Laura Kincaid

Laura Kincaid – Editor

Editor of children's books at every stage of writing & publication. Highly skilled word smith story developer. Loves to help writers grow!

Overview

I have 5 years experience in editorial at a traditional children's book publisher, and have worked on picture books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, and more. My books have received honors like starred reviews, year-end list selections, the Christopher Award, and more. Within children's books, my favorite projects are fantasies of all kinds, cozy mysteries, paranormal adventures, and swoon-worthy romances. I love whimsy in my stories! Regardless of genre, I am drawn to unique voices, immersive world-building, and character-driven stories. I am open to children's and YA projects of any length.

My editing style is a collaborative one. I start with a conversation to get to know you and your goals. For developmental edits, I prefer to deliver an editorial letter broken down by craft topic that includes strengths, suggestions, and targeted questions to bring out YOUR voice/style/vision. I'll add reader reaction comments to your MS. For closer line-edits, I prefer to use track changes and document comments to directly target areas. I'll explain my reasoning and include suggestions and questions. No matter the kind of edit, I aim to give authors the tools to keep growing as a writer. I'd love to help you with:

* Concept and hook

* First pages and/or scene-level pacing

* Voice

*Character development

* Plot pacing & holes

* Market placement (Comps and positioning)

TESTIMONIALS

“Working with Laura was one of the most meaningful parts of my publishing journey. She deeply understood the heart of The Mithai Box Is Not Empty and the vision I had for the story. Her thoughtful editorial guidance, insightful questions, and collaborative approach helped me strengthen the manuscript while preserving its warmth, authenticity, and essence.” --Namrata Agarwal

"I worked with Laura on my 70,000-word middle grade title, The Deadly Daylight, which was later shortlisted for a SCBWI Golden Kite. I loved the way Laura nurtured my work, staying true to its original intent while identifying areas for improvement. I particularly appreciated her nuanced understanding of inclusive language. Highly recommended." --Ash Harrier

"Working with Laura was a delight! Her suggestions and revisions in regard to writing, the the market, and publishing industry strengthened my book immensely. I especially valued her responses to my questions, which provides me with not just top-level answers but with insights into the naunce behind the issues. She is also that perfect combination of warm and professional. I cannot recommend her enough!" --Susan Wroble

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Masters of Arts in Writing

Work experience

Holiday House Publishing

May, 2021 — Nov, 2025 (over 4 years)
-Acquired, developed, and managed books for the trade children’s market across genres and age categories -Assisted 3 high-level editors at a traditional children's book publishers -Reviewed query letters and provided editorial assessments on submissions -Worked one-one-on with authors on developmental edits, including opening hook, plot, pacing, character arc, voice, scene-level writing, and more -Developed market positioning and researched comp titles Copy-editing and proofreading -Drafted jacket/sales copy -Assisted 3 high-level editors

Self-employed

Oct, 2022 — Present
I provided editorial assessments and query letter reviews for writers at various conferences and professional events including: SCBWI-Michigan Critique Carousel (2025) SCBWI-Eastern Upstate NY Paid Critique Faculty (2025) Kidlit For Los Angeles Fundraising Auction (2025) SCBWI-Wisconsin First Pages Zoom Event (2024) RUCCL One-on-One Plus Conference (2022, 2024)

Lanternfish Press

Jun, 2019 — Sep, 2022 (over 3 years)
Evaluated query letters and completed editorial assessments on 3 adult speculative and/or literary novels a month.

Rowan Writing Center

Sep, 2017 — May, 2020 (over 2 years)
Tutored clients in a variety of academic fields (sciences and humanities) in idea development, organization, grammar, and style.

Portfolio

The Mithai Box Is Not Empty

Agarwal, Namrata

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
The Memory Cake

Perry, Caroline L.

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Lolo Weaver Swims Upstream

Farquhar, Polly

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
The Gift of Eid

Safadi, Shifa Saltagi

Holiday House

Copy Editing Proofreading
Rabbit Rabbit

Butler, Dori Hillestad

Holiday House

Editorial Assessment
The Tontine Caper

Salerni, Dianne K.

Holiday House

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Joined at the Joints

Eller, Marissa

Holiday House

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
The Donut Prince of New York

Zadoff, Allen

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Table Titans Club: Sneak Attack

Kurtz, Scott

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
Pickle on Wheels (I Like to Read Comics)

Kantorovitz, Sylvie

Holiday House

Copy Editing Proofreading
Table Titans Club

Kurtz, Scott

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading Query Letter Review
The Haudenosaunee (First Americans)

Sneve, Virginia Driving Haw

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
The Nez Perce (First Americans)

Sneve, Virginia Driving Haw

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
The Sioux (First Americans)

Sneve, Virginia Driving Haw

Holiday House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

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