Jaime Gelman

Jaime Gelman – Editor

NYC children's book editor with 10+ years of experience, specializing in picture books, chapter books, MG, and YA. Let's perfect your story!

Overview

I have over ten years of professional experience editing award-winning and best-selling children's books at publishing companies in New York City. My background spans the entire spectrum of children’s literature, including board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, YA novels, and graphic novels. Over the past decade, I have honed a deep understanding of what makes a story resonate in today's market. I specialize in sharpening story structure, elevating character voice, nailing the narrative arc, and perfecting pacing to ensure your book stands out to both agents and publishers.

When you work with me, you are getting an editorial partner who keeps the young reader at the center of every single discussion. My goal isn't to change your voice, but to help you refine your story in a way that brings out your absolute strongest work. I look at manuscripts through a dual lens: ensuring the text is clear, engaging, and age-appropriate for children, while also making the editing process supportive, collaborative, and entirely stress-free for you. Whether you are looking to untangle a complex middle-grade plot or polish picture book text, I will guide you step-by-step with clear, actionable feedback. Let's team up and create something that kids will want to read over and over again!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Little Bee Books

Sep, 2016 — Present
I edit children's books with formats including board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, YA novels, graphic novels, and more.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
I Wish That You Knew (A Bereavement Picture Book for Kids)

Levington, Rebecca Gardyn

little bee books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Maggie the Dread (A Novel)

Gilkeson, Austin

Yellow Jacket

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Something to Be Proud Of (A Novel)

Quirke, Anna Zoe

Yellow Jacket

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
The Map That Led to You (A Novel)

McLeod, Ella

Yellow Jacket

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Hello: How Nüwa Created the World

Wang, Viola

little bee books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
You Are Part of the Wonder

Doyle, Ruth

little bee books

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Bossy Bear: Camp Bossy

Horvath, David

BuzzPop

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Jamie (A Novel)

Lapinski, L. D.

Yellow Jacket

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair

McLeod, Ella

Yellow Jacket

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

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