Michelle Sumovich

Michelle Sumovich – Editor

I want to be your secret weapon! Traditionally pub'd author & editor providing expert story development. Creative & precise. Lemme at it!

Overview

I'm an assertive and kind editor of fiction (Kids, YA, and Adult), and an author of work which has been published by Penguin, HarperCollins, Candlewick, and Sourcebooks. I'm diversity and equity trained and have a knack for protecting the integrity of your work while guiding you toward an outcome that's even more surprising, fresh, and marketable.

As an editor, I use a strong guiding hand, drilling down to the details when necessary, and using a light touch when the work calls for your creative autonomy. Story development is my specialty. As one client stated, I have the "unique ability to inject humor, mystery, and the exact pieces your story has needed all along." I will provide line level notes throughout your manuscript and synthesize those notes as big picture feedback in my editorial letter.

In Adult and YA fiction, I have experience editing Fantasy, Romance, Upmarket, and Book Club selections. I love developing a variety of work, from cozy to spicy+, and particularly excel in absurdity and humor when present. I'm skilled at balance-- If you're struggling with pacing, voice, or tension, I can help you punch up the small moments to give the overall work that satisfying push-and-pull that keeps readers hooked.

In Kids fiction, I'm accepting select picture books. It's a very exact format where every word counts and all story elements are under the microscope. I love continuing the development of work in this space which has already undergone at least one round of peer review and revision. I'm highly practiced at developing pacing, voice, and heart that catch the attention of publishers and resonate with young audiences.

I would love to be your creative collaborator and help you get your book sold! Please reach out!

Services
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present
Closely read manuscripts (children to adult) and provide creative suggestions to further develop the work. Clients receive line level margin notes as well as an in-depth editorial letter with big picture thoughts and actionable suggestions on story elements (character, pacing, plot, etc). Follow up call available upon request.

Self-employed

Jan, 2015 — Present
Develop and sell original children's texts to major publishers. Work includes board book, picture book, graphic novel, and middle grade.

Portfolio

Spur of the Moment (Willow Creek, 1)

Smith, Juliana

Bloom Books

Developmental Editing
A Thousand Little Goodbyes

Gilmore, Lucy

Sourcebooks Casablanca

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Can You Imagine?: The Art and Life of Yoko Ono

Tolin, Lisa

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken

Holt, Hannah

Roaring Brook Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Alpacas Here, Alpacas There

Tillotson, Carrie

Beach Lane Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
B Is for Bananas

Tillotson, Carrie

Flamingo Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Laolao's Dumplings

Liu, Dane

Godwin Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
How to Be a Rock Star

Tolin, Lisa

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Friends Are Friends, Forever

Liu, Dane

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Michelle has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Donna G.

Donna G.

Oct, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Michelle as my developmental editor, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. She provided clear insights and thoughtful comments that helped me see my manuscript in a fresh light. Her suggestions were both practical and inspiring, giving me concrete...
Read more

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