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


- Acquired award-winning picture books


- Developed board, early reader, and picture books projects


- Worked extensively with a broad range of illustrators


- Worked closely with sales, marketing, 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 57 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Natasha H.

Natasha H.

Jul, 2024

Nothing short of amazing.
Valerie L.

Valerie L.

Jul, 2024

Michael Joosten was wonderful to work with. He took the time to understand my story, give feedback that aligned with my goals, and polish the quality to appeal to a broader audience. His feedback helped me feel confident in my writing while identifying ways to improve. The feedback was extremely collaborative as he provided options and reasoning for edits as we moved through the editing process...
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EK E.

EK E.

Jul, 2024

Michael Joosten is great to work with. He knows readers, and skillfully conveys how to reach those readers.
Judith L.

Judith L.

Jul, 2024

Michael is an absolute treasure. He helped me in ways I can’t even begin to explain. He gently criticized when necessary and was supportive when possible. He is smart, clever and just a pleasure. He is everything one could possibly want in an editor and I will use him for every one of my projects. Thank you Michael. And I really mean it!!
J. V. S.

J. V. S.

Jul, 2024

My query letter was pretty good from the start, and Michael made some fine suggestions, even though I didn't accept them all since some were redundant.

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