P. J. Hoover

P. J. Hoover – Editor

Experienced editor and book coach. Love sci-fi, fantasy, adventure! Award-winning author of 40+ books. Let's make your book amazing!

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, I spent my summers reading SFF 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 thanks to the book Mythology by Edith Hamilton.


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 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. We didn't know everything that happened in ancient history, and that piqued my interest. There were stories wrapped up like the mummies tucked away in those tombs. 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 plan to continue forever.


Now I’m the author of over 40 books for kids, teens, and adults. 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." —Jonathan Sayer, YA author


"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, MG author



PRAISE FOR P.J.'s BOOKS:


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: "An epically hilarious adventure, Snappy, anachronistic humor make this an entertaining, laugh-out-loud adventure. Recommend to fans of Percy Jackson." —SLJ


"Cleverly funny, rich in Egyptian history, intriguingly fast-paced. A story to beguile fans of modern-day mythology." —VOYA


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


"[P.J.'s] confident deployment of myth is impressive." —Publishers Weekly

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

Self-employed

Oct, 2008 — Present

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.

Self-employed

Dec, 2004 — Present

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

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Prisoner in the Sky

Colom-Brana, Francisco

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
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 ... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Stormless

Stitle, Nick

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Once Upon a Princess

Marciniak, Christine

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Calli

Anderson, Jessica Lee

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Emily's Song

Marciniak, Christine

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Fairy Firestone

Rivers, Carolyn

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
The TreeHouse

Errico, Sophia

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Lancers of Freedom

George, Daanyel

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
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 fo... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Creation 1954

Gachich, John

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
No More Goddesses

Baccellia, Kim

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Reality Ali

Marciniak, Christine

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Uncertain Summer

Anderson, Jessica Lee

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

P. J. has 135 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tim T.

Tim T.

Dec, 2023

Tricia PJ Hoover provided a spectacular developmental edit! She was extremely thorough and provided me a very comprehensive line by line edit. Tricia provided a chapter-by-chapter review which was extremely detailed. I know for me as a first-time attempted writer I defiantly provided her an arduous task. She was an extreme pleasure to work with and I hope to work with her again. This fine lady ...
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P. J. H.
Thank you so much, Tim, for this truly wonderful review! I loved digging into your story and getting to know your characters! Thank you so much for putting your trust in me. I can't wait to see wha...
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Farabi S.

Farabi S.

Nov, 2023

Finding the right editor for your book can be a daunting task, but I hit the jackpot with Tricia. What set her apart initially was her promptness. Tricia's approach to editing was remarkably thorough. She didn't just make edits; she delved deep into the manuscript, enhancing the overall quality. She offered the opportunity for a face-to-face discussion. This meeting wasn't just productive—it w...
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P. J. H.
Farabi, thank you so much for this wonderful and thoughtful review. I appreciate it beyond words! It was a delight to work with you on your story, and I will look forward to any and all future coll...
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Michelle R.

Michelle R.

Nov, 2023

Working with P. J. Hoover was one of the best decisions I made throughout this whole journey to authorship. Not only is my debut novel a million times cleaner and tighter than before I had her absolutely invaluable feedback, but I also learned so much from her that I can take into future projects. I will definitely be working with her again!
P. J. H.
Thank you so much for the lovely review, Michelle, and for letting me work with you on your story! I love the world and the characters so much, and I can't wait to see the final project! So excited!
Josh D.

Josh D.

Nov, 2023

Great process from start to finish. As a first-time writer, I was unsure how my story would be received. PJ understood my concepts and provided thoughtful insights. She treated my project with great respect—just the editor I needed.
P. J. H.
Thank you so much for the review, Josh! It was so great to dive into your worldbuilding and seeing the amazing characters you created. I can't wait to find out what happens next for them! Thank you...
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Ed M.

Ed M.

Nov, 2023

P.J. is great!
P. J. H.
Thank you, Ed! Your story was so clever and so much fun! I never knew what to expect next! I really appreciate your review and you letting me work on this with you!

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