Stacy Whitman, Editor in Torrington, CT, USA

Overview

Hi there! I am the editor and former publisher of more than 100 books for young readers, including many critically acclaimed and bestselling titles. I love digging into a manuscript with my authors and asking questions about what ISN'T on the page (yet), helping them to shape their book to be the best book it can be. I specialize in helping you to find your story in the early stages, and in perfecting it throughout the process.

I excel with books at the crossroads of literary & commercial, particularly books with a strong hook that will appeal to young readers, then continue to live for years to come in curricular adoptions and as library favorites.

Genres/age groups/media I work with:

--chapter books (fiction, SFF)

--middle grade (all genres)

--young adult (all genres)

--adult fantasy and science fiction

I bring more than 25 years of experience in children's book publishing as founder and former publisher/editorial director of Tu Books, and before that, Wizards of the Coast.

Services

Developmental Editing

Editorial Assessment

Query Letter Review

Book Coaching

Non-Fiction

Children’s Non-Fiction

Fiction

Comics & Graphic Novels Epic Fantasy Middle Grade Young Adult

Languages

English (US)

Certifications

Master's of Arts, Children's Literature, Simmons University

Work experience

Consulting editor/owner

Self-employed

Oct, 2025 — Present

I am the owner of The Curious Cat Bookshop in Winsted, CT, through which I also run writing workshops and provide book coaching and developmental editing. I also host a podcast about the entire life of a book (from the writing process to the bookstore).

Adjunct Instructor

New York University

Jan, 2016 — Dec, 2018 (almost 3 years)

Created and taught Editing Children’s Books Cross-Culturally and Beyond course. Taught Book Manuscript Workshop (Editing Children’s and YA Novels).

Mentor

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present

Mentor students one-on-one in the Writing for Children master’s program.

Founder, Editorial Director, and Publisher

Tu Books, an imprint of Lee & Low Books

Jun, 2009 — Sep, 2025 (over 16 years)

Founder, editor, editorial director, publisher, and generally every other hat needed to run a startup imprint at a small press publishing novels, graphic novels, and nonfiction for middle grade and young adult readers.

Consulting editor

Self-employed

Aug, 2008 — Mar, 2010 (over 1 year)

Provided developmental editing and consulting services to middle grade and YA authors. Provided copyediting and proofreading editorial services to publisher clients. Taught seminars on writing and publishing.

Editor

Mirrorstone, an imprint of Wizards of the Coast

May, 2005 — Aug, 2008 (about 3 years)

Edited picture book, middle grade, and young adult fantasy/science fiction.