Marissa Graff

Marissa Graff – Editor

Children’s book editor who will guide you in crafting the story you want to tell with a tailor-made revision plan. 8+ years experience.

Overview

🚨Now through the end of June, I'll be offering 10% off full editorial assessments and developmental edits.🚨


*Please note: I do NOT work with illustrated material, including picture books*


I have been a freelance editor and reader for former literary agent Sarah Davies (ranked #2 in middle-grade fiction sales) at Greenhouse Literary Agency for over seven years. My editorial work is with chapter books, middle-grade, and young-adult fiction. My clients have gone on to nab agents, sell their books, and even win the Newbery Award.


It is my goal to work with clients in a way that teaches them the whys and hows of revision. What excites me most is helping writers understand the reasoning behind what’s working and what may need attention so that they're brave enough to delve into revision. I will be a champion of your story and your ability as a writer to make it shine. I offer approaches to revision but am never prescriptive, always respecting the writer’s creative genius and ability to employ changes. I feel if I've done my job well, a client should probably never need my help again because I've given them a crash-course MFA via deep editorial support and/or coaching. I hold an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.


Please note: I am a thorough editor who dedicates a lot of time and attention to your story. I am not going to be the least expensive option, so if you're looking for the cheapest quote, please don't inquire.

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Marissa has been an invaluable freelance editor and second reader for me on a number of occasions, and I value her input highly. She has a very sound grounding in writing craft, but what really stands out is her ability to get straight to the heart of a manuscript’s problems and create a clear and comprehensive set of diagnoses, questions and suggestions for the author. Her notes are always very accessible and incisive, but also wonderfully kind and encouraging. She has a real talent for explaining points in an understandable way, while also making you feel that she’s a friend who is totally on your side. I’ve been an editor, publisher and agent for several decades, but I have great respect and admiration for Marissa’s abilities. Any author who finds themselves in her generous editorial hands, should feel themselves to be very fortunate.

-- Sarah Davies, literary agent, Greenhouse Literary Agency

Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Magical Realism Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults, Vermont College of Fine Arts

Work experience

Greenhouse Literary Agency

Jan, 2015 — Present

For over eight years, I have read and edited manuscripts for one of the top selling literary agents, Sarah Davies. Not only have I been able to collaborate with her on what makes manuscripts strong, but also in how and why they sell.

Writers Helping Writers website (Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi)

Aug, 2020 — Present

I serve as a resident writing coach for the website Writers Helping Writers. Not only do I post craft-based articles, but I also do critique giveaways for its followers. The website's creators, Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi, are behind the Writers Helping Writers thesaurus series (The Emotion Thesaurus, The Emotional Wound Thesaurus, and many more) and One Stop For Writers.

Angelella Editorial

Nov, 2018 — Present

I have worked for four years now as a freelance editor with an extremely talented and diverse editor collective to support writers through comprehensive editorial feedback. I do everything possible to give writers both the why in suggesting revisions, but also the how.

Portfolio

It’s jocks vs. nerds as a tween and his cadre of misfits go to hilarious lengths to bring down their enemies in this laugh-out-loud MAX novel.Chub is a short, accidentally bald, middle school outcast with no chance of ever becoming one of the popular kids. Wit... read more

Marissa has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Cathy L.

Cathy L.

May, 2023

Wow. Hiring Marissa Graff was the hands-down the best investment for my middle grade manuscript. Her incredibly detailed editorial letter and in-line comments were a wealth of insights and thought-provoking craft links. Her approach is kind and encouraging while being constructive and tangible. And she is simply a lovely human being to boot. If you're looking to propel your work to the next le...
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Knabstruppers O.

Knabstruppers O.

Apr, 2023

Marissa deserves 5 stars in every category- professionalism, quality, value, communication and punctuality. She is truly amazing as an editor and fun to work with. She is meticulous, always generous with her critiques, dedicated and encouraging—and she leaves no stone unturned. For a novice writer like myself she rescued my draft and provided me with detailed guidelines of how to get my book...
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M.T C.

M.T C.

Apr, 2023

As always, working with Marissa is a wonderful experience. Every writer should be so fortunate to work with an editor as talented as Marissa.
Janna M.

Janna M.

Mar, 2023

Marissa far exceeded my expectations. Her suggestions opened my creative process in ways that expanded my story and gave my main character more depth. She's professional, punctual and easy to work with. Bottom line, Marissa cares. Editing seems to be a passion more than a job for her.
Stacy C.

Stacy C.

Mar, 2023

Marissa is an absolute gem. I felt like I had a friend (a very honest and informative friend) cheering me on. 10 out of 10 - Highly recommend!