Overview

I am a freelance editor of children's and young adult fiction with over a decade of in-depth professional publishing experience. As a senior editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, I had the pleasure of working with talented authors and artists on books for ages 0–18+ in a variety of genres, from picture books and poetry collections to middle grade and young adult novels. During my career, I have edited numerous acclaimed and bestselling books for children and teens, including #1 New York Times bestsellers, a Lamda Literary Award finalist, a William C. Morris Young Adult Debut Award finalist, an Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy nominee, an Edgar Award nominee, Bram Stoker Award nominees, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book.

I love collaborating with authors and illustrators, helping to identify a work’s strengths and weaknesses, and ensuring that an author or illustrator’s vision is shining through from start to finish.

SELECT TESTIMONIALS

Authors:
"Julie Scheina is everything I could have hoped for in an editor - kind, prompt and responsive, and extraordinarily talented. She edits with a deft, yet soft touch. Simply by asking me questions (many, many questions!) she guided me to fleshing out my characters, their world and their story. She helped me see what elements existed only in my head that hadn’t made it onto the page. And she helped me more fully understand my MC’s arc, making it clearer how to hang the story on the scaffolding of that arc. What surprised me the most is how her gentle guidance has made me actually love the revision process, something I have never experienced before. I highly recommend Julie Scheina’s services and would definitely invite her to edit my work again."
—Cheryl Renee Herbsman, author of BREATHING

“Julie is the very best kind of editor–from the big picture issues to the small polishing details. She’s also the best kind of writing partner, because she truly respects the author as an artist. I’m looking forward to working with her again.”
—Suzanne Selfors, author of the Smells Like Dog series and the Imaginary Veterinary series

“Julie is my most valued editorial partner. I love that she can not only help me be my best narrative self, but also that I can specifically tell her the kind of read I am looking for, or what I am concerned about, and that she can give me a responsive read that answers all those questions. She has a wonderful depth of publishing industry experience, a commercial sensibility, and a love of craft that make her a unique partner for a writer. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”
—Margaret Stohl, author of the Icons series and co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series

“Working with Julie Scheina is like working with a good friend – if your good friend had professional editorial chops, the creativity of a natural storyteller, and the eye of a detective who can identify inconsistencies and ask all the right questions. Her edits gave me ideas, a new perspective, and a lot more work for the draft of my novel – but most importantly, confidence. She’s an invaluable early filter for any author seeking to be published or, simply, to be better.”
–Author and freelance client

Publishing Colleagues:
“It’s rare to encounter an editor with as much skill, enthusiasm, and dedication to her craft as Julie Scheina. She excels at respecting an author’s voice while suggesting the sorts of changes, large and small, that shape a manuscript into something outstanding. As an editorial colleague at a major publisher, I saw firsthand the ways in which Julie’s sensitivity, insight, and encouragement were central to the success of numerous bestselling and award-winning books.”
— Barbara Bakowski, Senior Copy Editor, Random House Children’s Books

“I worked with Julie Scheina for over six years, and can say with supreme confidence that she is a superstar editor. Whether she was editing a #1 New York Times bestselling series or a literary novel with award potential, she gave each project equal attention. She has a keen editorial eye, is savvy about the market, always gives thoughtful and insightful feedback, and is beloved by authors, agents, and colleagues alike.”
–Alving Ling, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

“If I were to write my own book, I would be honored to have Julie Scheina as my editor. In the seven years she worked in the editorial department at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, she continually impressed me with her intelligent and thoughtful approach to the craft of editing, deep respect for writers, excellent communication skills, and professional poise. Her broad editorial range enabled her to work on a diverse list projects, including contemporary commercial fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and poetry and her first-hand knowledge of the publishing industry would be invaluable to writers as they embark on their careers.”
–Megan Tingley, Executive Vice President and Publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Literary Agents:
“Julie is an incredibly thoughtful and careful editor who understands how to identify quickly what an author is trying to do and help them do it even better. Her tastes are diverse, and she understands that different books (and authors) require different approaches. I always know that no matter what kind of manuscript I give to Julie, it will leave her hands in better shape than when she got it.”
–Steven Malk, Literary Agent, Writers House

“Julie has impeccable taste and is thoughtful and thorough—one of the most hand-on editors I’ve encountered. She has a keen eye and a strong hand but never loses sight of the author’s intent or purpose. She digs deep, and the projects she works on are better for it.”
–Jim McCarthy, Literary Agent, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC

Services

Languages

Fiction

SELECT EDITORIAL PORTFOLIO
Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill
• An Andre Norton Award nominee; a Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner

I Am J by Cris Beam
• A Junior Library Guild selection; a Lambda Literary Award finalist; a Booklist Top Ten First Novel for Youth; a Kirkus Best Book for Teens; an American Library Association Rainbow List Top Ten Title; an American Library Association Best Fiction for Young Adults Title; received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The Beautiful Creatures Novels by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
• A #1 New York Times bestselling series; millions of copies sold
• Beautiful Creatures: an Amazon #1 Teen Best Book of the Year; a USA Today bestseller; an Indie Next List selection; a William C. Morris Young Adult Debut Award Finalist; major motion picture released February 2013, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures

The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr
• A Junior Library Guild selection; an American Library Association Best Fiction for Young Adults Title; a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year; a Kirkus Best Book for Teens; an Indie Next List selection; received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal

Red Knit Cap Girl

Naoko Stoop

Red Knit Cap Girl is a little girl with a big dream -- to meet the Moon. Red Knit Cap Girl lives with her animal friends in an enchanted forest. There is so much to see and do, but more than anything Red Knit Cap Girl wishes she could talk to the Moon. Join Red Knit Cap Girl and her forest friends on a journey of curiosity, imagination, and joy as they search for a way to meet the Moon. Gorgeo... read more

Red Knit Cap Girl is a little girl with a big dream -- to meet the Moon. Red Knit Cap Girl lives with her animal friends in an enchanted forest. There is so much to see and do, but more than anything Red Knit Cap Girl wishes she could talk to the Moon. Join Red Knit Cap Girl and her forest friends on a journey of curiosity, imagination, and joy as they search for a way to meet the Moon. Gorgeo... read more

Iron Hearted Violet

Kelly Barnhill

Newbery Medal winner Kelly Barnhill spins a wondrously different kind of fairy-tale: In most fairy tales, princesses are beautiful, dragons are terrifying, and stories are harmless. But this isn't most fairy tales...Princess Violet is plain, reckless, and quite possibly too clever for her own good. Particularly when it comes to telling stories. One day she and her best friend, Demetrius, stumb... read more

Newbery Medal winner Kelly Barnhill spins a wondrously different kind of fairy-tale: In most fairy tales, princesses are beautiful, dragons are terrifying, and stories are harmless. But this isn't most fairy tales...Princess Violet is plain, reckless, and quite possibly too clever for her own good. Particularly when it comes to telling stories. One day she and her best friend, Demetrius, stumb... read more

The Last Dogs: The Vanishing

Christopher Holt

When all the humans in his world disappear, Max, a yellow Labrador Retriever, begins the search for his family. He knows that if he can just find Madame Curie, a wise, old black Lab, she'll be able to help. Madame had a premonition of astonishing events to come -- she might know where Max's family is.But Max can't make the journey alone. Joined by friends Rocky and Gizmo, Max sets off to find ... read more

When all the humans in his world disappear, Max, a yellow Labrador Retriever, begins the search for his family. He knows that if he can just find Madame Curie, a wise, old black Lab, she'll be able to help. Madame had a premonition of astonishing events to come -- she might know where Max's family is.But Max can't make the journey alone. Joined by friends Rocky and Gizmo, Max sets off to find ... read more

The Sasquatch Escape (The Imaginary Veterinary)

Suzanne Selfors

When Ben Silverstein is sent to the rundown town of Buttonville to spend the summer with his grandfather, he's certain it will be the most boring vacation ever. That is, until his grandfather's cat brings home what looks like . . . a baby dragon?Amazed, Ben enlists the help of Pearl Petal, a local girl with an eye for adventure. They take the wounded dragon to the only veterinarian's office in... read more

When Ben Silverstein is sent to the rundown town of Buttonville to spend the summer with his grandfather, he's certain it will be the most boring vacation ever. That is, until his grandfather's cat brings home what looks like . . . a baby dragon?Amazed, Ben enlists the help of Pearl Petal, a local girl with an eye for adventure. They take the wounded dragon to the only veterinarian's office in... read more

Smells Like Dog

Suzanne Selfors

Meet Homer Pudding, an ordinary farm boy who's got big dreams-to follow in the footsteps of his famous treasure-hunting uncle. But when Uncle Drake mysteriously disappears, Homer inherits two things: a lazy, droopy dog with no sense of smell, and a mystery.Why would his uncle call this clumsy dog his "most treasured possession?" And why did he put a gold coin on the dog's collar?And who will c... read more

Meet Homer Pudding, an ordinary farm boy who's got big dreams-to follow in the footsteps of his famous treasure-hunting uncle. But when Uncle Drake mysteriously disappears, Homer inherits two things: a lazy, droopy dog with no sense of smell, and a mystery.Why would his uncle call this clumsy dog his "most treasured possession?" And why did he put a gold coin on the dog's collar?And who will c... read more

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma

Trenton Lee Stewart

Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before.Filled wit... read more

Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before.Filled wit... read more

The Storm Makers

Jennifer E. Smith

What if you had the power to control the weather?What starts as an ordinary summer turns exciting and perilous for twins Ruby and Simon when strange occurrences begin happening on their farm -- sudden gusts of wind, rainstorms, and even tornado warnings -- that seem eerily timed to Simon's emotions.Then a stranger arrives and tells the twins that Simon is a Storm Maker -- part of a clandestine... read more

What if you had the power to control the weather?What starts as an ordinary summer turns exciting and perilous for twins Ruby and Simon when strange occurrences begin happening on their farm -- sudden gusts of wind, rainstorms, and even tornado warnings -- that seem eerily timed to Simon's emotions.Then a stranger arrives and tells the twins that Simon is a Storm Maker -- part of a clandestine... read more

President of the Whole Fifth Grade (President Series)

Sherri Winston

Start counting your votes . . . and your friends.When Brianna Justice's hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!But when new student Jasmine M... read more

Start counting your votes . . . and your friends.When Brianna Justice's hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire!But when new student Jasmine M... read more

Bitter End

Jennifer Brown

He told me he loved me and I believed him. When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole -- a handsome, funny sports star who adores her -- she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate . . . someone who truly loves and understands her. At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want ... read more

He told me he loved me and I believed him. When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole -- a handsome, funny sports star who adores her -- she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate . . . someone who truly loves and understands her. At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want ... read more

Beautiful Creatures

Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

The first book in a lush gothic fantasy series for younger readers of Charlaine Harris and fans of Cassandra Clare.Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South,... read more

The first book in a lush gothic fantasy series for younger readers of Charlaine Harris and fans of Cassandra Clare.Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South,... read more

Icons

Margaret Stohl

Ro murmurs into my ear. "Don't be afraid, Dol. They're not coming for us." Still, he slips his arm around me and we wait until the sky is clear. Because he doesn't know. Not really.Everything changed on The Day. The day the Icon appeared in Los Angeles. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting. Since then, Dol has liv... read more

Ro murmurs into my ear. "Don't be afraid, Dol. They're not coming for us." Still, he slips his arm around me and we wait until the sky is clear. Because he doesn't know. Not really.Everything changed on The Day. The day the Icon appeared in Los Angeles. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting. Since then, Dol has liv... read more

Unbreakable (Legion)

Kami Garcia

2013 BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE FOR SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL.I never believed in ghosts.Until one tried to kill me.When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, she doesn't realize that paranormal forces are responsible--not until mysterious identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into her room and destroy a deadly spirit sent to kill her.Kennedy learns that her mother's ... read more

2013 BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE FOR SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A YOUNG ADULT NOVEL.I never believed in ghosts.Until one tried to kill me.When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, she doesn't realize that paranormal forces are responsible--not until mysterious identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into her room and destroy a deadly spirit sent to kill her.Kennedy learns that her mother's ... read more

Jane

April Lindner

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a... read more

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a... read more

Sweetly (Fairy Tale Retelling)

Jackson Pearce

The forest invites you in . . . but will never let you go.As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear too.Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invi... read more

The forest invites you in . . . but will never let you go.As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear too.Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invi... read more

I Am J

Cris Beam

A powerful and inspiring story about a transgender teen's struggle to find his own path -- and love his true self. J had always felt different. He was certain that eventually everyone would understand who he really was: a boy mistakenly born as a girl. Yet as he grew up, his body began to betray him; eventually J stopped praying to wake up a "real boy" and started covering up his body, keeping... read more

A powerful and inspiring story about a transgender teen's struggle to find his own path -- and love his true self. J had always felt different. He was certain that eventually everyone would understand who he really was: a boy mistakenly born as a girl. Yet as he grew up, his body began to betray him; eventually J stopped praying to wake up a "real boy" and started covering up his body, keeping... read more

Rock On: A story of guitars, gigs, girls, and a brother (not necessarily in that order)

Denise Vega

Ori Taylor is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of the Band To Be Named Later, a garage band he started with his friends. After years of being known only as the kid brother of sports star Del, Ori is looking forward to stepping out of his older brother's shadow, learning to perform in public, and rocking the Battle of the Bands contest. Oh, and maybe finally working up the nerve to ta... read more

Ori Taylor is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of the Band To Be Named Later, a garage band he started with his friends. After years of being known only as the kid brother of sports star Del, Ori is looking forward to stepping out of his older brother's shadow, learning to perform in public, and rocking the Battle of the Bands contest. Oh, and maybe finally working up the nerve to ta... read more

She Loves You, She Loves You Not...

Julie Anne Peters

Seventeen-year-old Alyssa thought she knew who she was. She had her family and her best friends and, most important, she had Sarah. Sarah, her girlfriend, with whom she dreamed with about the day they could move far away and live out and proud and accepted for themselves, instead of having to hide their relationship. Alyssa never thought she would have to make that move by herself, but disowne... read more

Seventeen-year-old Alyssa thought she knew who she was. She had her family and her best friends and, most important, she had Sarah. Sarah, her girlfriend, with whom she dreamed with about the day they could move far away and live out and proud and accepted for themselves, instead of having to hide their relationship. Alyssa never thought she would have to make that move by herself, but disowne... read more

Altered

Jennifer Rush

They were made to forget. But they'll never forgive.Everything about Anna's life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch, at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There's Nick, solemn and brooding; Cas, light-hearted and playful; Trev, smart and caring; and Sam . . . who's stolen Anna'... read more

They were made to forget. But they'll never forgive.Everything about Anna's life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch, at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There's Nick, solemn and brooding; Cas, light-hearted and playful; Trev, smart and caring; and Sam . . . who's stolen Anna'... read more

The Lucy Variations

Sara Zarr

Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. But without music in her life, Lucy's not sure who she is, or who she wants to be. Then she meets Will, her brother's new piano teacher, who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy find her way back to piano-not for an audience, but on her own ter... read more

Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. But without music in her life, Lucy's not sure who she is, or who she wants to be. Then she meets Will, her brother's new piano teacher, who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy find her way back to piano-not for an audience, but on her own ter... read more

Roomies

Sara Zarr, Tara Altebrando

The countdown to college has begun.When Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment at the beginning of summer, she shoots off an email to coordinate the basics: TV, microwave, mini-fridge. She can't wait to escape her New Jersey beach town, and her mom, and start life over in California.That first message comes as a surprise to Lauren in San Francisco; she had requested a single.... read more

The countdown to college has begun.When Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment at the beginning of summer, she shoots off an email to coordinate the basics: TV, microwave, mini-fridge. She can't wait to escape her New Jersey beach town, and her mom, and start life over in California.That first message comes as a surprise to Lauren in San Francisco; she had requested a single.... read more