Susan Hughes - Editor
Toronto, ON, Canada
Kid lit story editor, story coach, and author. I'll help you shape your picture book, chapter book, MG, or YA manuscript.
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Overview
I'm a freelance editor and story coach of children's books with years and years (and years!) of experience working in trade and educational publishing. (Only a few grey hairs so far though!)
Because I'm also the author of over 30 traditionally published children's books myself, I understand the writing experience, its challenges and its ins and outs; and I love helping others create successful stories, working on the page to help you see and understand the strengths and challenges of your manuscripts, making suggestions about how you might resolve these challenges. My goal is always to support you in telling your own story in your own voice so it achieves your goals.
Because I'm also the author of over 30 traditionally published children's books myself, I understand the writing experience, its challenges and its ins and outs; and I love helping others create successful stories, working on the page to help you see and understand the strengths and challenges of your manuscripts, making suggestions about how you might resolve these challenges. My goal is always to support you in telling your own story in your own voice so it achieves your goals.
Languages
English (CAN)
Non-Fiction
Children's - Non-fiction
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Young Adult
Work experience
Freelance story editor, story coach
Self-employed
January, 1990
–
Present
(almost 30 years)
I am a freelance editor and story coach specializing in children's books and other materials. I've enjoyed working with a wide variety of my own clients, both beginners and experienced. I have many of my own clients; I am also an editor for Kirkus Editorial and for the Artful Editor.
I offer editing services of children's book manuscripts (picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, graphic novels), YA. I edit selected nonfiction and verse novels. I also edit query letters.
I offer critiques, developmental editing, line editing, beta-reading, and coaching.
I am the author of over 30 children's and YA books, including board books, picture books, MG, graphic nonfiction, nonfiction, and YA.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
Ara the Star Engineer
Komal Singh
This is a STEM book and more! An inspiring, inclusive, whimsical way to learn about computers and technology from real-life trailblazers.Ara is a young girl who loves BIG numbers. She wants to count all the stars in the sky… but how? This is an upbeat adventure of Ara and her sidekick droid, DeeDee (“Beep!”). They use smarts and grit to solve a BIG problem and discover an amazing algorithm! A ... read more
Lola the Ladybug
Sarah M Brinson
From dance celebrity and leading youth mentor Sarah Brinson, Lola The Ladybug aims to inspire children to recognize their own beauty, and encourages them to wholeheartedly embrace their individuality through taking pride in their differences. This book facilitates positive thinking, reminding children to be caring and compassionate to one another.
Culmination
Holly Smith
When Ethan and his sister Ilana decided to use much of their wealth to buy, secure, and outfit a luxurious, isolated shelter, they didn’t expect TEOTWAWKI to become a reality. When it happened, they didn’t expect to so quickly find three others with whom they could share the shelter as family. When they did, they welcomed them, secure in the knowledge that together, they would be able to survi... read more
The King of Average
Gary Schwartz
James isn’t the world’s greatest kid, but he’s not the worst, either: he’s average! When he decides to become the most average kid who ever lived, James is transported to another world where he meets Mayor Culpa, a well-dressed talking Scapegoat who recruits him to become the new King of Average. He’s joined on his quest by a professional Optimist and his grouchy companion, an equally professi... read more
What’S Wrong with Sunny?
Amitha Kalaichandran
Sometimes you might not feel like you usually do. Try as you might, you cant figure out whats wrong. You just know you dont feel right.In her childrens book Whats Wrong with Sunny? author Amitha Kalaichandran tells the story of what happens when Sunny the giraffe wakes up one day and doesnt feel quite like herself. She usually feels well, but not today. Her heart is beating fast, her head is h... read more
Snot, Snails and Salamander Tails
Ann Campbell
The troll is having a bad week. He has a runny nose, a headache, and those noisy grandkids of Grandpa Gruff keep tap dancing on the bridge above his pot of stew. If he could just trick them into his pot, then his stew would be much tastier than the snot, snails and salamander tails that he has to eat every day.
Robi's Flying Saucer Drive-In
Kelly Anne Winsa
Robi’s Flying Saucer Drive-In: girls now have their answer to the Wimpy Kid series for boys."The classroom door opens slowly and a leaf blows in. It is a colored one even though we start school in late August and the trees outside are all green. A girl walks in.She has the palest skin I have ever seen. Maybe it is transparent. I can see little blue veins. I think, oh, maybe that is because of ... read more
The Western Establishment has abandoned its Judaeo-Christian roots and adopted an increasingly atheistic stance. Some members of this elite openly ridicule any who believe that life was not due to random processes. Are they right? Is it really that stupid to believe that life might have been the result of intelligent initiation, or is such belief the only rational response to the data?This is ... read more
Luda and Chairsy: Making Friends
Luda Gogolushko
Luda is excited to make friends in a new city! She can't wait to make silly faces and play outside. But when the other kids make fun of her wheelchair, Chairsy, Luda feels discouraged to play with them. Will she ever be able to make new friends?
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