Kathy Dawson – Editor

With decades of editorial experience working at the largest publishing house in the world, I understand the business and what makes a book sing and succeed. Throughout my career, I focused on discovering fresh new voices in all genres of MG and YA fiction--including fantasy, humor, mystery, contemporary, literary, and speculative fiction--and I especially loved editing first-time authors.

I take joy in helping authors of all levels of experience dig deeper into their characters and discover the hidden potential in their work. Whether it's through an extensive developmental edit, a big picture review, a word-by-word examination, or a quick read and a zoom call, I can help you develop your book and move you closer to publication. And if you're not sure what you need, I can help you figure that out too!

I’ve edited Newbery honor books, Printz honor books, NYT bestsellers, a National Book Award finalist, and more. I launched the writing careers of many beloved authors including Kristin Cashore, Gennifer Choldenko, Elle Cosimano, and Sheila Turnage.

I'm also a gardener with a certificate from the New York Botanic Garden and volunteer on the High Line, so if your book concerns the natural world, chances are good I'll be interested.

“A rare editorial talent.” —Don Weisberg, former President of Penguin Young Readers Group

“Her line edits are so sharp and smart!” –Kristin Cashore, author of NYT Bestsellers, WINTERKEEP, JANE, UNLIMITED and the GRACELING series

"I'd work with her again in a heartbeat." —Sheila Turnage, NYT bestselling and Newbery Honor winning author of the THREE TIMES LUCKY series

“Kathy ranks as the best of the best. ” —Susan Beth Pfeffer, NYT bestselling author of the LIFE AS WE KNEW IT series

“Kathy can look deeply into a novel and sense what’s missing.” —Gennifer Choldenko, Newbery honor winning & NYT bestselling author of AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS

“Kathy has a terrific eye for the potential in a book.” —Faye Bender, Partner and Agent, The Book Group