Glenys Nellist

Glenys Nellist – Editor

An award-winning children's author and freelance editor, ready to help YOU make your children's book the very best it can be.

Overview


"Glenys has an amazing ability to zero in on picture book problems and offer solutions. Though my manuscript was read many times prior (by well-published authors) Glenys offered suggestions that raised the story to a whole new level. I can’t recommend her services (and her terrific insight!) enough."

Jennifer Richard Jacobson, Author


As an award-winning children's author of over thirty titles, published with HarperCollins Christian, Our Daily Bread, Beaming Books and Paraclete Press, I know what makes a good children's book. I began my writing career over twenty years ago, writing church curriculum and contributing to children's magazines before co-writing children’s storybook Bibles with Christian celebrities. I quickly progressed to become a best-selling author of both picture and board books for one of the top five publishers. With my finger firmly on the pulse of children's publishing, I began offering freelance consultation and editing services to numerous select clients, whose dreams I have helped realize and whose books I have helped publish and place on the shelf.


What can you expect if you work with me? In a nutshell: a highly polished book that's poised for publication.

As your editor, I'll be your biggest cheerleader, but I'll also be honest in my feedback. Beginning with an overall, developmental edit, and continuing through to fine line edits, I'll bring a keen eye to your work with the goal of making your story as excellent as possible. I'll retain your unique voice, but I'll also push you to be the best writer you can be.

Whether you are pursuing self-publishing or traditional publishing routes; reaching into the Christian or secular markets; writing in prose or rhyme, or working on picture or board books, I am fast, fair and efficient, and will walk with you through every step of the process. I'm ready to help:

-Evaluate and edit your manuscript.

- Offer book coaching.

-Draft an excellent proposal.

-Craft a query letter that stands out.

-Navigate the journey to publication and offer advice on which route is best for you.


Originally from England, I now live in Michigan with my husband, our daughter and a huge, tailless cat. When I'm not writing, reading or editing, you'll find me either walking in the woods, drifting about on our homemade wooden houseboat or playing with my four adorable grandchildren.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Christian Non-Fiction
Fiction
Christian Fiction Picture Books
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Amazon Editors' Pick
  • Northern Lights Book Award
  • Christian Book Award
  • Junior Library Guild Award
Certifications
  • BEd Honours Degree, Lancaster University

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2014 — Present

-Freelance Editor: Providing a full range of editorial services to select children's writers.
-Freelance Writer: Ghostwriting children's books for Christian celebrities and HarperCollins Christian
-Author: Writing award-winning Christian and secular children's books for four top publishers: HarperCollins Christian/ Our Daily Bread/ Beaming Books/ Paraclete Press.

United Methodist Church

Jan, 2000 — Jan, 2018 (about 18 years)

- Wrote curriculum for Cokesbury
- Wrote, developed and edited Rotation Curriculum for churches
- Wrote for children's magazines: Pockets & The Little Christian

Portfolio

Find a Moose with Me!

Suzanne Buzby Hersey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
God Hears My Song

Lean, Heather

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
How to Tap a Maple!

Stephanie Mulligan

Developmental Editing
Bing Bang Pling

Adamson, Deb

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Ella and the Lost Teddy

Elena B. Mihailov

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
I Love You More Than All

Connor Lonning, Kealy

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Hope

Connor Lonning, Kealy

Developmental Editing
Heart Stones

Cocca-Leffler, Maryann

Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Oh, Chickadee!

Richard Jacobson, Jennifer

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing

Glenys has 137 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Michelle G.

Michelle G.

Jun, 2024

Pinned
Glenys has been a godsend! She has taken me from a timid writer to an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and passionate author who is ready to make my voice heard! I will continue to work with her as long as she will have me!
Alan G.

Alan G.

May, 2024

Pinned
This is the second time we have worked with Glenys and, as before, she has been brilliant to deal with. Everything is very clear and her communication is excellent so we know what to expect and when. The whole process has been very smooth and easy and we will not hesitate when the chance comes to work with her again.
Kelly B.

Kelly B.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Glenys was absolutely incredible to work with. She gave suggestions but also asked for input back on her suggestions, which helped to make it feel like it was still my work and not something recreated. She was incredibly responsive and thorough through the whole process. I have some other books in the works and I will absolutely using her services again!
Samantha K.

Samantha K.

Dec, 2024

I’ve just completed my second manuscript and first query letter edits with Glenys. She is not only helping me improve my work, but teaching me more about the process of writing picture books and query letters. She is kind, honest, and intelligent. I look forward to more collaborations with Glenys.
Marita P.

Marita P.

Dec, 2024

More than a professional and experienced editor, she is like a word magician that can transform what is already beautiful to become perfectly polished and poetic. She is efficient, meticulous, and yet very personable. You will enjoy being corrected under the hands of Glenys because the outcome is always betterer😊 She makes you shine.

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