Manuscript Editing | The Lost Button
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Editorial
Services

Consulting, Coaching, and Developmental Editing Services for Children's Book Writers

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Manuscripts (Now Books!) I've Worked On

Hello I'm Sy,

(They/Them)

I love the writing craft and am passionate about helping authors bring their stories to life. Editing is not something I do as a side hustle; it is a role I take very seriously and continually seek to learn and improve. 

I have nearly 20 years' experience in the children's book industry and have worked as an author, developmental and acquisitions editor, writing coach, proofreader, and as the manager of the children's departments of an indie bookstore.
 
Authors I've worked with are published with Simon and Schuster, Macmillan, and Sleeping Bear Press among others. 

I have a degree in writing and children's literature, and my own writing has appeared in various children’s magazines, including Cobblestone Publishing's science magazine, Odyssey.

"Sy has nurtured my writing at every stage--from creation to acquisition. I appreciate their expertise, their honesty and (shh, don’t tell them) their sly sense of humor."

Stephanie Shaw, Author

My role as editor...

1.
2.

To understand what you as the author want to say and offer suggestions to clarify that message. I do this through offering suggestions on big picture things like voice, overall plot arc, theme, character development, etc.
 
To be an articulate reader. Give you feedback as a reader on what I am getting from your work, where I'm confused, where I'm touched, and then articulate this to you, so you can decide if your work is achieving your desired response.
 
My Role as an Editor is NOT to:

  • Change your voice.

  • Take over your story.

  • Tell you what you should or shouldn't say.

"Sy doesn’t deal in platitudes or feel-good validation. Their critiques dig deep. Some have sent me through all five stages of grieving, but once I come out the other end, my writing is the better for it."

Kurt Cyrus, Author & Illustrator

Services

Professional Critiques
(Fiction & Nonfiction)

  • Picture Books 

  • Chapter Books 

  • Middle Grade Novels 

  • YA Novel

  • Nonfiction Proposals

  • Query Letters


Ghostwriting

Don't see what you need? No problem. I'd love to discuss your project with you.

"Thank you for being honest with me in your critiques. Without that, I would have stopped before the story was done. I would not have kept digging to find the gems in the dirt...
With your help, this has become a piece of work I can be proud of. I can't wait to thank you, loud and proud, in the credits when this is published!"

Chris Regier Fordyce, Author

How Can I Help?

Every author and every manuscript is different and has different needs.

Fill out the form below and tell me a bit about your project.

Thanks for reaching out!
I look forward to working with you.

"Their style of instruction and kind-hearted attitude is always delivered with respect. We arrived with a fine document I am proud to publish."  

Mary Jane Miller, Author

"Sy has a talent for critiquing and editing. They were a great help to me with Creature Count: A Prehistoric Rhyme. It was published by Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. It also won the Barbara Karlin Grant given by SCBWI." 

Brenda Huante, Author

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