Overview
I have published eight adult nonfiction books geared to educators, librarians, and parents and many articles in library publications. My debut young adult fantasy novel, Sword and Verse, was a finalist for the 2016 Compton Crook Award, and its sequel, Dagger and Coin, was called "a riveting fantasy sequel" by Kirkus. I have written 4 books in the Chronicles of Cavallon series for a book packager, under the pen name Kim Forester.
I have also published children's nonfiction, with an article in FACES magazine, and as co-author of She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World. My board book, Nita's First Signs, as a 2018 Foreword INDIES Award Silver Winner, and the next book in the series, Nita's Day was published in 2020. My standalone picture book, The Runaway Shirt, was also published in 2020.
I bring this breadth of experience working with publishers of different sizes and in different age categories and genres to my editing work, along with an eagle eye and a keen ear for dialogue. I look forward to applying these skills to helping you bring out the best in your writing.
What you can expect when you work with me:
-Open and honest communication
-Detailed, actionable feedback
-The work will be done when promised
-An honest evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of your work
I specialize in the following areas:
-Board books
-Picture books
-Middle grade, young adult, and adult fantasy
-Children's, young adult, and adult nonfiction
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Compton Crook Award Finalist 2016
- Foreword INDIES Award Silver Winner 2018
- RISE Booklist 2020
Certifications
- National Interpreter Certification
Work experience
SCBWI MD/DE/WV
I coordinate a large regional writing conference from creators of kidlit each spring, as well as approximately a dozen webinars, workshops, and smaller events throughout the year. In this position, I work with authors at different stages of their writing journeys, and strive to provide programming and feedback that meets their needs.
SCBWI MD/DE/WV
I coordinate and often serve as a mentor for the Creative Coaching Groups, an intensive 6-month mentorship program available to SCBWI members.
SCBWI MD/DE/WV
In this position, I coordinated programming for traditionally published authors and illustrators in the region, and worked to bridge the gap between published and pre-published members through events, workshops, and critique opportunities.
Howard Community College
At Howard Community College, I worked with students in the Writing Center to provide feedback on writing assignments and help them develop skills they could apply to their future work. I also worked directly with Deaf students to deliver English writing help and feedback in American Sign Language.
Self-employed
As an interpreter, I work in government, medical, theater, school, and community settings to facilitate communication between users of English and American Sign Language. This work requires excellent vocabulary in both languages, sharp linguistic processing skills, and a deep understanding of the nuances of dialogue, register, culture, and communication - all skills that enhance my writing and editing work.
Portfolio
