, and unclear meanings.

Proofreading: A final check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, particularly looking for typos, homophones, and formatting errors. Proofreading is often done in final layout to check exactly how a book will be printed.

Services

Languages

Fiction

Non-Fiction

Oversaw the creation of 30-40 coloring, activity, puzzle, and devotional books per season in various formats for all markets, including the bestselling Kids' Book of Sudoku series and the #1 New York Times children's bestseller A Treasure's Trove: Secrets of the Alchemist Dar, as well as coloring and activity properties such as Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, Care Bears, Thomas and Friends, VeggieTales, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. My duties encompassed managing an editorial staff, line editing, design and art conception, trafficking, author and title acquisition and presentation, developing new formats, maintaining schedules, communication with licensors, packagers, and agents, and computing production finances.

Edited 25-40 children's books per season in a full range of formats, all based on licensed properties, particularly Shrek 2, Batman Begins, Spider-Man 2, The Batman, Teen Titans, Clifford, Maya and Miguel, Tonka, Duel Masters, Barbie, Krypto, G.I. Joe, Care Bears, Trollz, Rescue Heroes, Strawberry Shortcake, and Dragon Ball Z.

Edited children's media tie-in series paperbacks, including Two of a Kind, The New Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley, Patrick's Pals, Life with Louie, Mystic Knights of Tir na Nog, NASCAR Pole Position Adventures, Noddy, and the new Captain Kangaroo.

Writing and editing fiction, non-fiction, novelizations, poetry, calendars, interactive storybook apps, and web content. Author of more than 100 published books, mostly under the children’s book pseudonym J. E. Bright.

Edited the book series Sweet Valley High (Bantam), Extreme Zone (Pocket), Super Hoops (Bantam), Sports Mysteries (Scholastic), and Indigo Island (Reader's Digest). My duties included composition of original plot outlines, line editing, author acquisition and instruction, and the creation of new series. I also organized and directed shoots for photographic covers.

In charge of all production areas for the award-winning literary journal, from solicitation of original manuscripts to distribution to subscribers and bookstores, with duties including layout design, proofreading, line editing, evaluating manuscripts, processing all finances, scheduling, and organizing a staff of thirty unpaid graduate students.

Cover Girls (Sweet Valley High Book 129)

Francine Pascal

Fashion! Models! Deadlines! Identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are interning at Flair--the hippest fashion magazine ever! As the assistant to famous photographer Quentin Berg, Jessica thought she'd be working on glamorous photo shoots. Instead, she has to clean up after Simone, a supermodel with a bad attitude. But not for long. Jessica comes up with a scheme to ditch Simone and g... read more

Fashion! Models! Deadlines! Identical twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are interning at Flair--the hippest fashion magazine ever! As the assistant to famous photographer Quentin Berg, Jessica thought she'd be working on glamorous photo shoots. Instead, she has to clean up after Simone, a supermodel with a bad attitude. But not for long. Jessica comes up with a scheme to ditch Simone and g... read more

Night Terrors (Extreme Zone)

M.C. Sumner

The moment Noah and Harley meet, they feel an immediate connection-- a connection that goes deeper than either ever could have believed. Alone, both are lost in their personal terrors of the night. Their last hope lies in learning to trust each other, but in the Extreme Zone, they can never trust anyone-- including themselves...

The moment Noah and Harley meet, they feel an immediate connection-- a connection that goes deeper than either ever could have believed. Alone, both are lost in their personal terrors of the night. Their last hope lies in learning to trust each other, but in the Extreme Zone, they can never trust anyone-- including themselves...

CRASHING THE BOARDS (Super Hoops No 1)

Hank Herman

The stars of the Branford Bulls live and breathe basketball, and they can really play, but when their coach and his sons--two of their best players--move away, they wonder if they still have what it takes.

The stars of the Branford Bulls live and breathe basketball, and they can really play, but when their coach and his sons--two of their best players--move away, they wonder if they still have what it takes.

The Legend of the Ancient Scroll (Mystic Knights #1)

Michael Teitelbaum

A legend of brave heroes and great warriors... Rohan was an orphan, a lowly apprentice to the King's magical adviser Cathbad...until a fragment of an ancient scroll revealed his true identity. Now, along with his companions Angus, Ivar, and Princess Deirdre, Rohan must fulfill his destiny--become a Mystic Knight and save the Kingdom of Kells! You, dear reader, must use the power within you to ... read more

A legend of brave heroes and great warriors... Rohan was an orphan, a lowly apprentice to the King's magical adviser Cathbad...until a fragment of an ancient scroll revealed his true identity. Now, along with his companions Angus, Ivar, and Princess Deirdre, Rohan must fulfill his destiny--become a Mystic Knight and save the Kingdom of Kells! You, dear reader, must use the power within you to ... read more

Patrick's Pals #1: Runnin' with the Big Dawgs

Robb Armstrong, Bruce Smith

Who's Got SkillsWhen Patrick first meets Dikembe-'the new kid intown'-he's really pumped to have a new player on his team. He and Dikembe see eye to eye on just about everything'-and it's not just because they're both so tall! There's only one problem. Patrick's team, the Sky Walkers, say Dikembe just doesn't have the skills to run the drills. When they tell Dikembe to walk, Patrick has to cho... read more

Who's Got SkillsWhen Patrick first meets Dikembe-'the new kid intown'-he's really pumped to have a new player on his team. He and Dikembe see eye to eye on just about everything'-and it's not just because they're both so tall! There's only one problem. Patrick's team, the Sky Walkers, say Dikembe just doesn't have the skills to run the drills. When they tell Dikembe to walk, Patrick has to cho... read more

Noddy's Super Busy Day

Enid Blyton

It's a busy day in Toyland! Noddy has lots of errands to run, but everything keeps going wrong. With a little determination . . . and lots of luck, things turn out even better than planned. Full color.

It's a busy day in Toyland! Noddy has lots of errands to run, but everything keeps going wrong. With a little determination . . . and lots of luck, things turn out even better than planned. Full color.

Shrek 2: Cat Attack!

zuuka

When Shrek and Donkey meet a mysterious stranger named Puss in Boots in the deepest, darkest part of the woods, will they be in terrible danger . . . or meet a new friend? Maybe a little of both! A beautifully illustrated full-color storybook, based on a wonderful, funny scene from the moition picture, Shrek 2.

When Shrek and Donkey meet a mysterious stranger named Puss in Boots in the deepest, darkest part of the woods, will they be in terrible danger . . . or meet a new friend? Maybe a little of both! A beautifully illustrated full-color storybook, based on a wonderful, funny scene from the moition picture, Shrek 2.

Shrek Tales #2

Micheal Anthony Steele

SHREK TALES continue the adventures of Shrek and his friends. In this episode, Shrek meets his long-lost brother -- an abominable snowman!Shrek is thrilled when Snowgre, his long lost brother, comes for a visit. There's only one problem: Snowgre is a snowman -- an abominable snowman -- who quickly makes a disaster out of Shrek's swamp.It's up to Fiona, Puss In Boots, and Donkey to teach this m... read more

SHREK TALES continue the adventures of Shrek and his friends. In this episode, Shrek meets his long-lost brother -- an abominable snowman!Shrek is thrilled when Snowgre, his long lost brother, comes for a visit. There's only one problem: Snowgre is a snowman -- an abominable snowman -- who quickly makes a disaster out of Shrek's swamp.It's up to Fiona, Puss In Boots, and Donkey to teach this m... read more

Tonka: I'm a Great Big Monster Truck!

Michael Anthony Steele

#3 in the awesome I'M A GREAT BIG series, this realistic and factual 8x8 storybook describes the features and activities of a giant monster truck from its point of view.Monster trucks are awesome! There's a very good reason why kids love monster truck rallies in stadiums and on TV--the huge trucks rumble and loom, smash and flatten, and roar as they race! They're great. They're big. They're gr... read more

#3 in the awesome I'M A GREAT BIG series, this realistic and factual 8x8 storybook describes the features and activities of a giant monster truck from its point of view.Monster trucks are awesome! There's a very good reason why kids love monster truck rallies in stadiums and on TV--the huge trucks rumble and loom, smash and flatten, and roar as they race! They're great. They're big. They're gr... read more

Tonka: Big Trucks in Action (Tonka)

Victoria Hickle

With moving parts on every spread, along with secret surprise flaps to lift, kids will love learning about big Tonka trucks while they play!A follow up to the popular TONKA: FIRE TRUCKS IN ACTION!, this novelty board book has a moving paper-engineered part on every spread . . . along with secret suprise oversized flaps to lift! Kids can learn amazing facts about the coolest Tonka trucks while ... read more

With moving parts on every spread, along with secret surprise flaps to lift, kids will love learning about big Tonka trucks while they play!A follow up to the popular TONKA: FIRE TRUCKS IN ACTION!, this novelty board book has a moving paper-engineered part on every spread . . . along with secret suprise oversized flaps to lift! Kids can learn amazing facts about the coolest Tonka trucks while ... read more

Batman Begins: The Movie Storybook

Ben Harper

Go back to the beginning! When the mysterious origins of Batman's background are explained, Scholastic will be there with books based on the new movie BATMAN BEGINS!See the full story of the exciting new motion picture BATMAN BEGINS, told with full-color stills from the movie! Also find out amazing behind-the-scenes info about the new Batmobile redesign!

Go back to the beginning! When the mysterious origins of Batman's background are explained, Scholastic will be there with books based on the new movie BATMAN BEGINS!See the full story of the exciting new motion picture BATMAN BEGINS, told with full-color stills from the movie! Also find out amazing behind-the-scenes info about the new Batmobile redesign!

Dora the Explorer Phonics Boxed Set #1

Quinlan B. Lee

Introducing the first ever phonics box starring Dora the Explorer!Based on the best research on how children develop reading skills, these twelve books introduce a carefully selected progression of letter sounds-starting with the easiest and most common. Each book helps build a young reader's confidence with repeated examples of the letter sounds being focused on, as well as "words to learn" a... read more

Introducing the first ever phonics box starring Dora the Explorer!Based on the best research on how children develop reading skills, these twelve books introduce a carefully selected progression of letter sounds-starting with the easiest and most common. Each book helps build a young reader's confidence with repeated examples of the letter sounds being focused on, as well as "words to learn" a... read more

G.i. Joe

H. Kowitt

G.I. Joe defeats Cobra Commander and the Neo-Vipers once again in the first GI Joe 6x9 reader. Boys will love the story and the cool tattoos inside!The COBRA creeps are in the Alaskan wilderness trying to melt huge chunks of the frozen wasteland in order to mine the gold and silver underneath, and it's up to the G.I. Joe team to stop them!

G.I. Joe defeats Cobra Commander and the Neo-Vipers once again in the first GI Joe 6x9 reader. Boys will love the story and the cool tattoos inside!The COBRA creeps are in the Alaskan wilderness trying to melt huge chunks of the frozen wasteland in order to mine the gold and silver underneath, and it's up to the G.I. Joe team to stop them!

Halloween Howl (Clifford's Puppy Days)

Gail Herman

Before Clifford was a Big Red dog, he was a very small puppy.The beginning of the new school year brings a new neighbor to the apartment building where Emily Elizabeth lives. Clifford and his friends are scared by a strange wailing noise coming from the new neighbor's apartment. And they begin to wonder if a monster isn't living there--especially when they find a huge tooth. Clifford finally m... read more

Before Clifford was a Big Red dog, he was a very small puppy.The beginning of the new school year brings a new neighbor to the apartment building where Emily Elizabeth lives. Clifford and his friends are scared by a strange wailing noise coming from the new neighbor's apartment. And they begin to wonder if a monster isn't living there--especially when they find a huge tooth. Clifford finally m... read more

Clifford for President (Clifford the Big Red Dog) (Big Red Reader Series)

Mark Mcveigh

Read along with Clifford in a new BIG RED READER!Clifford is running for President . . . of the Birdwell Island dog park! Emily Elizabeth needs to put up a candidate for a class project, so of course she nominates the Big Red Dog who's always a big winner!

Read along with Clifford in a new BIG RED READER!Clifford is running for President . . . of the Birdwell Island dog park! Emily Elizabeth needs to put up a candidate for a class project, so of course she nominates the Big Red Dog who's always a big winner!

Secrets of the Alchemist Dar: Collector's Hardcover Edition (Treasure's Trove)

Michael Stadther

The heartwarming, magical, beautifully illustrated fantasy story inside Secrets Of The Alchemist Dar is only the first layer in the book's appeal. Because hidden throughout the intricate pages are clues to the secret location of 100 precious rings hidden across the world. Will you be the clever reader who figures out how to find the fortune?

The heartwarming, magical, beautifully illustrated fantasy story inside Secrets Of The Alchemist Dar is only the first layer in the book's appeal. Because hidden throughout the intricate pages are clues to the secret location of 100 precious rings hidden across the world. Will you be the clever reader who figures out how to find the fortune?

The Batman: Maximum Justice (Scholastic Readers)

Devan Aptekar

Welcome back to Gotham City! Scholastic is thrilled to announce a new line of tie-in books based on the new animated series THE BATMAN on the Kids' WB!The first BATMAN chapter book -- based on two episodes from the new animated TV show! Also includes an 8-page, 4-color insert with scenes from the show.

Welcome back to Gotham City! Scholastic is thrilled to announce a new line of tie-in books based on the new animated series THE BATMAN on the Kids' WB!The first BATMAN chapter book -- based on two episodes from the new animated TV show! Also includes an 8-page, 4-color insert with scenes from the show.

America's Next Top Model: Fierce Guide to Life: The Ultimate Source of Beauty, Fashion, and Model Behavior

J.E. Bright

America’s Next Top Model is a runaway runway series and must-see television for millions of teens and tweens. Young women of various backgrounds, shapes, and sizes are mentored by today’s top fashion stylists and industry experts. With chapters that focus on beauty, health, and education, and filled with tips on hair, makeup, nutrition, and fashion dos and dont’s, this is the first and only bo... read more

America’s Next Top Model is a runaway runway series and must-see television for millions of teens and tweens. Young women of various backgrounds, shapes, and sizes are mentored by today’s top fashion stylists and industry experts. With chapters that focus on beauty, health, and education, and filled with tips on hair, makeup, nutrition, and fashion dos and dont’s, this is the first and only bo... read more

Famous American Folktales

J. E. Bright

Famous American Folktales gathers the most famous and shared folktales. Beautifully illustrated, it is a perfect book for bedtime. It will include: "The Phantom Train of Marshall Pass,"" Sasquatch," "The Maid in the Mist," "Paul Bunyan and the Hard Winter," "Moll Pitcher the Fortune Teller," "Guardian of Yosemite," and "Jackalope."J. E. Bright lives in Washington Heights, New York. He has writ... read more

Famous American Folktales gathers the most famous and shared folktales. Beautifully illustrated, it is a perfect book for bedtime. It will include: "The Phantom Train of Marshall Pass,"" Sasquatch," "The Maid in the Mist," "Paul Bunyan and the Hard Winter," "Moll Pitcher the Fortune Teller," "Guardian of Yosemite," and "Jackalope."J. E. Bright lives in Washington Heights, New York. He has writ... read more

The Joker's Magic Mayhem (Batman & Robin Adventures)

J.E. Bright

When Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson attend a charity magic performance, they discover an archenemy has a few tricks up his sleeve! The Joker hypnotizes the entire audience, and only Batman is immune to his mesmerizing powers. As the Joker's twists on classic magic tricks become more terrifying, the Dark Knight must stop him before he hurts anyone—or saws Robin in half!

When Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson attend a charity magic performance, they discover an archenemy has a few tricks up his sleeve! The Joker hypnotizes the entire audience, and only Batman is immune to his mesmerizing powers. As the Joker's twists on classic magic tricks become more terrifying, the Dark Knight must stop him before he hurts anyone—or saws Robin in half!

Heroes of the High Seas (DC Super-Pets)

J. E. Bright

Deep in the ocean, TOPO THE OCTOPUS plays some relaxing music for AQUAMAN. Suddenly, a huge whirlpool appears in the distance, threatening the city of ATLANTIS. Without a moment to lose, AQUAMAN leaps aboard his SUPER-SEAHORSE, STORM, and jets toward the liquid tornado. While the SEA KING rescues a whale caught in the deadly current, his SUPER-PETS discover the source of the problem . . . MIST... read more

Deep in the ocean, TOPO THE OCTOPUS plays some relaxing music for AQUAMAN. Suddenly, a huge whirlpool appears in the distance, threatening the city of ATLANTIS. Without a moment to lose, AQUAMAN leaps aboard his SUPER-SEAHORSE, STORM, and jets toward the liquid tornado. While the SEA KING rescues a whale caught in the deadly current, his SUPER-PETS discover the source of the problem . . . MIST... read more

Follow Your Heart #1: Your Best Friend's Boyfriend

J.E. Bright

This follow-your-own-destiny romance series lets the reader choose her fate. Will her decisions lead to terminal embarrassment...or a delicious first kiss?You share an instant connection with Mike, the star of your school's rival soccer team. Too bad he's dating your best friend, Sally. When Mike starts flirting with you, do you flirt back? Should you confess your feelings to Sally, or keep th... read more

This follow-your-own-destiny romance series lets the reader choose her fate. Will her decisions lead to terminal embarrassment...or a delicious first kiss?You share an instant connection with Mike, the star of your school's rival soccer team. Too bad he's dating your best friend, Sally. When Mike starts flirting with you, do you flirt back? Should you confess your feelings to Sally, or keep th... read more

A Song for Caitlin (Love Stories)

J.E. Bright

Brad Myers has never been happier. A junior at Webster High, he's madly in love with his girlfriend, Caitlin Dawes; his band is booking a lot of gigs; and he's doing great in school. With all the positive things going on, Brad has everything to look forward to.But Brad's hopes and dreams come crashing down when Caitlin is diagnosed with cancer. Brad can't bear to see the most important person ... read more

Brad Myers has never been happier. A junior at Webster High, he's madly in love with his girlfriend, Caitlin Dawes; his band is booking a lot of gigs; and he's doing great in school. With all the positive things going on, Brad has everything to look forward to.But Brad's hopes and dreams come crashing down when Caitlin is diagnosed with cancer. Brad can't bear to see the most important person ... read more

Bella Sara #9: Coral and the Pearl Diver

Felicity Brown

Journey to the world of magical horses . . .A beautiful water horse, Coral is destined to meet a special girl in need of her guidance. Coral must lead the young girl to important discoveries that will change the course of their destinies forever.

Journey to the world of magical horses . . .A beautiful water horse, Coral is destined to meet a special girl in need of her guidance. Coral must lead the young girl to important discoveries that will change the course of their destinies forever.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Chapter Book (DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon (Harperfestival))

J. E. Bright

All young Vikings must prove they are fierce and strong enough to fight dragons. But Hiccup isn't as brawny as his friends and fails miserably at dragon training. So he invents a new weapon that can take down the fiercest dragon in the sky—and when it actually works Hiccup has a choice to make. Can he really kill a dragon? Or will he make a new friend instead?

All young Vikings must prove they are fierce and strong enough to fight dragons. But Hiccup isn't as brawny as his friends and fails miserably at dragon training. So he invents a new weapon that can take down the fiercest dragon in the sky—and when it actually works Hiccup has a choice to make. Can he really kill a dragon? Or will he make a new friend instead?

Savage Sands (Green Lantern)

J. E. Bright

The immortal super-villain VANDAL SAVAGE is loose! He has escaped prison and fled to the timeless tombs of Egypt, where he raises an army of living mummies. HAL JORDAN, as GREEN LANTERN, soars into the shifting sands to defeat the zombie-like rampage, but VANDAL SAVAGE has another weapon. He animates the sleeping Sphinx itself! HAL must solve the ancient riddle of the stone-cold creature, or h... read more

The immortal super-villain VANDAL SAVAGE is loose! He has escaped prison and fled to the timeless tombs of Egypt, where he raises an army of living mummies. HAL JORDAN, as GREEN LANTERN, soars into the shifting sands to defeat the zombie-like rampage, but VANDAL SAVAGE has another weapon. He animates the sleeping Sphinx itself! HAL must solve the ancient riddle of the stone-cold creature, or h... read more