Michael Joosten

Michael Joosten – Editor

Creative and dynamic children's book editor with 15 years experience at companies such as Scholastic Books and Random House Children's Books

Overview

With vast experience as an editor and best-selling author in children's publishing, I pull from my extensive background in theater. I utilize my experiences with musicality (rhythms, phrasing) and script analysis (story building) to help shape texts into dynamic, voice-driven books that range from the comedic to the matter-of-fact. Each project requires individual tailoring, and I draw on my unique perspective and experience to help create engaging board books, picture books, early readers, beginner chapter books, and branded content.


Over the course of my career, I have:


- Managed and edited iconic publishing programs that included The Berenstain Bears, Richard Scarry, and Little Critter


- Edited titles in the Dr. Seuss and Little Golden Books publishing programs


- Worked directly with Mariah Carey, Julianne Moore, John Cena, and Danielle Steele on their picture book projects


- Acquired acclaimed and award-winning picture books


- Developed commercially successful board books, early readers, and picture books


- Worked closely with sales, marketing, design, and publicity to assist in positioning books for optimal success



Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction LGBTQ Non-Fiction
Fiction
Humor & Comedy LGBTQ Fiction Picture Books
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-Employed

Apr, 2019 — Present

Random House Children's Books

Sep, 2010 — Mar, 2019 (over 8 years)

Scholastic Books

Sep, 2007 — Apr, 2010 (over 2 years)

Michael has 64 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Cheryl F.

Cheryl F.

Oct, 2024

Working with Michael was really fun! As a new writer, he explained the whole process, answered any questions I had, and made the experience very fun and positive. He had great suggestions and appreciated my input. I highly recommend him! Thank you Michael!
Kim C.

Kim C.

Sep, 2024

Michael is fantastic! He copyedited my book of children’s short stories and provided specific, easy-to-understand suggestions to enhance my writing for the better. He offered ways to rephrase a sentence in a manner that felt natural and concise and effectively reined in my wayward spelling and punctuation. He also did all this in a very efficient time frame. I highly recommend him!
Emily B.

Emily B.

Sep, 2024

Very communicative and professional
Maggie F.

Maggie F.

Aug, 2024

Michael is a consummate professional and really knows what he's doing. He's very positive which I value when it can be easy to be hard on yourself when it comes to writing projects. I would certainly work with him again.
Lanny L.

Lanny L.

Aug, 2024

Thoroughly experienced and knowledgeable in the entire editing and presentation process. It was a pleasure to work with Michael.

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