Overview
I’m deeply appreciative of the creative process—writers and editors need each other! Respectful collaboration can help the best books emerge. I’ve worked closely with dozens of authors and illustrators to shape ideas into best-in-class books. After nearly thirty years at a highly respected publisher of award-winning children’s books, I’m now an independent editor for individual book creators.
I’ve edited two Caldecott Honors and seven New York Times bestsellers; my books have received forty-plus starred reviews and appeared on many industry and state award lists selected by librarians, teachers, booksellers, and kids. I’ve enjoyed working with many literary luminaries, including Katherine Paterson (NBA winner; Newbery Honor winner), Janet Stevens (Caldecott Honor winner), Don & Audrey Wood (of Napping House fame), the creators of the wildly successful Little Blue Truck series, Eve Bunting (author of 250+ beloved children's books), and many others. I've also worked with many authors and illustrators who are just starting out and learning about the craft; I especially love helping these emerging book creators bloom.
I bring an ear for language and story, an eye for design and detail, and an editorial style that is both rigorous and kind. In picture books, I love a memorable turn of phrase and a text that leaves room for visual storytelling. In nonfiction, I love finding the story in the life of a little-known real person. In MG or young YA, I’m a good match for realistic fiction (contemporary or historical), magical realism, and light fantasy (and not a match for high fantasy, science fiction, or older YA). While I'm a specialist in children's books, my skills are versatile; I've also edited memoirs and similar personal stories.
“Jeannette is a whiz at seeing both forest and trees, helping me tighten plots and streamline structure without compromising on those tiny language choices that make my work my own.” —Linda Urban, author of the multi-award winning MG novel A Crooked Kind of Perfect and many other well-received children's books
“Lucky is the writer who gets a chance to work with Jeannette. Her exquisitely honed editorial skills always make a manuscript better. Always.”—Kathleen Krull, author of Harvesting Hope and other acclaimed nonfiction for young readers
“Jeannette's spirit of innovation, sound advice, and extensive experience elevated our books to a whole new level.”—Rafael Lopez, illustrator of Maybe Something Beautiful, Drum Dream Girl, and many other award-winning picture books
“Articulate, incisive, with a strong sense of character and structure, Jeannette excels at providing the perspective and insights to help each book realize its best possible version.”—Mary Wilcox, former VP and Associate Publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- The Publishing Institute, University of Denver
Work experience
Self-employed
Collaborate with authors, illustrators, and publishers to guide books in development toward full creative and market potential. Editorial acumen includes developmental editing, line editing, story assessment, art direction, and project management, with specialization in picture books and middle-grade fiction.
Flyaway Books, a sister imprint to WJK Press
As indie editor/consultant, developed and edited books for fledgling publisher of picture books focused on justice, inclusivity, compassion, and care for the world. Mentored design and marketing staff while advising on best practices for publishing children’s books.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
Acquired and developed best-in-class children’s books for the blended HMH hardcover publishing program, with a focus on literary quality, design innovation, and market potential.
Harcourt Children's Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Oversaw acquisitions and development of original hardcover titles from Harcourt Children's Books editorial staff and edited my own list of picture books, fiction, and nonfiction, all under the new HMH umbrella.
Harcourt Children's Books
Acquired and developed top-quality picture books, fiction, and nonfiction. In years prior, I held various editorial roles for this long-respected and award-winning company.
Portfolio
