Nevin Mays

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.

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.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Fantasy Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Certificate in Book Publishing, New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Work experience

Portland State University

Jan, 2019 — Apr, 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.

Green Bean Books

Oct, 2016 — Feb, 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.

Self-employed

Apr, 2015 — Present

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.

Scholastic

Mar, 2012 — Aug, 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.

Penguin Random House

Mar, 2007 — Mar, 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.

Government Technology magazine

Aug, 2000 — Jul, 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

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 Caitly... read more
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 w... read more
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... read more
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.... read more
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 accou... read more
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 Ma... read more
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 f... read more
Discover the secret of princesses with Sofia!
Travel around the world and meet animals with Mickey and the gang!
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 ... read more

Nevin has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Hazel R.

Hazel R.

Mar, 2023

Nevin is a confidence builder! She celebrates my best and kindly points out my not-so-great. She gives her best so that I can give my best. I struck rhodium when I found Nevin.
Nevin M.
Hazel is the best kind of client, receptive, ready for a challenge, and confident in the story SHE wants to tell.
Hazel R.

Hazel R.

Jul, 2022

Nevin is wonderful!
Nevin M.
Back atcha! Looking forward to the next project.
Hazel R.

Hazel R.

Mar, 2022

Best editor ever! Nevin continues to amaze me with her editorial wisdom. She's also a wonderful person to work with. My sincere thanks Nevin.
Nevin M.
It's a pleasure to work with Hazel and watch her grow as a writer and storyteller with each new book!
Hazel R.

Hazel R.

Sep, 2021

Nevin's editing skills are perfection, and she is always diplomatic in her suggestions. Even when I think I've done my best, she suggest things that lead me to those aha magical moments. Her insight has helped me become a better writer. I am forever grateful.
eris B.

eris B.

Jul, 2021

Wonderful and super attentive to how I receive criticism. Went above and beyond.
Nevin M.
Eris was easy to work with and receptive to feedback. It was clear in our brief follow-up call that she had considered my comments and was already forming new ideas and revisions to address them. T...
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