Overview
I am an experienced children's book editor specializing in character-led middle grade and YA, chapter books, social-emotional picture books, and children's nonfiction.
Previously, I was Executive Editor at Albert Whitman & Company, where I acquired, commissioned, and edited books across all children’s age categories and genres. Projects I've worked on have been named best books of the year by Kirkus Reviews, Bank Street College, and School Library Journal and have received the Lambda Literary Prize, the Minnesota Book Award, and the National Jewish Book Award, among other accolades.
Having come from an indie press, I've worn a variety of hats during my career. I’ve edited bestselling authors, spoken at conferences, and led a department. I’ve also been the one to alphabetize indexes, identify the perfect BISAC code, and empty the company dishwasher.
Throughout, I’ve been humbled by the care and creativity authors have shown as they help readers better understand themselves and the world around them. As an editor, my goal is to manifest that same level of care and creativity in your project. Whether providing feedback on syntax, story structure, or something in between, I'll approach your manuscript on its own terms, helping you to achieve your editorial vision in a way that meets readers where they are and resonates deeply.
I'd love to hear about your project and editorial goals. Drop me a line, and let's discuss.
Testimonials:
“So many thanks to my editor, Jon, who believed in my story about a quiet, introverted girl. I’m so thankful for all the work you did helping me get Lilla to sound exactly like herself.”
—Amy Noelle Parks, award-winning author of Summer of Brave
“Jon is a truly remarkable editor who asks all the right questions”
—Anna Humphrey, award-winning author of Megabat
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Self-employed
Copy edited, proofread, and fact checked children’s content for trade and educational markets.
Albert Whitman & Company
Acquired, commissioned, and edited twelve to fifteen books per year; fostered the development of a team of editors; and worked closely with the art director, publishing director, and sales and marketing teams to establish acquisitions strategy.
Albert Whitman & Company
Acquired ten to twelve books per year; developed original IP chapter book series. Maintained the company style guide; trained and supervised in-house copy editor and proofreader.
Albert Whitman & Company
Managed the well-loved Boxcar Children brand—concepting, outlining, and editing books for existing formats and developing new product lines for print and media. In coordination with literacy experts, helped launch Time to Read, the company's line of early readers.
Albert Whitman & Company
Acquired six to eight books per year. Served as the in-house copy editor and proofreader.
Red Line Editorial
Edited or wrote approximately forty nonfiction children’s books per year for educational publishers. Supervised freelance copy editors, proofreaders, fact checkers, indexers, and subject-matter experts.
Portfolio
