Michelle Schusterman – Editor

As an editor and story developer, I spent three years at Working Partners, the UK-based book packager behind international bestselling series like Warriors and Beast Quest, where I developed high-concept YA projects from the ground up. My work there included brainstorming commercial hooks, shaping pitches, building outlines, auditioning writers, and guiding manuscripts through revision. I’m currently the lead editor on MORIARTY by Caleb Roehrig, a modern Holmes mystery duology developed in partnership with the Arthur Conan Doyle estate (to be released in 2027).

As a book coach, I've worked with writers ranging from total beginners to traditionally published authors. My client list includes Raegan Revord, star of the hit CBS sitcom Young Sheldon, who I worked with for over a year to develop their fantastic debut YA rom-com RULES FOR FAKE GIRLFRIENDS (Wednesday Books 2025), and Olympic medalists Alex and Maia Shibutani, who I worked with on their exciting MG adventure series KUDO KIDS (Razorbill, 2021).

I'm also on the creative team at Flashmouth LLC as a book coach, where we're developing an exciting and innovative 4-book series that integrates original music composed and performed by songwriters who have collectively sold 10+ million records.

My background as both an author and a teacher deeply shapes the way I work as both an editor and book coach. I know how to diagnose what isn’t working in a story, but I also know how important it is to explain the “why” behind my feedback and give writers concrete, confidence-building next steps.

I’m not here to flatten your voice or turn your book into someone else’s idea of what it “should” be. My goal is to help you identify the strongest version of your story — the one with the clearest stakes, sharpest structure, and most satisfying character arcs.

A quick note on services:

Book coaching is best if you’re still developing or writing your novel. We might work together on concept, plot, structure, character, outline, sample pages, or a sustainable writing plan. To me, book coaching is the perfect hybrid of editing and teaching — with a dash of cheerleading!

Developmental editing and editorial assessments are best once you already have a full draft. I’ll look at the big-picture elements of your manuscript: premise, pacing, structure, character development, worldbuilding, emotional logic, genre expectations, and market positioning. You’ll come away with a clear understanding of what’s working, what needs revision, and how to move forward.

I’m especially passionate about MG and YA fiction in all genres. Whether you’re starting with a spark of an idea or staring down a messy first draft, I’d love to help you bring your book to life!