Julia Byers

Julia Byers – Editor

I'm a former children's book publishing professional, specializing in editing young adult fiction of all genres.

Overview

I'm a former children's book publishing professional, now earning my MFA in Film & Television Production at the University of Southern California. I previously worked as an Assistant Literary Agent and Foreign Rights Manager for iconic children's literary agency Sheldon Fogelman Agency, where among other responsibilities, I read slush, edited client books, and assisted in selling titles to Big Five and independent publishers alike. Before that, I interned in the editorial department of Scholastic, at the Elizabeth Kaplan Literary Agency, and at Folio Literary Management. I've worked with NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and award-winning authors of picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels.

I am a graduate of the University of Michigan, where I studied Creative Writing & Literature and Global Media Studies (Film), along with the Summer School in English Literature at St Peter’s College, Oxford University and the Columbia Publishing Course UK. My own writing has received a variety of recognitions, including Highest Honors for my creative writing undergraduate honors thesis, a Hopwood Award and Arthur Miller Award from U of M, and first place in the children’s/YA fiction category of the WRITER’S DIGEST Annual Writing Competition.

My passion for storytelling is at the core of everything I do and I would love to share that passion and my industry knowledge to help your writing become the best it can be.
Services
Fiction
Children's Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • WRITER'S DIGEST Annual Writing Awards - First Place, Children's/YA Fiction
  • Hopwood Award - Underclassmen Fiction
  • Arthur Miller Award
  • Highest Honors for short fiction collection that was undergraduate creative writing honors thesis
Certifications
  • Columbia Publishing Course UK
  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, BA in Creative Writing & Literature
  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Minor in Global Media Studies (Film)
  • St Peter's College, Oxford University - Certificate in English Literature
  • CURRENTLY EARNING: University of Southern California, MFA in Film & Television Production

Work experience

Sheldon Fogelman Agency

May, 2018 — Sep, 2022 (over 4 years)

I began as a Literary Assistant in 2018. In 2021, I was promoted to Assistant Literary Agent and, in early 2022, I additionally took on the Foreign Rights Manager role.

Scholastic

Jan, 2017 — Jun, 2017 (5 months)

Elizabeth Kaplan Literary Agency

Apr, 2015 — Aug, 2016 (over 1 year)

Folio Literary Management

Jan, 2013 — Apr, 2013 (3 months)

Julia has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Helen T.

Helen T.

Oct, 2023

Julia is exactly the type of person you want to work with on your writing. Her insights are outstanding, and her feedback is always spot on. She's also able to act as a sensitivity reader, pointing out potentially harmful language. (She will tell you if you need a sensitivity reader too, which is great.) She's kind, empathetic, positive, encouraging, and insightful. If you have the opportunity ...
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Max S.

Max S.

Jul, 2023

Julia is a really great person to work with. She is quick and precise in her work providing useful insights and feedbacks. I am immensely grateful for her contribution, which has significantly elevated the overall standard of my manuscript.
Julia B.
Thank you so much, Max! It was lovely working with you.
Helen T.

Helen T.

May, 2023

I can't say enough about how amazing Julia is! Her feedback is truly invaluable, and I know my work is already better because of her insights. I've spoken to many editors and agents, and Julia stands out above all of them for her willingness to (tactfully) say the hard things and her ability to see and explain what's working and what's not. Her feedback feels objective, and everything she's s...
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Julia B.
It's been such a joy working with you so far, Helen! Thank you so much for your kind words and for being so receptive to feedback. I'm excited to continue our collaboration!

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