Taylor Morris

Taylor Morris – Editor

Over twenty years of experience as both a writer and editor specializing in all areas of children’s literature: MG, YA, and picture books.

Overview

I have over twenty years of experience as both a writer and editor. I have published multiple stand-alone books and series with Simon & Schuster and Penguin Random House.


I am a thorough editor--both general and copy editing--with an eye toward manuscript details and overall cohesiveness. This includes character and plot development, dialogue, plot pacing, and raising the quality of your writing. I won't let you get away with a single lazy sentence or cliched description.


I know what it takes to write a book. It's hard work, especially when you have a full-time job. I've been there and know what writers put themselves through to create a book from their own experiences and imaginations. My critiques are thoughtful and always honest but compassionate. Lots of people talk about writing a book; few go through with it. Anyone who gets this far deserves some major kudos.


I've edited for individuals just starting out and experienced writers looking for professional feedback. I know the industry and can help you navigate its tricky waters. I also work with a large number of highly successful self-published authors who are moving from final draft to finished package.


I am the author of over a dozen books for tweens and young readers including stand-alone novels, age-appropriate non-fiction, character-driven series, and celebrity collaborations.


I would love to hear from you and what you're working on!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Young Adult
Languages
English
Awards
  • Cum Laude
Certifications
  • Emerson College, Writing, Literature & Publishing

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2011 — Present

I'm a freelance editor with more than fifteen years of experience specializing in middle grade and young adult novels. I'm a thorough editor with an eye toward manuscript details and overall cohesiveness. This includes character and plot development, dialogue, plot pacing and raising the quality of your writing. My critiques are thoughtful and honest but always compassionate.

As an established author I know what writers put themselves through to create a book from their hearts, experiences and imagination. It's tough work, and I'm here to help make your story shine.

Penguin's Grosset & Dunlap

Apr, 2011 — Jun, 2017 (about 6 years)

Author of five-book series, "Hello, Gorgeous!"
#1 "Blowout," April 2011
#2 "Foiled," April 2011
#3 "Tangled," September 2011
#4 "Swept Up," January 2012
#5 "Do's and Don'ts" May 2012

Ghostwriting for the first four books of New York Times bestselling author Giada De Laurentiis' RECIPE FOR ADVENTURE.

#1 "Naples!" September 2013
#2 "Paris!" September 2013
#3 "Hong Kong!" January 2014
#4 "New Orleans!" June 2014

Simon & Schuster M!X

Dec, 2007 — Aug, 2011 (over 3 years)

Author of three stand-alone novels for S&S.

"Class Favorite," November 2007
"Total Knockout: Tale of an Ex-Class President," September 2008
"BFF Breakup," May 2011

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Midsummer's Mayhem

LaRocca, Rajani

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Stronger

Peckman, Pamela S

Developmental Editing
When Zia Donatella comes to live with the Bertolizzi family, little do Alfie and his older sister Emilia know what's in store for them. Zia Donatella is determined to show the kids how a home-cooked meal is better than even the best take-out pizza or burrito. ... read more
When Zia Donatella comes to live with the Bertolizzi family, little do Alfie and his older sister Emilia know what's in store for them. Zia Donatella is determined to show the kids how a home-cooked meal is better than even the best take-out pizza or burrito. ... read more
When Zia Donatella comes to live with the Bertolizzi family, little do Alfie and his older sister Emilia know what's in store for them. Zia Dontella is determined to show the kids how a home-cooked meal is better than even the best take-out pizza or burrito. A... read more
When Zia Donatella comes to live with the Bertolizzi family, little do Alfie and his older sister Emilia know what's in store for them. Zia Dontella is determined to show the kids how a home-cooked meal is better than even the best take-out pizza or burrito. A... read more
A stylish tween read! Mickey is ready to take the next step on her way to being a superstellar stylist. She and her friends set up a temporary beauty blog, where they can provide readers with Do It Yourself tips for at-home beauty treatments. Suddenly, Hello, ... read more
Filled with style, glamour, and friends, Hello, Gorgeous! has everything a girl wants! When thirteen-year-old Mickey Wilson was offered a job as a sweeper in her mother's salon, she expected glamour, style, and polish. She never knew there could be so much wor... read more
When Mickey's friends Jonah and Eve start dating and a reality TV show takes over her mom's salon, Mickey feels left out of the limelight. But when she's caught on camera sharing confidential information, her life spins out of control. If only an intensive hai... read more
Mickey's thrilled to have some female friends for a change. But things get a little too close for comfort when her mom goes and hires Lizbeth to work at the salon. Mickey's worried that Lizbeth is stealing her thunder. After all, Lizbeth is everything Mickey i... read more
Now that she's had her thirteenth birthday, Mickey's finally old enough to work at her mother's super glam hair salon--Hello, Gorgeous! And true to the old cliche about people confiding in their hair stylists, Mickey starts getting an earful right off the bat.... read more
There's nothing ordinary about Lucia Latham - she gets straight A's, she's been middle school Class President for two years running and she's a great boxer - nothing is more fun than a good old sparring match with best friend Cooper, especially since she usual... read more
It all started three days after I officially became a woman -- the message of mass destruction arrived. It was February 14, to be exact. Happy Valentine's Day. Sara Thurman has never considered herself part of the popular crowd - she's got her best friend Arle... read more
BFF Breakup (mix)

Taylor Morris

Brooke and Madeline have been best friends since they first met. And now they're going to be best friends in high school, then go to the same college where they'll be roommates, date—and marry—boys who are also best friends. Finally they'll live next door to e... read more

Taylor has 61 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Peter F.

Peter F.

Jul, 2024

Super detailed and insightful! A true pro.
Brian S.

Brian S.

Jul, 2024

Taylor is a fabulous editor. I hired her to copy edit my MG manuscript, and she did not disappoint. I chose Taylor based on her strength as a writer (she is the author of over twenty books), her stellar reviews on Reedsy, and finally her personable offer letter. With collaborations, I find personality does matter, and I immediately got a good feeling about Taylor. My strength is storytelling, ...
Read more
Taylor M.
Brian, it was so wonderful working with you! I loved diving into your manuscript which, as I said to you, was already so clean. You're such a strong writer, and you have such a fun, delightful book...
Read more
Christina P.

Christina P.

May, 2024

Taylor went above and beyond. Not only did she write me a detailed editorial letter, but she also provided me with line edits and then copy editing! I highly recommend her for your picture book needs. She gives great feedback and suggestions, and my manuscripts have improved because of her!
Taylor M.
It's been so wonderful working with you, Christina. Thank you for trusting me with your stories, and please keep me updated!
Chris E.

Chris E.

Jan, 2024

I've had the pleasure of working with Taylor on three projects now, and I'll continue to do so moving forward. Her professionalism, insights, and patience have helped refine my stories, making her an integral part of my writing process.
Taylor M.
Thank you so much, Chris! I've loved working with you on all your projects.
Tony C.

Tony C.

Jan, 2024

Taylor was absolutely amazing! She went over my manuscript with a fine tooth comb, and lo and behold - she found quite a few errors, which is exactly why I hired her. She’s very knowledgeable, responsive, and was very instructive on guiding me toward a polished manuscript. Looking forward to working with her again. Thanks a bunch, Taylor!

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