Mel Hammond

Mel Hammond – Editor

Former editor with American Girl. Current young adult author with Knopf. Forever lover of dairy-free ice cream 🍦

Overview

Hey, I'm Mel!

I worked as a middle-grade editor at American Girl for four years. I developed and edited contemporary fiction (the Corinne series), historical fiction (the Isabel and Nicki series), and nonfiction (Smart Girl's Guide: Body Image and more).

My debut YA novel LUCY, UNCENSORED (co-written with my sister, Teghan) came out with Knopf in Fall 2024. My next book, a YA horror novel about reproductive rights called WHERE THE GIRLS ARE KEPT is slated for Spring 2027. I've also written nonfiction for Rebel Girls, Lerner, and Benchmark Education.

Let's dig into your novel to strengthen the voice, up the stakes of your plot, and get it ready for submission or publication.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2023 — Present
Co-authored 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘺, 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥, coming out with Knopf in Fall 2024. Authored nonfiction children's books for Rebel Girls, Lerner Publishing Group, and Benchmark Education.

American Girl

Apr, 2019 — Feb, 2023 (almost 4 years)
At American Girl, I developed and edited contemporary fiction and historical fiction for middle grade readers. I also wrote and edited middle grade nonfiction, including advice, biography, and quiz books.

Mel has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ah J.

Ah J.

Jul, 2026

Mel was great! I truly appreciated her thorough review. She gave great notes and specific details on areas of improvement in my story. Her input has definitely improved my story.
Mel H.
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure providing feedback on your manuscript!
Nicki N.

Nicki N.

Apr, 2024

Mel gave great advice! I am very excited about it!
Mel H.
Thanks, Nicki! It was a pleasure working with you.
Rose Ann W.

Rose Ann W.

Apr, 2024

Mel's help with my query letter was prompt, professional, and right on point. Thank you!
Mel H.
Rose Ann was a pleasure to work with! I wish her the best of luck with her project.

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