Susan Korman

Susan Korman - Editor

Philadelphia, PA, USA

I'm a highly experienced editor and writer specializing in books for children and teens.

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Overview

With 25+ years in the publishing industry, I use my expertise to help writers turn their manuscripts into polished books for children and teens. I've worked in editorial departments at three major book publishers--New American Library, Simon & Schuster, and Bantam Doubleday Dell--and edited dozens of bestselling series (Encyclopedia Brown, Choose Your Own Adventure, The Saddle Club, Nancy Drew, Goosebumps, and more). In my editing, I strive to help writers improve their craft to produce stories that are entertaining, enlightening, and targeted to a young audience.

My editorial experience has also included working for book packagers and educational publishers such as Highlights for Children and Little Fox, Inc., a website of animated content for teaching English to children. I've published over one hundred animated e-stories as well as over forty books, many of them adaptations of movies and TV shows.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Parenting & Families
Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Short Story
Women's Fiction
Young Adult

Certifications

  • Master of Education
  • School Library Certification

Work experience

Editor & Writer

Self-employed
May, 2016 – Present (almost 7 years)

I am a freelance editor and writer, specializing in books and media for children and teenagers. My clients include book and website publishers as well as individual writers seeking to improve and/or publish their work. Having published over forty books for teens and children, I bring a writer's eye and sensitivity to editing projects.

Freelance Editor

Editorial Services boutique
February, 2016 – Present (about 7 years)

Senior Editor (freelance)

Little Fox, Inc
September, 2009 – Present (over 13 years)

I edit and write animated stories for teaching English to children. I'm also responsible for generating new ideas for the company's publishing program, hiring writers and illustrators, and developing talent.

Senior Editor

Bantam Doubleday Dell
September, 1985 – April, 1995 (over 9 years)

I acquired and edited middle grade and YA fiction. Edited several bestselling series such as Choose Your Own
Adventure, The Saddle Club, Encyclopedia Brown and more.

Associate Editor

Simon & Schuster
September, 1984 – September, 1985 (about 1 year)

Editorial Assistant

New American Library
August, 1983 – September, 1984 (about 1 year)

Portfolio (22 selected works)

Overexposed (Surviving Southside)

Susan J. Korman

"Send me a pic?" Daisy Garcia's not afraid of putting on a show. So when her boyfriend Simon asks Daisy for some sexy pictures, she sends him a couple. After all, he wouldn't show them to anyone, right? But when Daisy and Simon have a bad breakup, Simon forwards the pictures to the phones of everyone at Southside High. How will Daisy handle it when her private life goes public?

"Send me a pic?" Daisy Garcia's not afraid of putting on a show. So when her boyfriend Simon asks Daisy for some sexy pictures, she sends him a couple. After all, he wouldn't show them to anyone, right? But when Daisy and Simon have a bad breakup, Simon forwards the pictures to the phones of everyone at Southside High. How will Daisy handle it when her private life goes public?

P Is For Philadelphia

Susan Korman

P Is for Philadelphia is a unique, alphabetic tour of the city and the region, illustrated by the area's public school children, who participated in a city-wide drawing contest. From A is for Athlete to Z is for Zoo, all of the city's rich history is explored. P Is for Philadelphia includes entries on William Penn's arrival and historic treaty with the Delaware Indians, the city's heritage as ... read more

P Is for Philadelphia is a unique, alphabetic tour of the city and the region, illustrated by the area's public school children, who participated in a city-wide drawing contest. From A is for Athlete to Z is for Zoo, all of the city's rich history is explored. P Is for Philadelphia includes entries on William Penn's arrival and historic treaty with the Delaware Indians, the city's heritage as ... read more

Rio: Birds of a Feather

Susan Korman

Blu is happy living in Minnesota with his best friend, Linda. But when he finds himself lost in the Brazilian jungle, will he have what it takes to survive?

Blu is happy living in Minnesota with his best friend, Linda. But when he finds himself lost in the Brazilian jungle, will he have what it takes to survive?

Noah: Ila's Story

Susan Korman

The ancient world. A young girl, Ila, is found, injured after a violent raid. She is taken in by Noah and his family and grows up strong and happy – she even finds love with her soulmate, Shem, Noah’s son. But when devastation comes to the world in the form of a huge flood, Ila and her new family are responsible for saving not only themselves but all life on earth. Against all odds they set of... read more

The ancient world. A young girl, Ila, is found, injured after a violent raid. She is taken in by Noah and his family and grows up strong and happy – she even finds love with her soulmate, Shem, Noah’s son. But when devastation comes to the world in the form of a huge flood, Ila and her new family are responsible for saving not only themselves but all life on earth. Against all odds they set of... read more

Bad Deal (Surviving Southside)

Susan J. Korman

It's not going to hurt anyone.Fish hates having to take ADHD medication. It helps him concentrate, but it also makes him feel weird. So when his crush, Ella, needs a boost to study for tests, Fish offers her one of his pills. Soon more kids want pills, and Fish is enjoying the profits. To keep from running out, Fish finds a doctor who sells phony prescriptions. But suddenly, the doctor is arre... read more

It's not going to hurt anyone.Fish hates having to take ADHD medication. It helps him concentrate, but it also makes him feel weird. So when his crush, Ella, needs a boost to study for tests, Fish offers her one of his pills. Soon more kids want pills, and Fish is enjoying the profits. To keep from running out, Fish finds a doctor who sells phony prescriptions. But suddenly, the doctor is arre... read more

Box Turtle At Silver Pond Lane (Smithsonian Backyard)

Susan Korman

Children follow Box Turtle as she stirs from her cozy bed of leaves and soil to find the perfect spot to lay her eggs. Reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution for accuracy, Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lane is a fun and informative story with beautifully detailed illustrations. Watch your children have a blast reading and learning about the animals that live in an American backyard!Book Features:... read more

Children follow Box Turtle as she stirs from her cozy bed of leaves and soil to find the perfect spot to lay her eggs. Reviewed by the Smithsonian Institution for accuracy, Box Turtle at Silver Pond Lane is a fun and informative story with beautifully detailed illustrations. Watch your children have a blast reading and learning about the animals that live in an American backyard!Book Features:... read more

Sid the Science Kid: Why Did My Ice Pop Melt?

Susan Korman

When Sid discovers that the ice pop he left out overnight has melted, he starts to wonder: Why don't ice pops stay frozen all the time? And why does water turn into ice in the freezer? With a little help from his family, friends, and teacher, Sid the Science Kid is ready to investigate reversible change!

When Sid discovers that the ice pop he left out overnight has melted, he starts to wonder: Why don't ice pops stay frozen all the time? And why does water turn into ice in the freezer? With a little help from his family, friends, and teacher, Sid the Science Kid is ready to investigate reversible change!

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen: Operation Autobot

Susan Korman

Optimus Prime and the Autobots are searching for Decepticons all around the world. Together with their human friends, the Autobots have formed a top secret team bent on keeping the Earth safe. But they had better watch out—a Decepticon could be lurking where they least expect it!

Optimus Prime and the Autobots are searching for Decepticons all around the world. Together with their human friends, the Autobots have formed a top secret team bent on keeping the Earth safe. But they had better watch out—a Decepticon could be lurking where they least expect it!

Jet Black and the Ninja Wind: British Edition

Leza Lowitz, Shogo Oketani

**Winner of the 2013-2014 Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature****2015 Sakura Medal Nominee****Shortlisted for the 2014 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award****Nominated for the Cybils Young Adult Bloggers Literary Award**Seventeen-year-old Jet Black is a ninja. There's only one problem—she doesn't know it.Jet has never lived a so-called normal life. Raised by her single Japanese mother... read more

**Winner of the 2013-2014 Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature****2015 Sakura Medal Nominee****Shortlisted for the 2014 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award****Nominated for the Cybils Young Adult Bloggers Literary Award**Seventeen-year-old Jet Black is a ninja. There's only one problem—she doesn't know it.Jet has never lived a so-called normal life. Raised by her single Japanese mother... read more

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Jumping Frogs

Donald J. Sobol

Can the secret weapon in Idaville’s war on crime really be a ten-year-old boy in sneakers? It can if it’s Encyclopedia Brown! Encyclopedia is back with ten all-new mysteries to solve, along with the help of his partner, Sally Kimball, the prettiest and toughest girl in the fifth grade. They’ll have to face Bugs Meany, who’s up to his old tricks, and Wilford Wiggins, who’s still dreaming up new... read more

Can the secret weapon in Idaville’s war on crime really be a ten-year-old boy in sneakers? It can if it’s Encyclopedia Brown! Encyclopedia is back with ten all-new mysteries to solve, along with the help of his partner, Sally Kimball, the prettiest and toughest girl in the fifth grade. They’ll have to face Bugs Meany, who’s up to his old tricks, and Wilford Wiggins, who’s still dreaming up new... read more

Incarceration

Tessa Fang

In the dystopian world of Madina City, officials are determined to enforce all rules and punish all offenders. So they've built Ranum Correctional Institute, where people, including kids, are incarcerated for even the most minor offenses. And no one knows Ranum Correctional Institute better than Harriet Maxwell. The daughter of a former guard, Maxwell can expertly navigate the place—including ... read more

In the dystopian world of Madina City, officials are determined to enforce all rules and punish all offenders. So they've built Ranum Correctional Institute, where people, including kids, are incarcerated for even the most minor offenses. And no one knows Ranum Correctional Institute better than Harriet Maxwell. The daughter of a former guard, Maxwell can expertly navigate the place—including ... read more

A Duck in a Sock: Four Phonics Stories (Meg and Greg)

Elspeth Rae, Rowena Rae

Meg & Greg: A Duck in a Sock includes four short-chapter, hi-lo, phonics stories written for children ages 6-9 who are struggling to learn how to read because of dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty. The stories are written for shared reading between an experienced reader and a learner. The parts of the story for the learning reader have carefully controlled vocabulary and sp... read more

Meg & Greg: A Duck in a Sock includes four short-chapter, hi-lo, phonics stories written for children ages 6-9 who are struggling to learn how to read because of dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty. The stories are written for shared reading between an experienced reader and a learner. The parts of the story for the learning reader have carefully controlled vocabulary and sp... read more

Adventure in Morocco

Christine Mapondera-Talley

This story takes children on an adventure to Morocco. The main character Makanaka, is invited to a soccer game by her friend Nadia in Morocco. Fari the parrot, and Makanaka quickly take off for Casablanca. But when they arrive, they discover that Nadia has a problem. Someone has taken her team's soccer ball! Can Makanaka and Fari help Nadia's team solve the mystery?

This story takes children on an adventure to Morocco. The main character Makanaka, is invited to a soccer game by her friend Nadia in Morocco. Fari the parrot, and Makanaka quickly take off for Casablanca. But when they arrive, they discover that Nadia has a problem. Someone has taken her team's soccer ball! Can Makanaka and Fari help Nadia's team solve the mystery?

Because of Bentley

Loren C Spiotta-DiMare

A nonfiction children's book about a very special Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Therapy Dog.

A nonfiction children's book about a very special Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Therapy Dog.

The Horse Who Loves Hats

Nancy Lind Corradini

A quirky racehorse named Stardust, who never wins a race, stumbles upon a second chance in life as a therapy horse. The horse’s equal acceptance of all people sets the example for them to follow. Two children working with Stardust, one on the autism spectrum and one not, become friends even though they see the world differently. The story is heartfelt but the hat loving horse and whimsical ill... read more

A quirky racehorse named Stardust, who never wins a race, stumbles upon a second chance in life as a therapy horse. The horse’s equal acceptance of all people sets the example for them to follow. Two children working with Stardust, one on the autism spectrum and one not, become friends even though they see the world differently. The story is heartfelt but the hat loving horse and whimsical ill... read more

Stella and the Magic Stone

Tuula Pere

Stella’s cheerful summer fun and anticipation of becoming a first grader are disturbed by a surprising turn of events. Grandpa falls over on his bicycle and is confined to a hospital bed for days. Their shared days at the quarry would have to wait.Stella is not as nervous about visiting Grandpa at the big hospital building now that she has become acquainted with a girl of her age who sits in a... read more

Stella’s cheerful summer fun and anticipation of becoming a first grader are disturbed by a surprising turn of events. Grandpa falls over on his bicycle and is confined to a hospital bed for days. Their shared days at the quarry would have to wait.Stella is not as nervous about visiting Grandpa at the big hospital building now that she has become acquainted with a girl of her age who sits in a... read more

The Circus of Mr Cannelloni

Tuula Pere

Will the operation permit of the shabby circus of Mr Cannelloni be cancelled after a special inspection by the scrupulous government official Maximillian Knapp?Rosita, the wife of the circus director, discovers new powers within herself and masterminds the audacious Operation Hannibal. They have to get the caravan across the Alps in one night to get to the one thing that can fill up their empt... read more

Will the operation permit of the shabby circus of Mr Cannelloni be cancelled after a special inspection by the scrupulous government official Maximillian Knapp?Rosita, the wife of the circus director, discovers new powers within herself and masterminds the audacious Operation Hannibal. They have to get the caravan across the Alps in one night to get to the one thing that can fill up their empt... read more

Legends of Ellandria: From the Journals of Whimsy Gatan (Begetter Tales Book 1)

Katie Foth

These seventeen tales give readers a glimpse into Ellandria--a land where the brave wolves Begen and Ansah gather warriors to push back ruthless invaders. Meet the creatures of Ellandria . . .•The ferret Farr Duran with his whistling blade and his fetcher, Falcon Commander •Ladd, the blind dog who attacks the tigress Keybur with the help of bear Gumpbo and Howie the Lightning Cat •Gassie and J... read more

These seventeen tales give readers a glimpse into Ellandria--a land where the brave wolves Begen and Ansah gather warriors to push back ruthless invaders. Meet the creatures of Ellandria . . .•The ferret Farr Duran with his whistling blade and his fetcher, Falcon Commander •Ladd, the blind dog who attacks the tigress Keybur with the help of bear Gumpbo and Howie the Lightning Cat •Gassie and J... read more

Penny and the Seer's Ballad (Begetter Tales) (Volume 2)

Katie Foth

Penny knows nothing of Ellandria, an enchanted world of talking animals, until the morning her sister Gigi vanishes in a puff of smoke. With the help of Madame Howe and her talking cat Qiao Miao, Penny begins to unravel the secrets her family has kept from her--the connection to Ellandria and its evil Captor, Savino. The prophecy of the Seer's Ballad compels Penny to try to rescue her mother a... read more

Penny knows nothing of Ellandria, an enchanted world of talking animals, until the morning her sister Gigi vanishes in a puff of smoke. With the help of Madame Howe and her talking cat Qiao Miao, Penny begins to unravel the secrets her family has kept from her--the connection to Ellandria and its evil Captor, Savino. The prophecy of the Seer's Ballad compels Penny to try to rescue her mother a... read more

Camellia the Fabulous Flower Girl (Flower Girl World)

Lynelle Woolley

Heidi Klum loves this book! "A great bedtime read for the little ones!" —Heidi KlumCamellia discovers friendship and fun when she learns to share the spotlight with two other fabulous flower girls.Camellia Azalea Gardenia Bloom thinks she knows everything about being a flower girl. She can dance down the aisle, smile in a special way, and drop petals in a perfect path behind her. There's only ... read more

Heidi Klum loves this book! "A great bedtime read for the little ones!" —Heidi KlumCamellia discovers friendship and fun when she learns to share the spotlight with two other fabulous flower girls.Camellia Azalea Gardenia Bloom thinks she knows everything about being a flower girl. She can dance down the aisle, smile in a special way, and drop petals in a perfect path behind her. There's only ... read more

Rosie and the Wedding Day Rescue (Flower Girl World)

Lynelle Woolley

Brooke Burke-Charvet tweet: "My daughter loved it!""Perfect for young girls who are starting to read chapter books," (Kids Books Central).Who should a bride turn to when her wedding starts to fall apart? Her flower girls, of course! In this fast paced adventure, Rosie and her new flower girl friends must combine their talents to save a wedding from total disaster. Rosie loves to play detective... read more

Brooke Burke-Charvet tweet: "My daughter loved it!""Perfect for young girls who are starting to read chapter books," (Kids Books Central).Who should a bride turn to when her wedding starts to fall apart? Her flower girls, of course! In this fast paced adventure, Rosie and her new flower girl friends must combine their talents to save a wedding from total disaster. Rosie loves to play detective... read more

Susan has 3 reviews

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

Janet Swan
Susan's edits and feedback were very helpful. With her feedback I can make this children's book the best it can be. She provided details in an editorial letter and in the manuscript. She was detailed and provided a lot of expertise that I certainly don't have. I learned a lot from her. I also received the information a day early. Thank you Susan for your expertise. It will help me be a better ...
Read more

Janet Swan, February 2019

Susan Korman
Such a pleasure to work with you, Janet! I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress with the revisions!

Reply from Susan Korman


Liz Black
Professional and timely would love to work with Susan again!

Liz Black, October 2018

Susan Korman
I thoroughly enjoyed editing Liz's picture book and working with her!

Reply from Susan Korman


Michelle Orrelle
This was my first time working with a professional editor and Susan proved to me the value of having someone experienced in the industry give you comprehensive and thoughtful feedback. There is no substitute. I have a lot of work to do, now at least I know how to. I highly recommend Susan if you are ready for honest, thorough feedback.

Michelle Orrelle, August 2018

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