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 69 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ezra S.

Ezra S.

Nov, 2024

My experience working with Taylor was nothing but professional. Taylor was extremely insightful when it came to understanding my manuscript errors and how to avoid such things in the future. She was incredibly reliable when it came to meeting our deadline, and her feedback and editorial outlook gave me an extra burst in publishing a novel I am extremely proud about. I will definitely look to he...
Read more
Danielle B.

Danielle B.

Nov, 2024

Taylor is a gift to any author looking for help getting their project to the next level. She provided development editing and copy editing for my children's picture book, providing feedback that polished my story to get it ready for self-publishing.
Tina H.

Tina H.

Nov, 2024

The letter and track changes for my manuscript were completed on time, and I am following Taylor’s lead as I continue to improve my story. Her insightful critique, focusing on scene development, dialogue, character depth, and pacing has helped me shape my revisions. This is truly a work in progress, and I’m confident that when it’s finished, my story will be even stronger.
Adalia G.

Adalia G.

Oct, 2024

Ms.Taylor was thoughtful and thorough in her work. It was my first project for which I received professional feedback and my expectations were exceeded, I would love to work with her in the future.
Taylor M.
Thank you so much, Adalia! I'd love to work with you again as well. 😊
Judy M.

Judy M.

Oct, 2024

Taylor was great in every way, communicated well, very thorough review of my book, provided lots of very good feedback. I haven't had a chance to start work again on the book with her review comments, but will do so in the next few weeks.
Taylor M.
It was such a pleasure working with you, Judy!

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Taylor and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Taylor

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Hannah Dolan

Hannah D.

Creative, collaborative and experienced writer and editor. I worked for Penguin and DK, specialising in licensed and educational publishing.

London, England, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Chersti Nieveen

Chersti N.

17yrs editing with NYT/international/indie bestsellers such as Brandon Sanderson and Tricia Levenseller. Adult Fantasy/SF/Suspense + all YA.

Provo, United States

100% reply rate

View profile
Liz Hurst

Liz H.

Professional fiction editor and proofreader, specialising in contemporary genre fiction, especially romance, crime, and historical fiction.

Maureillas-las-Illas, France

100% reply rate

View profile