Kathryn Williams

Kathryn Williams – Editor

I'm an experienced editor specializing in children's nonfiction, from picture books to super-stuffed fact books and everything in between.

Overview

Animals, dinosaurs, space, mythology, history... the world is full of interesting stuff, and I'm here to help you share it with kids of all ages!

I have ten years of professional editing experience at National Geographic Children's Books, where I've worked on middle grade nonfiction, picture books, graphic novels, memoirs, humor books, and more.

I pride myself on providing helpful big-picture feedback and thoughtful line edits while maintaining an author's overall vision and tone. My feedback is honest, informed, and kind.

After a decade in the publishing industry, I've also developed a keen business sense and an understanding of what sells in the kids' nonfiction space.

My services include:

- help with brainstorming and ideation,

- developmental edits, with a detailed editorial note,

- and line edits for grammar, clarity, and tone,

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Nature
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2025 — Present
I am a full-time freelance writer and editor. I specialize mainly in children's non-fiction books, but I've also worked on middle grade fiction projects, video scripts, curriculum creation, and games & activity books.

National Geographic Children's Books

Sep, 2021 — Apr, 2025 (over 3 years)
With little to no supervision, I project manage 8 to 12 kids' books per year, from ideation to final files. My role includes: - Brainstorming ideas for new books - Researching industry trends and attending sales meetings - Commissioning manuscripts and working closely with authors as they revise - Reviewing fact-checker and copyeditor notes - Setting a visual style for the book with designers

National Geographic Kids

May, 2018 — Sep, 2021 (over 3 years)
With some supervision, I project managed 8 to 12 kids' books per year, from ideation to final files. My role included: - Brainstorming ideas for new books - Reviewing unsolicited manuscripts from the slush pile - Commissioning manuscripts and working closely with authors as they revise - Reviewing fact-checker and copyeditor notes

National Geographic Children's Books

Jun, 2015 — May, 2018 (almost 3 years)
I assisted a senior editor with editorial and administrative tasks including drafting marketing materials and contracts, writing book copy, addressing fact-checker queries, organizing photoshoots, and editing large book projects.

Portfolio

StarTalk Young Readers Edition

Tyson, Neil deGrasse

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus!

Towler, Paige

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
1,000 Facts About Sharks

Flynn, Sarah Wassner

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Jurassic Smarts: A jam-packed fact book for dinosaur superfans! (Nerdlet)

Drimmer, Stephanie Warren

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
National Geographic Kids Dream Journal

Peterkin, Allan D.

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Odd Animals (National Geographic Kids Readers, Pre-Reader)

Davidson, Rose

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
National Geographic Kids Puzzle Book: Space (NGK Puzzle Books)

Kids, National Geographic

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Weird But True! World 2024

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Weird But True! Ocean

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Weird But True! Sharks

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
National Geographic Kids Personality Quizzes

West, Tracey

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Zeus the Mighty Activity Book

West, Tracey

Under the Stars

Developmental Editing
Critter Chat: What if Animals Used Social Media?

Mosco, Rosemary

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Just Joking Dogs

Kids, National Geographic

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Weird But True! Dinosaurs: 300 Dino-Mite Facts to Sink Your Teeth Into

Kids, National Geographic

National Geographic Kids

Developmental Editing

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