Lindsay Schlegel

Lindsay Schlegel - Editor

New Jersey, United States

I'm an enthusiastic freelance editor with experience across the industry--bookselling, marketing, publicity, agency, editorial, and writing.

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Overview

Since 2011, I have worked as a freelance editor, focusing on children's books (picture books, middle grade, young adult). I also edit adult fiction and non-fiction, but I am not well versed in genre fiction. I love a story that will make me laugh, and I don't mind a bit of a love story as well. My favorite novels are GILEAD by Marilynne Robinson, TUCK EVERLASTING by Natalie Babbitt, THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE by Aimee Bender, and THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck.

I have worked with books for ten years. My experience includes positions as a bookseller at Borders, a marketing intern at Candlewick Press, a publicity intern at Abrams Books for Young Readers/Amulet Books, a literary assistant at the Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency, and an editorial assistant at Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books in the Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

I am also an author. My fiction is represented by Alexandra Penfold at Upstart Crow Literary. My non-fiction has been published by Verily Magazine. Visit my blog, What I Learned While Writing a Novel, for interviews with industry professionals/authors and to get to know more about my perspective on the written word.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Dystopian
Literary Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Short Story
Women's Fiction
Young Adult

Work experience

Contributing Writer

Verily Magazine
February, 2015 – Present (about 8 years)

• Contributed lifestyle and culture articles on food allergies, miscarriage, and childbirth options, with over 10K shares

Editorial Assistant

Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Margaret K. McElderry Books at Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing Division
March, 2009 – November, 2010 (over 1 year)

• Acquired and edited middle grade novels
• Read and evaluated picture book, middle grade, and young adult submissions
• Wrote flap and marketing copy
• Brainstormed marketing and publicity strategies, as well as jacket and interior design
• Developed and maintained relationships with authors, agents, and illustrators
• Prepared and routed manuscript transmittals, and contract, copyright, CIP, and book estimate paperwork
• Oversaw departmental interns
• Acted as departmental liaison and as point of contact for backlist tiles

Literary Assistant

Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency
June, 2008 – February, 2009 (8 months)

• Read and evaluated a broad range of manuscripts, including fiction and non-fiction, adult and children’s
• Trafficked contracts, submissions, checks, and royalties
• Corresponded with authors and editors to facilitate book publication process
• Managed administrative duties, especially maintenance of physical and electronic filing systems

Publicity and Marketing Intern

Abrams Books for Young Readers/Amulet Books
May, 2006 – August, 2006 (3 months)

• Drafted press releases and email blasts, organized author tours, answered fan email, compiled contest entries
• Produced event kits for use by bookstores and other vendors in conjunction with book releases
• Created a comprehensive list of state children’s book awards in the U.S. and Canada for imprint submissions
• Assembled and submitted materials for book award entries

Publicity Intern

Candlewick Press
January, 2006 – May, 2006 (4 months)

• Corresponded with major reviewers, produced press kits, researched locations for national book tours
• Performed administrative duties: assembled mailings, updated databases, compiled press clippings

Bookseller

Borders Books and Music
May, 2005 – March, 2007 (almost 2 years)

• Promoted from cashier within a month of hire, became a key resource for children’s publications
• Created more efficient organizational structure in bulk supply of children’s materials
• Implemented monthly merchandise changes in children’s section displays to fulfill corporate protocol

Portfolio (7 selected works)

Dancing Home

Alma Flor Ada, Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

In this timely tale of immigration, two cousins learn the importance of family and friendship.A year of discoveries culminates in a performance full of surprises, as two girls find their own way to belong. Mexico may be her parents’ home, but it’s certainly not Margie’s. She has finally convinced the other kids at school she is one-hundred percent American—just like them. But when her Mexican ... read more

In this timely tale of immigration, two cousins learn the importance of family and friendship.A year of discoveries culminates in a performance full of surprises, as two girls find their own way to belong. Mexico may be her parents’ home, but it’s certainly not Margie’s. She has finally convinced the other kids at school she is one-hundred percent American—just like them. But when her Mexican ... read more

Joseph's Grace

Shelia P. Moses

Joseph’s sophomore year is about to begin, but his new start is a false one. At his father’s request Joseph moved in with Aunt Shirley, Uncle Todd and cousin Jasmine over the summer, to distance himself from his mother’s drug problems and the dangerous characters she interacts with. But efforts to keep Joseph safe have had tragic results for Jasmine: Momma’s boyfriend Bow, on one of his regula... read more

Joseph’s sophomore year is about to begin, but his new start is a false one. At his father’s request Joseph moved in with Aunt Shirley, Uncle Todd and cousin Jasmine over the summer, to distance himself from his mother’s drug problems and the dangerous characters she interacts with. But efforts to keep Joseph safe have had tragic results for Jasmine: Momma’s boyfriend Bow, on one of his regula... read more

Love, Amalia

Alma Flor Ada, Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

Amalia deals with loss while learning about love and her cultural heritage in this tender tale from acclaimed authors Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel M. Zubizarreta.Amalia’s best friend Martha is moving away, and Amalia is feeling sad and angry. And yet, even when life seems unfair, the loving, wise words of Amalia’s abuelita have a way of making everything a little bit brighter. Amalia finds great ... read more

Amalia deals with loss while learning about love and her cultural heritage in this tender tale from acclaimed authors Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel M. Zubizarreta.Amalia’s best friend Martha is moving away, and Amalia is feeling sad and angry. And yet, even when life seems unfair, the loving, wise words of Amalia’s abuelita have a way of making everything a little bit brighter. Amalia finds great ... read more

Invincible: Piercing the Veil, Book 2

C.A. Gray

Peter Stewart is a dead ringer for the legendary King Arthur, and because of that, everyone in Carlion believes that he is the Child of the Prophecy, destined to destroy the Shadow Lord. But Peter doesn’t want to be a hero; all he wants to be is left alone.Lily Portman also fits the prophecy. Having spent her entire life as an orphan and a misfit, Lily would love nothing more than to be the Ch... read more

Peter Stewart is a dead ringer for the legendary King Arthur, and because of that, everyone in Carlion believes that he is the Child of the Prophecy, destined to destroy the Shadow Lord. But Peter doesn’t want to be a hero; all he wants to be is left alone.Lily Portman also fits the prophecy. Having spent her entire life as an orphan and a misfit, Lily would love nothing more than to be the Ch... read more

Five Nights To The Crimson Moon

Walter Renfrey

In a high-tech winterland, 13-year-old Corbin accidentally causes his widowed mother, Zara the Guardian, to be sucked into the Dreamstone, a 12-inch crystal that has power over people’s nightmares. Terror strikes when Gol is invaded by SnowLanders led by the traitor Ripho who seizes the Dreamstone, kidnaps Gol’s children as ransom against an uprising, and vanishes into the Snow Mountains. Corb... read more

In a high-tech winterland, 13-year-old Corbin accidentally causes his widowed mother, Zara the Guardian, to be sucked into the Dreamstone, a 12-inch crystal that has power over people’s nightmares. Terror strikes when Gol is invaded by SnowLanders led by the traitor Ripho who seizes the Dreamstone, kidnaps Gol’s children as ransom against an uprising, and vanishes into the Snow Mountains. Corb... read more

Above (Volume 1)

Mackie Burt

When 17 year-old Callie’s life is suddenly cut short, she “wakes up” ABOVE, and soon discovers it’s not exactly what she expected. Still reeling from the fact that she is, in fact, no longer living, Callie learns that she’s also part of a select group of recently-passed teens fated to become Guardians. Not only does Callie have to go back to school - Guardian school - her dead grandmother happ... read more

When 17 year-old Callie’s life is suddenly cut short, she “wakes up” ABOVE, and soon discovers it’s not exactly what she expected. Still reeling from the fact that she is, in fact, no longer living, Callie learns that she’s also part of a select group of recently-passed teens fated to become Guardians. Not only does Callie have to go back to school - Guardian school - her dead grandmother happ... read more

Operation: Reuse It!: Read Think Reuse (Garbology Kids)

Sabbithry Persad

Winner, Mom's Choice Silver Award With colorful illustrations and fact-filled diagrams complementing the adventure, this picture book tells the story of how Peter and his friends help Mr. Ogilvy rediscover forgotten belongings in his shed. They help him organize and distribute the unwanted stuff to reuse centers in the community, learning the many ways and benefits of reusing. The children hav... read more

Winner, Mom's Choice Silver Award With colorful illustrations and fact-filled diagrams complementing the adventure, this picture book tells the story of how Peter and his friends help Mr. Ogilvy rediscover forgotten belongings in his shed. They help him organize and distribute the unwanted stuff to reuse centers in the community, learning the many ways and benefits of reusing. The children hav... read more

Lindsay has 2 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Rachel LaMonica
We were privileged to partner with Lindsay and she did a lovely job with the edits. She was personable, thorough, and really gave insight into what would make the project stronger and more interesting for readers. We look forward to continuing to work with Lindsay in the future!

Rachel LaMonica, May 2020


Simone Martin
She was extremely friendly and very professional. I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants great​ feedback and quality work.

Simone Martin, May 2018

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