Nicole Otto

Nicole Otto – Editor

Editor specializing in picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA fiction, including several New York Times bestsellers.

Overview

My experience ranges from working at a Big Five publisher to the prestige literary agency, Writers House.

I inform all my feedback with a keen understanding of the children's book market and take a collaborative and creative approach to all of my edits. All of my edits begin with your vision for your book. I provide guidance and feedback to best achieve that vision. I usually begin with flagging elements that need further attention, whether it be character, structure, pacing, clarity, or consistency. I'll then explain what isn't coming through on the page and provide suggestions for edits to accomplish your intention.

I've reviewed hundreds of pitches and edited over 100 books for all ages and can help you stand out from the pack!

EXPERIENCE: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Writers House, Realm (#1 audio fiction network), Zando Publishing.

SPECIALTY: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade Novels, Young Adult

GENRES: Mystery, fantasy, contemporary, thriller, romance, horror

THEMES: My experience ranges from lighthearted, silly tales to heartfelt stories about family, friendship, love, "growing up," identity, and loss.

Services
Fiction
Coming of Age Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Signal Award - Best Writing
  • Signal Award- Best Fiction Show
  • Webby Award Nominee- Best Writing
  • Three New York Times Bestsellers

Work experience

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Feb, 2015 — Sep, 2019 (over 4 years)
Edited and acquired across all ages with a focus on commercial fiction across all ages, including multiple New York Times bestsellers. - Associate Editor (June 2018 - September 2019) - Assistant Editor (July 2017 - June 2018) - Editorial Assistant (February 2015 - July 2017)

Zando Publishing

Mar, 2024 — Present
Develops Original IP across adult genres and edits romance novels.

Senior Creative Executive

Jul, 2020 — Feb, 2024 (over 3 years)
Acquired, developed, and edited audio fiction series across genres and partnered with studios such as Netflix and HBO to create series for beloved franchises. Senior Creative Executive: December 2022 - March 2024 Editor: July 2020- December 2022

Lonely Planet Kids

Oct, 2019 — Apr, 2020 (7 months)
Developed, edited, and project managed non-fiction titles for young readers about culture, history, and travel.

Writers House

Sep, 2014 — Dec, 2014 (3 months)
Read children's and YA submissions from the slush pile and wrote reader’s reports for agents.

Portfolio

Rise of the Dragon Moon

Byrne, Gabrielle K.

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Doris the Bookasaurus

Murray, Diana

Imprint

Editorial Assessment
Penny and Penelope

Richards, Dan

Imprint

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Winner Take All

Devore, Laurie

Square Fish

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Last Girl Lied To

Flynn, L.E.

Imprint

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Snared: Escape to the Above (Wily Snare, 1)

Epstein, Adam Jay

Square Fish

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
How to Break a Boy

Devore, Laurie

Imprint

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Everywhere, Wonder

Swanson, Matthew

Imprint

Developmental Editing
All Eyes on Her

Flynn, L.E.

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
I Kissed Alice

Birch, Anna

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Nicole has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Denise W.

Denise W.

Mar, 2025

As a novice writer, I greatly appreciated Nicole's thorough review of my first manuscript. Her feedback provided valuable insights to help me improve and refine the story for chapter book readers. I look forward to working with Nicole again after I’ve revised the manuscript.
Nicole O.
Thank you so much, Denise! I really enjoyed working with you.
Chelsea B.

Chelsea B.

Mar, 2025

Nicole was timely, professional, and astute in her evaluation of and suggestions for my work! Working with her was a great experience!

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