Sarah Jane Abbott

Sarah Jane Abbott - Editor

New York, NY, USA

Experienced children's book editor who specializes in picture books, both fiction and non-fiction, sketch dummies, and middle grade novels.

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Overview

I am a children's book editor who has been lucky enough to work on award-winning and bestselling picture books and novels, including the New York Times bestselling Baxter Family Children series by Karen Kingsbury; Crystal Kite Award-winning debut novel The Boy, the Boat, and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark; Horn Book Holiday Fanfare picture book The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen; and numerous others.

I specialize primarily in picture books, both fiction and non-fiction. It is deeply rewarding to work on books that can help shape a child's worldview or spark a lifelong love of reading and I take that responsibility seriously. When working on picture book texts, I help the author maximize a short word count to craft fleshed-out characters, plot, and themes. In a 500-word manuscript, every word counts and I am here to help authors pick the right ones. I have experience working on non-fiction picture books about topics ranging from marine biology to female athletes and I work with authors on the main book text as well as back matter. I am also passionate about working with illustrators to develop their sketch dummies, with a focus on composition, page turns, pacing, use of white space, and character development.

I also love editing a wide variety of middle grade novels. I have worked on a contemporary re-telling of a classic, augmented with recipes and craft projects; a supernatural mystery-thriller set on a deserted island; a post-apocalyptic fantasy with strong environmental themes narrated by a tree; and have assisted a best-selling adult author in creating a middle grade series about the childhoods of her best-loved characters. I work with my authors on crafting the all-important middle grade voice as well as on aspects including character development, plotting and pacing, building a vivid setting, world-building, creating natural-sounding dialogue, and more.

My editorial style is collaborative, detail-oriented, and personal. I give honest, to-the-point feedback while also being supportive, constructive, and sensitive to each creator's needs. My line edits tend to contain editorial notes alongside kudos and reactions to outstanding moments in the manuscript. I am a very visual person, so I also sometimes provide color-coded spreadsheets to illustrate points I am making about patterns or pacing issues in a manuscript. I write comprehensive editorial letters that cover a wide range of topics and give specific feedback for revision. However, I would never attempt to mold or re-write a manuscript according to my vision. My job is to help your manuscript become the very best version of the story you want to tell.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Coming of Age

Certifications

  • Copyediting, NYU SPS

Work experience

Editor/Ghostwriter/Founder

Self-employed
November, 2020 – Present (over 2 years)

As a full-time freelance editor and ghostwriter, I provide a comprehensive range of services including developmental edits, editorial assessments, copyediting and proofreading, ghostwriting, and query letter review. I specialize in picture books and also work on select middle grade projects.

Editor/Ghostwriter/Founder

Self-employed
November, 2020 – Present (over 2 years)

As a full-time freelance editor and ghostwriter, I provide a comprehensive range of services including developmental edits, editorial assessments, copyediting and proofreading, ghostwriting, and query letter review. I specialize in picture books and also work on select middle grade projects.

Children's Book Editor

Simon & Schuster
August, 2014 – November, 2020 (over 6 years)

Rose from editorial assistant to assistant editor to associate editor. Edited numerous middle grade novels and picture books. Worked with illustrators from thumbnails through finished art and design.

Children's Book Editor

Simon & Schuster
August, 2014 – November, 2020 (over 6 years)

Rose from editorial assistant to assistant editor to associate editor. Edited numerous middle grade novels and picture books. Worked with illustrators from thumbnails through finished art and design.

Publicity Assistant

Simon & Schuster
April, 2013 – August, 2014 (over 1 year)

Served as publicist for board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult novels. Pitched features in print media in addition to planning author tours and events.

Publicity Assistant

Simon & Schuster
April, 2013 – August, 2014 (over 1 year)

Served as publicist for board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult novels. Pitched features in print media in addition to planning author tours and events.

Portfolio (14 selected works)

Blue & Bertie

Litten, Kristyna, Litten, Kristyna

The Little Kitten (My Little Animal Friend)

Killen, Nicola, Killen, Nicola

The Little Rabbit (My Little Animal Friend)

Killen, Nicola, Killen, Nicola

Finding Home (A Baxter Family Children Story)

Kingsbury, Karen, Russell, Tyler

Best Family Ever (A Baxter Family Children Story)

Kingsbury, Karen, Russell, Tyler

Pony Poems for Little Pony Lovers

Meister, Cari, Rhys, Sara

Thread of Love

Sehgal, Kabir, Sehgal, Surishtha, Hoang, Zara Gonzalez

The Sea Knows

McGinty, Alice B., Havis, Alan B., Laberis, Stephanie

The Secret Rhino Society

Jacobs, Jonathan E., Cotterill, Samantha

In a Garden

McCanna, Tim, Sicuro, Aimée

My Grandparents Love Me

Freedman, Claire, Abbot, Judi

Sarah Jane has 19 reviews

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

Katie Snyder
I am about to request another query letter review by Sarah Jane Abbott. Can't give a better recommendation than that!

Katie Snyder, August 2022

Sarah Jane Abbott
Thank you, Katie! I look forward to working with you again.

Reply from Sarah Jane Abbott


Yema Electa
Sarah Jane is professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable. Her editing suggestions greatly improved my story. I would definitely hire her again.

Yema Electa, January 2022


Lexie Wheeler
Sarah Jane was helpful, quick to respond, and very knowledgable on the writing process. She provided me the guidance I needed for next steps in an easy to understand manner. She was prompt and thorough on the request I submitted and made my book better. Definitely would reach out for her services again!

Lexie Wheeler, December 2021


Chanel Johnson
Sarah's edits were clear and concise. As a new writer, she has made it very easy for me to understand what areas I need to work on. In addition to the edits, she also provided some very helpful resources to reference as I continue to work on my book and writing skills in general. Thank you, Sarah!

Chanel Johnson, November 2021


Donna Hoshide
Sarah Jane was very easy to work with and her turnaround time was timely. I hope to work with her again in the future.

Donna Hoshide, November 2021

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