Nevin Mays - Editor
My goal is to guide writers to their best work, to coach them in eloquence and clarity, to lead them to their best stories and storytelling.
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Overview
I'm a successful children's content editor with a 15-year track record of identifying great storytelling and coaching writers to their most delightful use of language. I love working with authors, helping to build and grow their careers.
I edited five books in a series called Complete and Explained for Scholastic Book Clubs' Storia e-book app. We selected documents that were on the Common Core exemplars list. These included the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, The New Colossus (poem on the Statue of Liberty), the Gettysburg Address, and the Declaration of Independence. These are docs recommended be read—and understood—by eleven- and twelve-year-olds. Even the briefest of these docs, however, are pretty dense and use archaic English, so we “translated” them. First, we included the text verbatim, then section by section, we re-wrote it, using modern language. Then we explained the context of the document and the reason the words were chosen. As an example, we explained what “we hold these truths to be self-evident” means using words today’s students understand, then we gave some background about why the writers of those words felt it was necessary to say so—that they wanted to make it clear that the rights they were claiming weren’t up for debate, but were inherent to the human race, no matter your country.
Note: Storia is a proprietary e-reading app available only to Scholastic Book Clubs teachers and schools, so the books described above are not available to the general public.
I edited five books in a series called Complete and Explained for Scholastic Book Clubs' Storia e-book app. We selected documents that were on the Common Core exemplars list. These included the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, The New Colossus (poem on the Statue of Liberty), the Gettysburg Address, and the Declaration of Independence. These are docs recommended be read—and understood—by eleven- and twelve-year-olds. Even the briefest of these docs, however, are pretty dense and use archaic English, so we “translated” them. First, we included the text verbatim, then section by section, we re-wrote it, using modern language. Then we explained the context of the document and the reason the words were chosen. As an example, we explained what “we hold these truths to be self-evident” means using words today’s students understand, then we gave some background about why the writers of those words felt it was necessary to say so—that they wanted to make it clear that the rights they were claiming weren’t up for debate, but were inherent to the human race, no matter your country.
Note: Storia is a proprietary e-reading app available only to Scholastic Book Clubs teachers and schools, so the books described above are not available to the general public.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Fantasy
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Romance
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Certifications
- Certificate in Book Publishing, New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Work experience
Adjunct Professor
Portland State University
January, 2019
–
April, 2019
(3 months)
I teach Children's Book Publishing at Portland State University. The class is part of their graduate program in Book Publishing. We cover almost the entire gamut of books for children, from board books to chapter books to graphic novels (there's a different course focused on middle grade and YA), from Trade books to those geared toward the education and library market. And we cover editorial, marketing, sales, even production and legal issues. I draw on all of my publishing experience as an acquiring editor of audio subrights, a list manager of an ebook subscription program, an editor of licensed books from Disney and Nickelodeon, and a my more traditional roles as a copyeditor and project manager.
Storyteller
Green Bean Books
October, 2016
–
February, 2020
(over 3 years)
I run baby storytime for Green Bean Books in Portland, Ore. Each week I select a different theme, and then read books and sing songs pertaining to that theme. For example, an "outdoors" theme includes songs about the weather, trees, and squirrels, and books with similar themes. I incorporate movement and parent-baby interaction as much as possible.
Owner
Self-employed
April, 2015
–
Present
(almost 6 years)
I coach writers and authors in finding their voice, honing their plot, and identifying their target audience. I offer guidance about how to appeal to agents and editors, and in working with publishers of all sizes.
Editorial Manager, eBooks
Scholastic
March, 2012
–
August, 2014
(over 2 years)
I edited nonfiction picture books for toddlers, kindergartners, and first graders, as well as a short series of e-books that explained and gave context for major historical documents and speeches for upper elementary students.
I was also the editorial manager for Storia, Scholsastic's proprietary e-reading app, which means I was a curator, of sorts. I created book bundles around seasonality, topic, reading level...you name it, using my deep knowledge and understanding of children's reading habits and interests.
Associate Acquisitions Editor
Penguin Random House
March, 2007
–
March, 2012
(almost 5 years)
I selected the most exceptional, most interesting, most informative children's and teen books for inclusion on our children's audiobook list. We acquired from all major US and Canadian publishers, so I developed a high level view of the industry and an eye for what works.
Copyeditor
Government Technology magazine
August, 2000
–
July, 2002
(almost 2 years)
Government Technology is a nationally distributed magazine the covers, as the name suggests, technology and its uses in the state and local government sector. Technology can be hard to cover for the layman, and government workings tend to be dry, so I worked with writers to craft articles that were informative and clear, but still eloquent. I ensured writers maintained the tone of the magazine without sacrificing their unique voice. And of course, I edited for accuracy, grammar, spelling, etc.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
Finding Yvonne
Brandy Colbert
For fans of Nicola Yoon and Nina LaCour comes a striking novel about difficult choices from acclaimed author Brandy Colbert.Since she was seven years old, Yvonne has had her trusted violin to keep her company, especially in those lonely days after her mother walked out on their family. But with graduation just around the corner, she is forced to face the hard truth that she just might not be g... read more
The Next Great Paulie Fink
Ali Benjamin
In this highly anticipated second novel by the author of the award-winning, bestselling The Thing About Jellyfish, being the new kid at school isn't easy, especially when you have to follow in the footsteps of a classroom prankster like Paulie Fink.When Caitlyn Breen enters the tiny Mitchell School in rural Mitchell, Vermont, she is a complete outsider: the seventh grade has just ten other kid... read more
Like the Red Sky at Morning (Forget Me Not Book 2)
Brielle Skye
The story of Maxie and Isaac continues in the sequel to SOLITUDE OF A BIRDCAGE as the two lovers learn that some memories can't be erased, and the past is never far behind. She had a choice, and she chose him, only to be left guilt-ridden and heartbroken. Now Maxie Shannen is determined to move on from the past she shared with Isaac Cole—especially since he still doesn't remember it.Seeking co... read more
Travel around the world and meet animals with Mickey and the gang!
Discover the secret of princesses with Sofia!
Take charge of your health by understanding the connection between our evolutionary past and our future wellbeing with this practical guide to personalized health and nutrition—from distinguished physician Dr. Sharad Paul.Recognized as one of the best in his field, surgeon, academic, and philanthropist, Dr. Sharad Paul combines everyday health with evolutionary biology and explains how to impr... read more
Color Me Buddha: Express Yourself to De-Stress Yourself
Matthew Smith
Express your inner artist while finding your inner peace as you color the intricately lush and stunning drawings by artist Matthew Smith. His motifs bring to life mythic struggles of man versus beast that will rouse your creative muse. The exquisite details Matt weaves into each of his creations reels you back to a place of solemn contemplation with images of animal strength and feminine grace... read more
Negotiating New York: Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Real Estate
Joanne R. Douglas, Alfred Renna
Foreward by Barbara Corcoran, star of Shark Tank and author of Shark Tales. Siblings and top real estate duo, Joanne Renna Douglas and Alfred Renna, bring readers along on an engaging and often hilarious journey into the world of New York real estate. An accounting that is more exposé than how-to, Negotiating New York will have you glued to the page from start to finish, as you delve into the ... read more
Amelia Westlake Was Never Here
Erin Gough
A fiercely funny, queer romantic comedy about two girls who can't stand each other, but join forces in a grand feminist plan to expose harassment and inequality at their elite private school.Harriet Price is the perfect student: smart, dutiful, over-achieving. Will Everhart is a troublemaker who's never met an injustice she didn't fight. When their swim coach's inappropriate behavior is swept ... read more
Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls' Rights
Malala Yousafzai
A chapter book edition of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai's bestselling story of courageously standing up for girls' education. Malala's memoir of a remarkable teenage girl who risked her life for the right to go to school is now abridged and adapted for chapter book readers. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mot... read more
Nevin has 8 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Wonderful! I wish I had found Nevin at the start of my book writing adventure. She is incredibly intuitive and has a special knack for giving sound advice in the kindest way. Looking forward, she will always be my first choice for writing advice. She represents everything an editor should aspire to be.
Hazel Rosenthal, January 2021
Nevin was marvelous. She gave me a richly detailed report going through every aspect of my children's book. It included things like plot, character motivation, voice, and repetition. I am also illustrating my book, and she was able to give me some great pointers on the illustrations. Working with Nevin has been one of the best investments I've ever made, and I look forward to working with her i...
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Michael Logsdon, August 2020
Reply from Nevin Mays
Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! Nevin is brilliance wrapped in kindness. Her advice was thoughtful and thorough. I couldn't have asked for a better editor.
Hazel Rosenthal, July 2020
Reply from Nevin Mays
I strongly recommend Nevin for editorial assessment. Her feedback is concise, constructive, and supportive. Great suggestions on potential ways to address issues identified. No reservation about calling on her skills in the future.
Brian Ritacco, July 2020
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Reply from Nevin Mays
Very helpful and I learned a lot, just from her communication. Excellent response time and knowledge.
Ursula Burger, March 2018
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