Kaitlin Severini

Kaitlin Severini - Editor

New York, NY, United States

I have copyedited and proofread more than five hundred books, adult and children's, nonfiction and fiction, in all genres.

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Overview

I am a full-time freelance copy editor and writer with experience in all genres; however, I specialize in children's literature. My clients include Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Bloomsbury, Abrams, Simon & Schuster, Sleeping Bear, Page Street, Peachtree, Inkshares, and others.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Humor & Comedy
LGBTQ Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Children’s Non-Fiction

Work experience

Freelance Copy Editor and Writer

Self-employed
October, 2013 – Present (over 9 years)

Production Editor

Simon & Schuster
October, 2011 – October, 2013 (about 2 years)

Assistant Production Editor

Macmillan
April, 2010 – October, 2011 (over 1 year)

Portfolio (20 selected works)

I Was Here

Gayle Forman

The newest heartwrenchingly powerful novel from the bestelling author of IF I STAY. When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a... read more

The newest heartwrenchingly powerful novel from the bestelling author of IF I STAY. When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a... read more

Locomotive (Caldecott Medal Book)

Brian Floca

The Caldecott Medal Winner, Sibert Honor Book, and New York Times bestseller Locomotive is a rich and detailed sensory exploration of America’s early railroads, from the creator of the “stunning” (Booklist) Moonshot.It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the... read more

The Caldecott Medal Winner, Sibert Honor Book, and New York Times bestseller Locomotive is a rich and detailed sensory exploration of America’s early railroads, from the creator of the “stunning” (Booklist) Moonshot.It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the... read more

Promise

Judy Young

Eleven-year-old Kaden has managed to stay under the radar for most of his life. With the exception of Kubla, a pet crow, Kaden doesn't have any friends his own age and he's okay with that. After all, friends can ask inconvenient questions. Questions like Why do you live with your grandmother and where is your father? Questions Kaden doesn't want to answer. Apart from school and a few trips to ... read more

Eleven-year-old Kaden has managed to stay under the radar for most of his life. With the exception of Kubla, a pet crow, Kaden doesn't have any friends his own age and he's okay with that. After all, friends can ask inconvenient questions. Questions like Why do you live with your grandmother and where is your father? Questions Kaden doesn't want to answer. Apart from school and a few trips to ... read more

How Not to Fall (The Belhaven Series)

Emily Foster

In her witty and breathtakingly sexy novel, Emily Foster introduces a story of lust, friendship, and other unpredictable experiments. . .Data, research, scientific formulae--Annabelle Coffey is completely at ease with all of them. Men, not so much. But that's all going to change after she asks Dr. Charles Douglas, the postdoctoral fellow in her lab, to have sex with her. Charles is not only be... read more

In her witty and breathtakingly sexy novel, Emily Foster introduces a story of lust, friendship, and other unpredictable experiments. . .Data, research, scientific formulae--Annabelle Coffey is completely at ease with all of them. Men, not so much. But that's all going to change after she asks Dr. Charles Douglas, the postdoctoral fellow in her lab, to have sex with her. Charles is not only be... read more

The Doublecross: (And Other Skills I Learned as a Superspy)

Jackson Pearce

Everyone in twelve-year-old Hale's family is a spy, going way back. They've all worked for the Sub Rosa Society, an elite organization that's so top secret that new agents aren't recruited; they're born. Despite the fact that Hale can defuse an explosive, don a disguise in seconds, and speak eleven languages, Hale isn't like his spy-school classmates-- he is, as his mother puts it, "big-boned,... read more

Everyone in twelve-year-old Hale's family is a spy, going way back. They've all worked for the Sub Rosa Society, an elite organization that's so top secret that new agents aren't recruited; they're born. Despite the fact that Hale can defuse an explosive, don a disguise in seconds, and speak eleven languages, Hale isn't like his spy-school classmates-- he is, as his mother puts it, "big-boned,... read more

Until Friday Night (Field Party)

Abbi Glines

The first novel in a brand-new series—from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Abbi Glines—about a small Southern town filled with cute boys in pickup trucks, Friday night football games, and crazy parties that stir up some major drama.To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, way-too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god who led Lawton Hi... read more

The first novel in a brand-new series—from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Abbi Glines—about a small Southern town filled with cute boys in pickup trucks, Friday night football games, and crazy parties that stir up some major drama.To everyone who knows him, West Ashby has always been that guy: the cocky, popular, way-too-handsome-for-his-own-good football god who led Lawton Hi... read more

We Are the Ants

Shaun David Hutchinson

From the “author to watch” (Kirkus Reviews) of The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley comes a brand-new novel about a teenage boy who must decide whether or not the world is worth saving.Henry Denton has spent years being periodically abducted by aliens. Then the aliens give him an ultimatum: The world will end in 144 days, and all Henry has to do to stop it is push a big red button. Only he isn’t ... read more

From the “author to watch” (Kirkus Reviews) of The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley comes a brand-new novel about a teenage boy who must decide whether or not the world is worth saving.Henry Denton has spent years being periodically abducted by aliens. Then the aliens give him an ultimatum: The world will end in 144 days, and all Henry has to do to stop it is push a big red button. Only he isn’t ... read more

Riverkeep

Martin Stewart

A stunning debut perfect for fans of Patrick Ness and Neil Gaiman!The Danék is a wild, treacherous river, and the Fobisher family has tended it for generations—clearing it of ice and weed, making sure boats can get through, and fishing corpses from its bleak depths. Wulliam’s father, the current Riverkeep, is proud of this work. Wull dreads it. And in one week, when he comes of age, he will ha... read more

A stunning debut perfect for fans of Patrick Ness and Neil Gaiman!The Danék is a wild, treacherous river, and the Fobisher family has tended it for generations—clearing it of ice and weed, making sure boats can get through, and fishing corpses from its bleak depths. Wulliam’s father, the current Riverkeep, is proud of this work. Wull dreads it. And in one week, when he comes of age, he will ha... read more

The Sword of Midras: A Shroud of the Avatar Novel (Blade of the Avatar)

Tracy Hickman, Richard Garriott

The thrilling prequel to Shroud of the Avatar from Portalarium!The world died during the Fall. Abandoned by the mighty Avatars and their Virtues, the people who remained were left defenseless in an untamed land. That is, until the Obsidians came. Through dark sorcery and overwhelming force the Obsidian Empire brought order to chaos, no matter the cost.Aren Bennis is a Captain in the Obsidian A... read more

The thrilling prequel to Shroud of the Avatar from Portalarium!The world died during the Fall. Abandoned by the mighty Avatars and their Virtues, the people who remained were left defenseless in an untamed land. That is, until the Obsidians came. Through dark sorcery and overwhelming force the Obsidian Empire brought order to chaos, no matter the cost.Aren Bennis is a Captain in the Obsidian A... read more

Repo Madness: A Novel (Ruddy McCann)

W. Bruce Cameron

From W. Bruce Cameron, the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel A Dog's Purpose, which is now a major motion picture!Ruddy McCann is back in Repo Madness--the laugh-out-loud, thrilling adventure from bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron!Ruddy McCann, former college football star, now Kalkaska, Michigan repo man, is finally getting his life back on track. He has a beautif... read more

From W. Bruce Cameron, the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel A Dog's Purpose, which is now a major motion picture!Ruddy McCann is back in Repo Madness--the laugh-out-loud, thrilling adventure from bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron!Ruddy McCann, former college football star, now Kalkaska, Michigan repo man, is finally getting his life back on track. He has a beautif... read more

Insomniac: I Make the World Dance

Pasquale Rotella, James Frey

This Is Not My Beautiful Life: A Memoir

Victoria Fedden

ONE OF PUBLISHERS WEEKLY'S TEN MOST ANTICIPATED MEMOIRS OF THE SEASON AND A REFINERY29 BEST BOOK OF THE YEARIF YOU THINK IT SUCKS TO LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS WHEN YOU’RE THIRTY-SIX AND NINE MONTHS PREGNANT, JUST WAIT TILL THE DEA COMES KNOCKING (WITH THE IRS IN TOW): WELCOME TO VICTORIA FEDDEN’S LIFE.When a squad of federal agents burst through her parents’ front door, Victoria Fedden felt ill-p... read more

ONE OF PUBLISHERS WEEKLY'S TEN MOST ANTICIPATED MEMOIRS OF THE SEASON AND A REFINERY29 BEST BOOK OF THE YEARIF YOU THINK IT SUCKS TO LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS WHEN YOU’RE THIRTY-SIX AND NINE MONTHS PREGNANT, JUST WAIT TILL THE DEA COMES KNOCKING (WITH THE IRS IN TOW): WELCOME TO VICTORIA FEDDEN’S LIFE.When a squad of federal agents burst through her parents’ front door, Victoria Fedden felt ill-p... read more

End Game: A Kirk McGarvey Novel

David Hagberg

Retired CIA assassin Kirk McGarvey faces the most formidable adversary of his long and storied career in End Game, the action-packed thriller from New York Times bestselling author David HagbergLangley is experiencing a series of gruesome murders. The CIA’s own headquarters should be the safest spot on the planet, but a highly professional, violently psychopathic assassin, who hideously disfig... read more

Retired CIA assassin Kirk McGarvey faces the most formidable adversary of his long and storied career in End Game, the action-packed thriller from New York Times bestselling author David HagbergLangley is experiencing a series of gruesome murders. The CIA’s own headquarters should be the safest spot on the planet, but a highly professional, violently psychopathic assassin, who hideously disfig... read more

Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold (A Broken Hearts & Revenge Novel)

Katie Finn

After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to grapple with the fact that Hallie knew her true identity all summer, and that she was the one who stole Teddy from her.Gemma vows revenge, but things immediately get more complicated than she planned. Her dad forces her to get a job, and the only one she can find involves scooping ice cream all day. Ford, Gemma's longtime crush... read more

After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to grapple with the fact that Hallie knew her true identity all summer, and that she was the one who stole Teddy from her.Gemma vows revenge, but things immediately get more complicated than she planned. Her dad forces her to get a job, and the only one she can find involves scooping ice cream all day. Ford, Gemma's longtime crush... read more

Taking Aim: Power and Pain, Teens and Guns

Michael Cart, Marc Aronson, Edward Averett, Francesca Lia Block, Chris Crutcher, Alex Flinn, Gregory Galloway, Jenny Hubbard, Peter Johnson, Ron Koertge, Chris Lynch, Walter Dean Myers, Joyce Carol Oates, Eric Shanower, Will Weaver, Elizabeth Wein, Tim Wynne-Jones

Powerful, riveting, and real. Sixteen celebrated authors bring us raw, insightful stories that explore guns and teens in a fiction collection that is thought provoking and emotionally gripping. For fans of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock and Give a Boy a Gun, and with an array of YA talent like the late great Walter Dean Myers, the poetic Joyce Carol Oates, the prophetic Elizabeth Wein, and the gr... read more

Powerful, riveting, and real. Sixteen celebrated authors bring us raw, insightful stories that explore guns and teens in a fiction collection that is thought provoking and emotionally gripping. For fans of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock and Give a Boy a Gun, and with an array of YA talent like the late great Walter Dean Myers, the poetic Joyce Carol Oates, the prophetic Elizabeth Wein, and the gr... read more

Crossing the Deadline: Stephen's Journey Through the Civil War

Michael Shoulders

When Stephen's father passes away in 1861, he and his mother and brother are left at the mercy of a cruel uncle. As the Civil War intensifies to the south, Stephen's brother enlists to fight for the Union and help support the family. The war drags on and Stephen, an accomplished bugler in the town band, is witness to the sad consequences of slavery. The opportunity to enlist as Colonel Eli Lil... read more

When Stephen's father passes away in 1861, he and his mother and brother are left at the mercy of a cruel uncle. As the Civil War intensifies to the south, Stephen's brother enlists to fight for the Union and help support the family. The war drags on and Stephen, an accomplished bugler in the town band, is witness to the sad consequences of slavery. The opportunity to enlist as Colonel Eli Lil... read more

Kids of Appetite

David Arnold

"A gorgeous, insightful, big-hearted joy of a book." —Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything The critically acclaimed author of Mosquitoland brings us another batch of unforgettable characters in this New York Times bestselling tragicomedy about first love and devastating loss. Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell. It begins with the death... read more

"A gorgeous, insightful, big-hearted joy of a book." —Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything The critically acclaimed author of Mosquitoland brings us another batch of unforgettable characters in this New York Times bestselling tragicomedy about first love and devastating loss. Victor Benucci and Madeline Falco have a story to tell. It begins with the death... read more

The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik

David Arnold

“An epic wonder”* from the bestselling author of Mosquitoland This is Noah Oakman → sixteen, Bowie believer, concise historian, disillusioned swimmer, son, brother, friend. Then Noah → gets hypnotized. Now Noah → sees changes—inexplicable scars, odd behaviors, rewritten histories—in all those around him. All except his Strange Fascinations . . . A stunning surrealist portrait, The Strange Fasc... read more

“An epic wonder”* from the bestselling author of Mosquitoland This is Noah Oakman → sixteen, Bowie believer, concise historian, disillusioned swimmer, son, brother, friend. Then Noah → gets hypnotized. Now Noah → sees changes—inexplicable scars, odd behaviors, rewritten histories—in all those around him. All except his Strange Fascinations . . . A stunning surrealist portrait, The Strange Fasc... read more

From Here to There: The Story of How We Transport Ourselves and Everything Else (Smithsonian: Invention & Impact)

HP Newquist

This lively history of transportation follows our fascinating route from primitive technology like sandals to driverless cars and beyond! Since humans first stood upright, we've been on the move. Need food? Water? Land? A place to live? Survival depends upon motion. For thousands of years, people have devised ways to move faster, farther, and more comfortably. Their inventions—shoes, skis, the... read more

This lively history of transportation follows our fascinating route from primitive technology like sandals to driverless cars and beyond! Since humans first stood upright, we've been on the move. Need food? Water? Land? A place to live? Survival depends upon motion. For thousands of years, people have devised ways to move faster, farther, and more comfortably. Their inventions—shoes, skis, the... read more

The Punch Escrow

Tal M. Klein

It's the year 2147. Advancements in nanotechnology have enabled us to control aging. We've genetically engineered mosquitoes to feast on carbon fumes instead of blood, ending air pollution. And teleportation has become the ideal mode of transportation, offered exclusively by International Transport - a secretive firm headquartered in New York City. Their slogan: Departure...Arrival...Delight! ... read more

It's the year 2147. Advancements in nanotechnology have enabled us to control aging. We've genetically engineered mosquitoes to feast on carbon fumes instead of blood, ending air pollution. And teleportation has become the ideal mode of transportation, offered exclusively by International Transport - a secretive firm headquartered in New York City. Their slogan: Departure...Arrival...Delight! ... read more

Kaitlin has 3 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Eric Locsh
Working with Kaitlin was a hugely positive experience. She is professional, fast, fair, an excellent communicator and an amazing editor. My book is leagues better thanks to her help. I have nothing but good things to say about her! If you're looking to improve the quality of your work in any way, Kaitlin is the right person for you.

Eric Locsh, March 2018

Kaitlin Severini
Thank you, Eric! It's been a pleasure.

Reply from Kaitlin Severini


S. Sulianah
I appreciate Kaitlin's honest amendments on my grammar and the way I used my words in my poetry. She is prompt in responding to my doubts and met the promised deadline. If ever I have opportunities next time to produce another book, she will be my choice.

S. Sulianah, February 2018

Kaitlin Severini
Thank you! It was a pleasure working with you.

Reply from Kaitlin Severini


Jennifer Olmstead
I'll keep it simple. I have no doubt that the determining factor in my manuscript finding an agent--and an agent offering me representation--was Kaitlin's contribution and assistance. My work is very clean, not a huge challenge in that area, but Kaitlin picked up on a few key things that dragged down the narrative of my book. I addressed those issues in my manuscript and my query letter, and ta...
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Jennifer Olmstead, March 2017

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