Kiley Frank

Kiley Frank – Editor

Experienced editor of middle grade, YA, and picture books. I specialize in stories that are candid, quirky, and full of compassion.

Overview

I started my career in publishing as a college intern at a literary agency. After graduating, I worked at Atheneum Books for Young Readers for six years. I began as an Editorial Assistant and left having built a list of books that I continue to feel very proud of. There I edited picture books, middle grade novels, and YA. I worked directly with many amazing writers like Avi, Marion Dane Bauer, Elissa Brent Weissman, Ashley Rhodes-Courter, Dia Calhoun, and many others. Accomplishments at Atheneum include editing a New York Times bestseller and working on books that received multiple starred reviews. I now live in Northern New York and have been doing freelance editorial and writing work for the past decade. Clients include Crown Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster Children’s Division, Egmont Group, literary agencies, and writers from all around the world. I’ve helped writers hone their skills and polish their manuscripts. Clients have gone on to earn multi-book publishing deals from major houses, contracts with agents, and admission to prestigious MFA programs. I am also a writer. My first picture book Tomorrow is Waiting, illustrated by Aaron Meshon (Dial Books for Young Readers) was an Amazon Editors' Best Book of the Month pick. I read regularly to my four children and coach a battle of the books team for middle schoolers. I love books, adore working with writers, and feel so very lucky to get to do this kind of work.

“During my fifty years of publishing, I have worked with many editors: Kiley is exceptionally insightful, articulate, and personable. Put your text in her hands and she'll help you write a better book.” -Avi, Newbery Medalist

“Kiley is the kind of editor who reads deeply and knows exactly the right questions to ask, questions that opened my manuscript to new possibilities.” -Marion Dane Bauer, Newbery Honor Winner

“As my editor for Nerd Camp, Kiley asked all the right questions, helped me develop the plot more fully, and cheered for my geeky characters from start to finish. To this day, I include her first editorial letter in my presentations for schools to show the importance of revision and the difference a good editor can make. Kids often gasp when I tell them how different the ending of the book was before I read Kiley’s notes, and with good reason! Nerd Camp is a notably better book thanks to her expert guidance and bottomless support.” -Elissa Brent Weissman, author of the popular Nerd Camp series

“I will never be able to thank Kiley enough! She was a developmental editor for my memoir, The Goodbye Diaries. From the moment we began working together, I could tell she really understood my book and what was special about it, and she knew just how to improve it. Her advice was specific, filled with helpful examples and resources, and -- the most valuable -- it really made me pause and think. It was as if a fairy godmother had swept through my pages and spread pixie dust all around. Kiley is just that, pure magic.” -Marisa Ramel, author of The Goodbye Diaries



Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Coming of Age Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2011 — Present

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Aug, 2005 — Jul, 2011 (almost 6 years)

Kiley has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Clare B.

Clare B.

Apr, 2023

I loved working with Kiley. I had a very quirky YA story that needed some direction and she was able to help me take my book to the next level. She helped me look outside my own viewpoints and make my manuscript more readable. She was great with detail and catching plot holes. I felt supported and cheered on. I would use her again.
Erin N.

Erin N.

Apr, 2023

Kiley was a great first experience with Reedsy. She offered valuable, constructive feedback which I was able to use to improve my writing. I would highly recommend working with her.
Louise D.

Louise D.

Mar, 2023

Kiley is an absolute gem! Working with her feels like you are having a personal writing workshop. No matter what happens with the story that I am writing, I am a stronger writer after having had two rounds of edits with her. I have found her to be warm and encouraging. She has a kind way of pushing you to be better, and really takes the time to explain how to do so. She is so generous with id...
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Louise D.

Louise D.

Jan, 2023

Wonderful experience! Kiley feels like a treasure to me! I submitted the first draft of a children's story to her, and the comments and suggestions that she made were insightful and informative. She took the time to explain her reasoning, and shared invaluable writing tips. Don't hesitate to contact Kiley if you're looking for a children's book editor!
Trina R.

Trina R.

Dec, 2022

Really insightful feedback, notes, and suggestions to help bring story to the next level. Looking forward to the next draft of my story using all of the professional notes!

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