P. J. Hoover

P. J. Hoover - Editor

Austin, TX, USA

Experienced editor (15+ years). Love sci-fi, fantasy, adventure! Award-winning author of 40+ books. Let's take your book to the next level!

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Overview

Growing up, I wanted to be a Jedi. After all, who wouldn't want to be able to travel in space, use telekinesis, and do cool mind tricks? But seeing as how that wasn't going to happen, instead I spent my summers reading science fiction and fantasy books and teaching myself to program in BASIC on my Commodore 64. I loved losing myself in the worlds of J. R. R. Tolkien, Roger Zelazny, and Isaac Asimov. And I fell in love with mythology in sixth grade thanks to the book Mythology by Edith Hamilton.

Off in college, I pursued my engineering master’s degree, but I always had a love for storytelling and mysteries of the unknown. Somewhere along the line, I decided I wanted to be an archaeologist, so in addition to engineering, I also received a degree in history.

Why did I want to be an archaeologist? Because ancient history is all about stories. I first visited the King Tut treasures back in 1977. They’d stayed hidden for thousands of years, back from the time of myths. Humans didn't record everything and records had been lost. We didn't know everything that happened in ancient history, and that totally piqued my interest. There were stories wrapped up like the mummies tucked away in those tombs, and I wanted to unwrap and discover those stories. So after 15 years as an electrical engineer, I decided to pursue storytelling full-time. I’ve been writing since 2004 and I plan to continue writing forever.

Now I’m the author of over 30 books for kids, teens, and adults, and there is no greater joy than sharing my love of storytelling with the world. In addition to writing my own books, I have a passion for helping others. I would love the opportunity to work with you!

Your stories will always be your own. Editing isn’t about me taking everything you love in a story and changing it. But I can help you breathe life into your stories. I can help them become wondrous tales that will resonate with readers long after they put your book down.

I can’t wait to share my love of craft and storytelling with you and help you achieve all your dreams! Now let’s get your stories in the hands of readers!

PRAISE FOR MY EDITORIAL WORK


"P. J.'s involvement was a big boost for my writing. She identified the urgency of my main character's story and pushed me to bring that forward. Helped me to think about what my characters should be feeling so readers could connect more with their emotions. I highly recommend her." -- Jonathan Sayer, young adult author


"Inspiration and style are necessary to writing but aren't the whole story. Stories have structures. They have antagonists. They need more 'show' than 'tell'. They must engage the reader. P. J. has opened my eyes to the craft and business of writing for children. Always positive and supportive, her guidance has been the force that's made my stories come alive!" -- Kathy Sutphin, chapter book author


PRAISE FOR HOMER’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE (Cbay Books, 2020, MG novel)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: "An origin story for the ages takes readers on an epically hilarious adventure . . . snappy, anachronistic humor make this an entertaining, laugh-out-loud adventure . . . Recommend to fans of Percy Jackson, epic stories, and mythology looking for new fodder with a twist." —School Library Journal

"...a wild string of encounters with drug-dealing lotus-eaters, cannibal Laestrygonians, dead spirits, vicious storms, and, of course, monsters galore . . . Awesome reading" —Kirkus


PRAISE FOR TUT: THE STORY OF MY IMMORTAL LIFE (Starscape/Macmillan, 2014, MG novel)


"A pyramid history buffs and fantasy fans will delight in excavating." —Kirkus


"The entertaining premise and fast pace keep this adventure on track, while the way P.J. reimagines the Egyptian pantheon ... is pleasantly reminiscent of Rick Riordan's work." —Publishers Weekly


"...a fast-moving adventure with surprising twists... Fans of Rick Riordan's will surely enjoy this title. A fine purchase for libraries where historically based adventures are in demand." —School Library Journal


"Cleverly funny, rich in Egyptian history, and intriguingly fast-paced, Tut brilliantly blends fantasy with thoughtfully constructed characterization to create a story that will beguile fans of modern-day mythology." —VOYA


"J.P.'s fun interpretations of Egyptian gods and goddesses, frenetic pace, and appropriately modern snark propel this highly entertaining adventure." —Booklist


PRAISE FOR SOLSTICE (Tor/Macmillan, 2013, YA novel)


"Solstice is one red-hot read—it intrigues, sizzles, and satisfies." —Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times bestselling author


"[P.J.'s] confident deployment of myth is impressive . . . readers will be happy to immerse themselves in Piper's struggles with adulthood, love, and fate." —Publishers Weekly


"The story's many twists and details about the Underworld and its denizens make Solstice a real page-turner that is hard to put down." —School Library Journal


"...a debut novel that consistently delivers..." —Booklist


"Sure to be a fan favorite, Solstice is not a book readers will be able to easily put down." —VOYA


"P.J. utilizes her unique writing style to create a beautiful world of disaster and chaos" —School Library Journal Teen Review


Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Fantasy
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Science Fiction
Young Adult Fantasy

Awards

  • Texas Lone Star List
  • Spirit of Texas Middle School List
  • YALSA BFYA Nominee
  • ABC Best Books for Children pick
  • Tristate Books of Note List
  • Follett First Choice Must-have Title
  • Mackin Compendium Title
  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog pick

Work experience

Editor

Self-employed
October, 2008 – Present (over 14 years)

I'm the author of over thirty books for people of all ages published through a variety of means (traditional publishing, small press, self publishing, pseudonyms). I am actively involved in the writing community and have taught classes and participated in panels for many organizations across the country. My books have been selected for state lists both in and outside of Texas. For the last eight years, I have also participated as a judge in various writing contests. I have been editing manuscripts since 2008 and am always excited to offer feedback.
A note on my feedback: I won't hold back on my thoughts, as I think honest feedback is very important for writers to grow and learn.

Author

Self-employed
December, 2004 – Present (over 18 years)

P. J. (Tricia) wanted to be a Jedi, but when that didn't work out, she became an electrical engineer instead. After a fifteen year bout designing computer chips for a living, P. J. started creating worlds of her own. She's the award-winning author of The Hidden Code, a Da Vinci Code-style young adult adventure with a kick-butt heroine, and Tut: The Story of My Immortal Life, featuring a fourteen-year-old King Tut who's stuck in middle school. When not writing, P. J. spends time practicing kung fu, fixing things around the house, and solving Rubik's cubes.

Portfolio (16 selected works)

Once Upon a Princess

Marciniak, Christine

Calli

Anderson, Jessica Lee

Uncertain Summer

Anderson, Jessica Lee

Reality Ali

Marciniak, Christine

Emily's Song

Marciniak, Christine

No More Goddesses

Baccellia, Kim

Temple of Valor

Joe Lyon

The exciting adventures continue. Astar has grown to have unbelievable powers he can barely control. As a new terror rises from the depths, he is joined with the magical dagger, reuniting the final piece of the ancient God inhabiting him. Astar becomes the most powerful creature in the Universe, and using cunning and raw power, he is capable of shaping world events according to his will. Yet, ... read more

The exciting adventures continue. Astar has grown to have unbelievable powers he can barely control. As a new terror rises from the depths, he is joined with the magical dagger, reuniting the final piece of the ancient God inhabiting him. Astar becomes the most powerful creature in the Universe, and using cunning and raw power, he is capable of shaping world events according to his will. Yet, ... read more

The Prisoner in the Sky

Colom-Brana, Francisco

Creation 1954

Gachich, John

One February Morning

Gachich, John

Only Half Human

Nathaniel Wright

High school was hard enough for Lesley Robinson, and that was before she sprouted wings, a tail, and devil horns. She and her witch mother are forced to flee to Misty Hollow, a hidden haven for mythical creatures. As the only half-demon at her new school, Lesley struggles to fit in. Desperate to restore her humanity, she can’t help but be tempted when Asmodeus, chief prince of the demons, give... read more

High school was hard enough for Lesley Robinson, and that was before she sprouted wings, a tail, and devil horns. She and her witch mother are forced to flee to Misty Hollow, a hidden haven for mythical creatures. As the only half-demon at her new school, Lesley struggles to fit in. Desperate to restore her humanity, she can’t help but be tempted when Asmodeus, chief prince of the demons, give... read more

Lancers of Freedom

George, Daanyel, Schwarz, Ryan, Hoover, PJ

P. J. has 84 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Nick Wolfe
Very happy with the final outcome. PJ was a blast to work with. She kept me focused on the positives and helped me work though what needed to be. She is very responsive to questions and full of helpful tricks of the trade. If I had to find another person to work with again, I would definitely choose PJ Hoover!

Nick Wolfe, March 2023


John Jones
Working with P.J. was a great experience. I loved her expertise, enthusiasm, and positive nature. Our collaboration resulted in a query letter I feel very good and confident about. I highly recommend her and if I need help in the future, she will be my first choice.

John Jones, March 2023


Sean Roberts
Amazing to work with, excellent in her profession.

Sean Roberts, February 2023


Carolyn Rivers
I can’t say enough good things about P.J. She was spot on with her review and with her help took my book to the next level. I plan to go back to her for a second reading. The process worked for me. This lady knows her stuff, is timely, and professional.

Carolyn Rivers, February 2023


Catherine Castoro
P.J. did an excellent job in editing my picture book, catching a few things I missed while making worthy suggestions. She was prompt, a pleasure to work with, and a good value. I would definitely use her services again. To sum it up, she's awesome!

Catherine Castoro, February 2023

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