Laura Silverman

Laura Silverman – Editor

Published author (Penguin Random House, Simon and Schuster) and editor with over a decade of experience. Expert in novel and query edits.

Overview

"Laura’s editorial guidance is insightful, clear-eyed, and generous of spirit. She brought out the best version of my writing without ever substituting her vision for my own. I can’t recommend her highly enough."

-Alex London, author of Proxy, Black Wings Beating, and many more titles

Welcome! I'm an editor and author with a decade of experience. I've edited hundreds of full manuscripts and query letters, combed the slush pile at literary agencies, and I have sold eight books for traditional publication to publishing houses like Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Algonquin. I hold a BA in English and a BA in Advertising from the University of Georgia and an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. My novel Girl Out of Water was a Junior Library Guild selection, and You Asked for Perfect was named to best teen fiction lists by YALSA, Chicago Public Library, and the Georgia Center for the Book. My many roles in publishing have given me a unique eye to help shape and polish books so they stand out to both industry professionals and readers.

I have experience with all age categories and genres, and I edit works aimed for both traditional publishing and self-publishing. Whether you are looking for overall thoughts on your novel, fine-tuned line edits, or a standout query letter, I am confident I can bring your work closer to its full potential. My strength is finding the heart of your book and making it shine. My clients have gone on to sign with literary agents, sell books to publishing houses, and successfully self-publish.

I've listed additional testimonials below. Please reach out with any and all questions, and I look forward to working with you!

“I cannot recommend Laura’s query and manuscript editing services enough! She streamlined my query and pitch, which led to me signing with my dream agent! Her strength is finding the heart of your story and building around it, so that your work stands out among the rest.”

-Amanda Joy, author of A River of Royal Blood

“Laura’s editorial notes on my current project were phenomenal. She skillfully identifies the most important threads and ways to develop characters – she really gets the shape of your book. This book has been pretty tough to write because it has 4 POVs and a lot of complexity, but Laura’s feedback made me excited to jump back in and revise and helped me present something that I love to my editor. I can’t recommend her enough.”

-Rachael Allen, author of A Taxonomy of Love, The Revenge Playbook, and more

“Laura’s comments on my query were all insightful, helpful, and kind. She didn’t do the work for me, but gave me the feedback I needed to write a much stronger query. My edited query got me into Pitch Wars, which eventually landed me an agent and book deal. I can’t recommend Laura enough.”

-Meryl Wilsner, author of Something to Talk About
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Fantasy Literary Fiction Middle Grade Romance Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • First-Place Simon Rockower Award
  • Junior Library Guild Selection
Certifications
  • BA in English from The University of Georgia
  • MFA in Creative Writing from The New School

Work experience

Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Workman, Sourcebooks

May, 2016 — Present

I am an author and editor of a variety of Young Adult books and anthologies, including Girl Out of Water, You Asked for Perfect, It's a Whole Spiel, Recommended for You, and Up All Night, Game On, Those Summer Nights, and the forthcoming Firsts & Lasts.

Self-employed

Jan, 2013 — Present

I have edited hundreds of query letters and manuscripts.

Portfolio

You Asked for Perfect

Laura Silverman

"Wise‚ romantic‚ and painfully relatable."―Becky Albertalli award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens AgendaFor fans of Adam Silvera and Nina LaCour comes a timely novel about a teen's struggle when academic success and happiness pull him in opposite ... read more
Three years after their encounter with the Blades, the Nitros have broken apart and disbanded their team. Dante is now the face of justice in Lattice Light, while Nick tirelessly continues his pursuit of Sengre Malcolf, his family’s killer. However, when a fac... read more
An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown. Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of blood and marrow--a dark a... read more
Four girls. One summer. And a pact to do the impossible. Skyler, Ellie, Scarlett, and Amelia Grace are forced to spend the summer at the lake house where their moms became best friends. One can’t wait. One would rather gnaw off her own arm than hang out with a... read more
"A charming and delectably sweet debut. Mischief, friendship, and a whole lot of heart—Love Sugar Magic has it all." —Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of the Brooklyn Brujas seriesLeonora Logroño’s family owns the most beloved bakery in Rose Hill, Texas, ... read more
Girl out of Water

Laura Silverman

Fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen will fall in love this contemporary debut about finding yourself-and finding love-in unexpected places.Ocean breeze in her hair and sand between her toes, Anise can't wait to spend the summer before her senior year surfing an... read more
Those Summer Nights

Silverman, Laura

Recommended for You

Silverman, Laura

The second book in this breakout series that's been called "charming and delectably sweet." (Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of the Brooklyn Brujas series)Leonora Logroño has finally been introduced to her family’s bakery bruja magic—but that doesn’t mea... read more
“HOPE DEALERS is more than just another book... it is a global movement of hope to those who've grown weary in the struggles of life. Nadine leads the charge offering you insight and inspiration to never give up.”-Rudy Ruettiger, Inspiration behind the movie R... read more
Includes a special introduction by Mayim Bialik, star of The Big Bang Theory and author of the #1 bestseller Girling Up!Get ready to fall in love, experience heartbreak, and discover the true meaning of identity in this poignant collection of short stories abo... read more

Laura has 100 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jane R.

Jane R.

Mar, 2024

Always professional and timely, Laura provided me with helpful feedback on my YA novel by noting specific areas still needing work and suggesting constructive approaches to making necessary changes. Her insightful reading helped me to see more deeply into my characters and so bring their essential qualities more sharply into focus. I highly recommend her.
Andrea B.

Andrea B.

Mar, 2024

It has been a wonderful, positive experience working with Laura. From the beginning, she was encouraging and insightful. Laura was very perceptive in understanding where I wanted my writing to go, and she kindly led me in the right direction. I never felt like I was alone in the process, which was comforting and motivating at the same time. I hope my time working with Laura is not over, as it h...
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Kalpana P.

Kalpana P.

Mar, 2024

Laura, was professional, and gave helpful feedback.
Kate H.

Kate H.

Mar, 2024

Laura was a great help, flagging areas that needed addressing and suggesting ways to strengthen my storytelling. I am grateful for her close reading of a project!
Jeffery Y.

Jeffery Y.

Feb, 2024

High quality feedback. Really helped the project grow into what it could be. Responsive and priced fairly.
Laura S.
Thank you! I'm wishing you all the success on your journey!

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