Laura Silverman - Editor
I'm an author of books published by Penguin Random House, S&S, and more and an experienced editor of novels and query letters.
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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
Hello! I'm an editor and author with many years of experience. I've edited dozens of full manuscripts, combed the slush pile at literary agencies, and I have sold seven 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!
-Alex London, author of Proxy, Black Wings Beating, and many more titles
Hello! I'm an editor and author with many years of experience. I've edited dozens of full manuscripts, combed the slush pile at literary agencies, and I have sold seven 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
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Fantasy
Literary Fiction
Middle Grade
Romance
Thriller & Suspense
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Certifications
- BA in English from The University of Georgia
- MFA in Creative Writing from The New School
Awards
- First-Place Simon Rockower Award
- Junior Library Guild Selection
Work experience
Author
Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Workman, Sourcebooks
May, 2016
–
Present
(over 5 years)
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 (2020), and Up All Night (2021).
Editor
Self-employed
January, 2013
–
Present
(over 8 years)
I have edited dozens of manuscripts and many more query letters.
Portfolio (12 selected works)
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 and hanging out on the beach with friends. Santa Cruz is more than her home-it's her heart. But when her aunt, a single mother, is in a se... read more
Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble
Anna Meriano
"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, spending their days conjuring delicious cookies and cakes for any occasion. And no occasion is more important than the annual Dia de los... read more
The Summer of Impossibilities
Rachael Allen
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 bunch of strangers just so their moms can drink too much wine and sing Journey at two o'clock in the morning. Two are sisters. Three ar... read more
A River of Royal Blood
Amanda Joy
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 and terrible magick that hasn't been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Q... read more
Go Nitro: To Stand Divided
Jeremy N Dooley
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 faceless thief begins a crime spree stealing dangerous technology, the Nitros find themselves teaming up once again to bring him down. With... read more
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 directions.Senior Ariel Stone has spent his life cultivating the perfect college résumé: first chair violinist, dedicated volunteer, act... 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 about Jewish teens, including entries by David Levithan, Nova Ren Suma, and more!A Jewish boy falls in love with a fellow counselor at summ... 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 RUDY and Motivational SpeakerHave you ever felt like life was finally going well,when suddenly life decides to throw you a curve ball?Lif... read more
Love Sugar Magic: A Sprinkle of Spirits
Anna Meriano
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 mean everything is all sugar and spice. Her special power hasn’t shown up yet, her family still won’t let her perform her own spells, and t... read more
Recommended for You
Silverman, Laura
Something to Talk About
Wilsner, Meryl
Up All Night: 13 Stories between Sunset and Sunrise
Silverman, Laura
Laura has 37 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Laura is an excellent consultant. Delivers work on time and professionally edited.
Marshall Marshall, September 2021
Reply from Laura Silverman
Laura was extremely helpful in editing my query. She helped tighten the writing up, improve the structure, and drew my attention to aspects I had not considered. I know I have a much better chance of querying success having worked with her. Thanks!
Trae McMaken, September 2021
Reply from Laura Silverman
Laura constructively reviewed my query letter and provided honest, helpful feedback that I had not realized my letter needed. Will definitely implement her thoughts and would highly recommend her.
Andrew Dulay, July 2021
Reply from Laura Silverman
Laura did an amazing job of digging into my manuscript and providing actionable feedback that I'm excited to use. Before working with Laura felt stuck and wasn't sure what direction I should take. Not any more! Thank you Laura!
Rachel Bakker, July 2021
Reply from Laura Silverman
I think Laura did a great job on editing my query letter. but it's not up to me to decide. Let's see what the agents say.
JOHN MITCHELL, June 2021
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