Rebecca Kuss – Editor

I specialize in MG and YA fiction, with an eye towards what is currently working and selling in the children's literary market--working together, I'll take you from wherever you're starting (whether that's a kernel of an idea, an outline, or an in-need-of-revisions manuscript to getting your book sold to a publisher and on the shelves).

With an extensive background in editing and book packaging and as a former children's book scout for Netflix, I have an eye for plot, pacing, and how to imbue your book with that cinematic appeal that editors and readers are looking for!

I have a master's degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, where my thesis and research was focused on race and representation in children's publishing. I started my career as a children's book scout for Netflix, and from there I went to a children's book packaging company, where I was lucky enough to edit K-Pop star Jessica Jung's NYTimes best-selling novel, SHINE.

I've worked at HarperCollins, editing critically acclaimed and award-winning novels like Ann Liang's IF YOU COULD SEE THE SUN, Susan Lee's SEOULMATES, and Aden Polydoros's THE CITY BEAUTIFUL. As a senior editor at Disney, I worked with Rick Riordan on the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, editing NYTimes best-selling authors like Judy I. Lin and Graci Kim. At Disney, I also worked on projects like Kat Cho's NYTimes best-selling ONCE UPON A K-PROM, and other critically acclaimed and award-winning YA and MG like Zoe Hana Mikuta's OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, Jade Adia's THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD, and Leah Johnson's ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF.

I'm now an Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster, and just beginning to acquire a new list focused on both MG and YA.

As you can see, I've edited a vast array of projects from middle grade to YA, and I love every genre of book--from contemporary to romcom to speculative to fantasy to horror (although I am not the best fit for graphic novels or novels in verse).

I was a PW Star Watch Honoree in 2024, I regularly attend conference and work with SCBWI on panels and critiques, and can't wait to get to know you and your stories <3!!