“Julie is a perfect combination of tough and gentle when it comes to handling manuscripts. She understands that sweeping changes are sometimes required, but also that small changes can have a huge impact. So she simultaneously brings a broad vision and a detail-oriented meticulousness to the table. She is just as likely to ask you to go deeper into a character’s thoughts on a particular point as she is to suggest you search for the word ‘just’ because you overuse it. (Not that that ever happened to me.)”
Tara Altebrando, co-author of Roomies
“Julie is very easy to talk to, and does a great job giving thoughtful, concrete suggestions. She doesn’t leave you wondering what her feedback means, makes gentle but useful suggestions, offers professional suggestions, and really knows her stuff. I’ll definitely work with her again!”
James Baird, author
“I will be forever grateful to Julie Scheina’s kind and guiding hand as I wandered through the dark byways of draft after draft of Iron Hearted Violet. The fingerprints of her intelligence, wit and grace are on every page of that book, as well as her deep care and compassion for each character, as they slowly made their way into the world. Thank you, Julie. For everything.”
Kelly Barnhill, author of Iron Hearted Violet
“Julie was fantastic to work with! Not only did she complete the project ahead of schedule, her feedback was thorough and extremely insightful. She gave general feedback as well as chapter-specific notes that I’m immediately implementing. I’m now on my way to ironing out a few plot holes and polishing a manuscript for agent querying!”
Kira Barrett, author
“In a quiet, but firm way, Julie Scheina gets the job done. She is the consummate professional and makes whatever your thoughts are so much more concise and, just, remarkably better.
Additionally, Julie brings a wealth of information that laymen and even professionals may lack about the professional world of “booking,” and answers questions you haven’t thought you needed to know.
I’d hire her again without a second thought.”
Sofia Bassman, author
“My editor, Julie Scheina, is a shining and thorough editor. Thank you for your broad vision and your critical eye.”
Cris Beam, author of I Am J
“Julie Scheina gave me just what I was hoping for from an editor: a thorough and lengthy critique of my novel that let me know what worked and what didn’t. She offered a bunch of great suggestions that opened up multiple possibilities to strengthen my plot, improve pacing, and flesh out my characters. My novel is absolutely better thanks to her edits, and I’ll definitely be asking for her help on the next one.”
George Brewington, author of The Monster Catchers
“A huge thank-you to my editor, Julie Scheina, for your tireless enthusiasm and hard work and for always pushing me to look deeper.”
Jennifer Brown, author of Bitter End, Perfect Escape, Thousand Words, and Torn Away
“Julie Scheina was absolutely the right choice for my middle-grade fantasy novel and worth every penny! Her ability to cut right to the heart of the message made all the difference, particularly in developing characters readers would root for, embrace, and care about. She also helped me find a crisper, more engaging voice, keeping the action going long enough to build suspense, breaking chapters in the right places, and then moving on to satisfying resolutions at the right time. My advice to other authors she works with is to trust her in helping you know which of your ‘little darlings’ (as Hemmingway would put it) to put on the chopping block so you can create a more dynamic and compelling work of art–not to mention a page-turner! I couldn’t be happier with the finished project.”
Jennifer Cano, author of Hinges of Broams Eld and Death Jars of Broams Eld
“Julie knows how to read–REALLY read. She helped me turn a cute poem into a picture book deal. Her industry experience, vast intelligence, and impeccable taste will turn your good story into a great one.”
Liz Casal, author and illustrator of Baller Ina
“Beta readers and critique partners will only get your manuscript so far. Julie offered me the kind of feedback I find most helpful: straightforward, specific, and actionable. Thanks to her, I’ve revamped my manuscript and can’t wait to start submitting it.”
Marisa Catalina Casey, author
“I’ve had professional critiques that only pointed out the faults in a manuscript and left me feeling like giving up. Julie’s was helpful, AND hopeful. Her constructive criticism gave me insights into my manuscript as though I was seeing inside my own story from another perspective, which helped me think through the problems. Her suggestions prompted a variety of ways that I could build on the strengths, raise the stakes, and target my audience better. I will definitely trust Julie with my work from now on, and would strongly recommend her for any writers looking to really dig into their writing and make it stronger. Her guidance is targeted and specific but doesn’t feel harsh, just refreshing!”
April Jo Cervetti, author
“As a recovering journalist trying to break into fiction writing, I worked and reworked numerous drafts of my first YA novel over several years. I knew my story had problems but I wasn’t sure how to fix them. Julie identified the issues clearly, posed questions and offered suggestions aimed at resolving them — and even while recommending a major rewrite, made me feel excited about where my project was going. I am currently finishing my latest (hopefully last) revision based on her comments, and for the first time, the story feels like it is falling naturally into place. Julie’s guidance through this process reflects her magical feel for pace, plot, and character development, and her attention to both the big picture (what is the more unique angle that can sell books) and the fine details (what a teen might realistically say in X situation). Like the finest editors, Julie provides valuable input that guides the writer without being overbearing. She pushes the writer to be better while staying true to his/her ideas, voice, and story. And through it all, she is not only highly professional, turning around projects and responding to questions promptly, but also accessible, enthusiastic, and encouraging. For anyone looking for a brilliant editor who is also super-nice and wonderful to work with, I highly recommend Julie Scheina.”
Kathy Chen, author
“Julie’s work is brilliant! She helped me so much–from story development to better descriptive writing. I highly recommend her to all authors trying to advance their careers!”
Bryan Chick, author of the Secret Zoo series
“It’s hard to imagine a more insightful, diligent, and painstaking editor. Julie is all these things and more, and I am thrilled and grateful to have been able to work with her several times now. If you have a chance to work with Julie, jump for it: your book will never have a closer reading.”
Bob Cohn, author
“Julie is a fabulous editor. From the get-go, she gave an accurate calendar date as to when she could begin editing my picture book manuscript (which was already under contract). She found some copy inconsistencies and such, along with offering some spot-on editorial suggestions. A highlight was the followup Q&A, which of course, gave me an opportunity to get clarification, etc. and to bounce ideas around. So well worth it!”
Carmela LaVigna Coyle, author of Anyone Else Awake? A Dawn Chorus
“Julie is amazing to work with, from her prompt response times, to her connection to my manuscript and her overall desire to see my work transform into what I always wanted it to be. I felt very taken care of, and loved how Julie wasn’t afraid to ‘push’ me to do my very best, while still giving me encouragement along the way—the perfect balance for an editor!”
Lindsay Cummings, author of the Murder Complex duology
“Working with Julie gave me the confidence to continue writing after losing my first literary agent. Her craft advice made my query package shine and her industry insight helped me target my search. Thanks to Julie I was able to secure my second literary agent and now a few months later I’m happy to announce I’ve received a book deal for my debut young adult romance. I highly recommend Julie to any author who is interested in becoming published. If you ever had any burning industry or craft question working with Julie is your answer! She’s an 11 out of 10!”
Celeste Dador, author of Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights
“I am forever grateful to Julie Scheina and her talent. She drove straight to the heart of my story, delivering it back to me so I could see it all with new eyes. A gift! Her insight and generous spirit leaps off every word of her editorial letter, and her wonderful kindness, too. I find myself returning to her letter often, for so many reasons, and it was utterly invaluable as I revised. I’m beyond lucky to have worked with her.”
Laura Daugherty, author of Notlob
“Julie is a terrific editor whose keen insights made my project much stronger and more marketable. I recommend her to anyone serious about taking their work to the next level. Professional, friendly, and creative, she is a pleasure to work with.”
Elizabeth Draper, author
“I’m very grateful for Julie’s guidance, not just with editing oversight on the manuscript, but also offering career advice on navigating the publishing world. She was patient, kind, but also clear in her opinions and advice which I really appreciated.”
Michael Drummonds, author
“When you’ve lost your way, when the thought of reading through your manuscript for the umpteenth time feels like a Herculean effort, here comes Julie to light the path ahead and to give you hope. Perhaps your main character is a little too perfect, he overcomes his obstacles too cleanly and without enough of a struggle. Or maybe the tone of the book is overly grim for your middle-grade audience. As you read through Julie’s single-spaced notes, you’ll find yourself saying, “She’s right. I never thought about it in quite that way.” To be sure, much work likely lies ahead, but now you have a clear roadmap and the end suddenly feels like it might not be at a horizon you’ll never reach.”
Stefano Esposito, author
“Working with Julie was a wonderful experience, from our initial introduction through the final editorial letter. With her keen eye and sharp editorial mind, she helped me take my manuscript from polished to pristine while also giving me a renewed confidence in my story and my skills. Not only is she thoughtful and utterly professional, but her specific approach to editorial feedback sparked ideas to strengthen and deepen my story, making each sentence sing. I entered my next revision with a clear idea of what I could do to make my novel its very best.”
Rebekah Faubion, author
“Julie is an insightful editor and clear communicator. She helped elevate my writing with thoughtful, specific feedback and gave me exactly what I needed to finish my young adult novel and prepare for the query process. I would definitely work with her again.”
Rebecca Fowler, author
“Julie Scheina, my first editor at Little, Brown–for taking this book all the way to the pass pages and pushing me to my limits in the best way. Working with you for the last six years was truly a gift.”
Kami Garcia, author of the Legion series and co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series
“I’m so thankful that I’ve had the chance to work with Julie Scheina. The editorial feedback she provided on my whole manuscript has proven to be just the response I needed to inspire me through a big revision. She asked perceptive, thought-provoking questions that helped me to re-envision my draft and take it to the next level, without ever feeling discouraged. Throughout the whole process of working together, Julie has been incredibly responsive to my emails, and made herself available by phone when I needed to talk. Simply knowing that Julie was there for me to check in with has been a huge bolster to my writing process. I can’t recommend Julie Scheina’s editorial services highly enough!”
Caroline Gertler, author of Many Points of Me
“My son, Evan, and I have worked with Julie on our series, The Tinker and The Fold, through a series of rewrites over the course of a year. We are consistently impressed with Julie’s input both on the technical aspects of our writing as well as with character development, pacing, and plot line consistency. Julie’s attention to detail in the line edits really demonstrated to us the highly analytical approach she takes toward truly understanding the overarching direction of the story and the message we are attempting to communicate with our readers. From this perspective, she is able to guide us through shoring up plot inconsistencies, clarifying POVs, and smoothing out story pacing. Yet while Julie is a master of details, she never loses the forest for the trees. For each rewrite, she has provided us with a comprehensive overview to help us better understand the interplay of characters, themes, and messages within a single book and across the trilogy at large so that readers are not left scratching their heads because our writing took a left when they anticipated a right turn. Her feedback has spawned new chapters, new characters, and new perspectives that have greatly enriched our stories and our education as writers. We look forward to continuing to work with Julie on this and future projects. We highly recommend Julie as a first class editor and collaborator.”
Scott and Evan Gordon, authors of The Tinker and The Fold series
“It is a wonderful gift to work with Julie. My experience with her has been a magical dream come true. Her intelligent insight on how to improve my stories is so pertinent, helping me bring to light the best versions of my characters and their narratives. Her soft, supportive and kind nature is nuanced and understanding of a sensitive artist’s needs. She truly is a guiding and supportive light. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Julie on my stories!!”
KiKi Han, author
“Julie Scheina is a master editor, devoted to process and product in the middle-grade fantasy genre. Lucky for me, because it was her experience that drew me to direct her learned eye on my urban fantasy manuscript. What I received was a 6 page document laying out her overall thoughts and suggestions based on Character, Plot, Structure and more details. After our conversation upon receiving that, it would have been plenty to base my subsequent revision on. But, I also received a line by line commentary with further detailed notes on my manuscript. It kind of was overwhelming. After some deep breathes and a moment to calm down, I realize that in the end, I will come away with a vastly superior book! Julie reminds me of the quote from the famous American designer, Charles Eames: ‘The details are not the details. They make the design.’ Well, Julie drills in to the finer details. She forces the writer to create a better product through process. Art resides in the quality of doing the work. It isn’t magic. This stuff takes someone like Julie to help craft it along through process and a considered eye on those details. I come away from this process with Julie legit excited to dive in to these details and craft them out. In the end, I know my manuscript will be that much better and ready for agent/publisher submission. And that is all we really can hope for. And making art. Also the art.”
Brian Hathaway, author of Hope for the Hounds
“I’d sort of tied myself in knots working on a project with a boatload of important characters. The pacing was off. The energy was low. Julie very quickly found the faults and the through-lines. With her help, I got the thing chugging along. I love the book now. Julie was great to work with.”
Geoff Herbach, author of Strange Times: The Ghost in the Girl
“Julie Scheina is everything I could have hoped for in an editor – kind, prompt and responsive, and extraordinarily talented. She edits with a deft, yet soft touch. Simply by asking me questions (many, many questions!) she guided me to fleshing out my characters, their world and their story. She helped me see what elements existed only in my head that hadn’t made it onto the page. And she helped me more fully understand my MC’s arc, making it clearer how to hang the story on the scaffolding of that arc. What surprised me the most is how her gentle guidance has made me actually love the revision process, something I have never experienced before. I highly recommend Julie Scheina’s services and would definitely invite her to edit my work again.”
Cheryl Renee Herbsman, author of Breathing
“Julie Scheina is a brilliant editor and her feedback is absolutely priceless. From the very first email, her knowledge and warm spirit captivated me and I knew she was the right editor for me. The work she did on my manuscript was monumental. She raised questions and thought of ways to improve characters, plot and pacing that only someone truly involved in the story could do. Her keen sense of finding the right message and way to express it made the book much stronger. I couldn’t be happier with my experience with her and cannot wait to work with her again!”
Lisa Hope, author
“How can I even begin to describe the joys of working with Julie? Let me start with context. I have yearned my whole life to be a middle-grade writer. First, I was scared to admit it. Then, I was scared to get started. Finally, I had a manuscript I had been picking up and putting down for years. It was ungainly and bloated I was exhausted and beaten down. Until I met Julie. I have worked across my career with editors. While many are wonderful, the difference between your average editor and Julie is like the difference taking a tour through a suburban mansion and taking tea at the Taj Mahal. Both might inspire awe, but the latter experience is timeless, breathtaking, and exquisite. (No, I have never actually been in either a suburban mansion or the Taj Mahal. And now you know that Julie did not edit this testimonial.)
Let’s start with the basics: Julie is a spectacular editor. She has unerring technical prowess that runs the gamut from copyediting to developmental editing. If I were an agent, I’d put anything Julie recommended at the top of my pile. If she wrote book recommendations, I’d buy the titles unread. If you haven’t read the back issues of her newsletter Your Editor Friend, you’re missing out on a small sample of Julie’s expansive and thoughtful study of what makes children’s books work.
Julie offered me unparalleled developmental, structural, and sentence-level editing across multiple revisions. Each time, she worked with me to identify what kind of edits would be most helpful. Time and again, she identified both large structural changes required and ways to make individual sentences sing. She has a keen ear for dialogue, an unswerving eye for tightening, and a graceful way of sharing feedback that makes you energized, rather than despondent, when it comes to “killing your darlings.” As important as her edits is her energy. If you asked me for two words to describe Julie, I would reply “radiant care.” Julie cares about your characters the way you care about your characters. She cares about you and your dreams as an author the way your best friend cares about you and your dreams. And she cares for every piece of language, story, plot, pacing, structure, and cadence like a scientist by day, artist by night.
Julie is more than an editor. She is a thought partner, a coach, a confidant, an accountability buddy, and a friend. When I thought I could not keep going, she helped me craft a personalized weekly check-in that was responsible for me keeping my pen on paper and head above water. When I despaired of ever seeing the finish line, she offered not platitudes, but specific plans. Julie is gentle, kind, inspirational, and an exceptional editor. She makes me want to be a better human and a better writer. If I ever become a published children’s book author, it will be because of Julie. She did not just help me save my manuscript from careening into the sea. She helped me save my dream that I, too, one day can publish something worth reading.”
Sara Hudson, author
“Working with Julie was a pleasure both personally and professionally. She took a broad and comprehensive view of the entire novel as a whole, offering suggestions that tied up loose ends, improved the pace and strengthened the story. At the same time, Julie’s chapter-by-chapter analysis was detailed, specific and grounded in thoughtful understanding of each character. She helped me devise an action plan with practical next steps for turning the editorial feedback into the next draft of my book. I also appreciated her creative approach to every problem upon which the characters (or I) were getting stuck. She is a talented editor and an organized and responsive businessperson. I would definitely work with her again!”
Stacey Hughes, author of Delphie and the Diamonds
“I spent a lot of years writing and each year I got better and better. As I started to feel more confident in my writing, I started to attend writing workshops across the country and learned 2 of the best ways to get really good at writing and give your novel the best shot at being published was to 1) attend a local writing group and 2) work with an editor. I attended a local writing group that helped my writing immensely, but it wasn’t until I found Julie that I felt my storytelling ability was on the level of a published author. She has so much experience editing bestselling novels that she knows exactly how to get the most out of every page. She will make your characters more vibrant and memorable; she will make you story arc more satisfying and emotional; and she will help you trim the fat of your novel so that every word counts. If you truly want to give your novel the best shot possible at getting published, work with Julie, and allow her to spin her magic!”
JJ Johnson, author
“Julie has an appreciation and respect for the craft that rings true. When she dedicates her time to your work, she fully immerses herself in your story’s world. As such, she has the intuitive ability to discern what you’re trying to achieve and translate that into what’s missing on the page. She gets it–the world building, the characters, the emotions that you’re trying to convey. Then she gently guides you with suggestions and choices to achieve the story you were hoping for all along.”
Sheryl Kaleo, author
“Julie is delightful to work with. She is the perfect combination of editor, coach, and cheerleader all rolled into one. It is obvious she cares a great deal about the authors she works with and their work in progress. Most importantly, Julie makes me want to be a better writer.”
Renee Kirchner, author
“Julie’s insightful questions and brilliant suggestions helped me better understand my main characters and their motivations and internal conflicts. With her wisdom, humor, and keen editorial eye, I was finally able to uncover the heart of my story. She is a gem!”
Karin Lefranc, author
“Working with Julie on my children’s book series, The Squickerwonkers, was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Julie always seemed to fully “get” my stories, their tone, intent, imagery, rhythm and style. She never stepped on my voice, but helped me to make it clearer for my audience. I have always been curious to witness Julie working with another author, because her style feels so tailored to my nature and needs. I can’t help but wonder how she adjusts for the nature and needs of her other authors. She is as hands-off as I need her to be to allow for my creative process, while being hands-on enough to bring out the best in my writing and stories. She offers excellent observations, questions and suggestions. Always professional, always punctual and efficient, she is a reliable delight to work with. All the best elements of the left and right brain combine in this one!”
Evangeline Lilly, author of The Squickerwonkers series
“Julie is an editor of the highest calibre and I’m so glad I found her to help me take my manuscript to the next level. She really understands what my story is trying to say which is so important, and her insights are so sharp, exactly what I need at this stage of my revision process. What I absolutely love is how she has made many suggestions that have challenged and inspired me, and on top of that she has given me a range of suggestions to help brainstorming ideas to really elevate the story. I think this is only possible with an editor who understands the heart of a story placed in their editorial hands, and has real respect for an author’s creative vision. Julie’s level of expertise is evident in her editorial feedback – from dissecting different elements of the story to offering suggestions on how to strengthen the narrative structure, I can see how an editor like her would help an author create a story compelling enough to grip a reader from the beginning to the end. As a bonus, I feel that Julie is someone who gets what I’m trying to say, which means that if I need an editor for a future project I’ll be seeking her advice and insights again. Very happy I signed on to do this crucial revision round with Julie; it’s been fun, very helpful and inspiring.”
Hannah Lin, author
“Julie Scheina is the kind of editor all writers dream about—enthusiastic, supportive, savvy, detail-oriented. Her instincts about what makes a good story and what works in the marketplace were always spot-on. She helped me hone and shape my three novels, making them far stronger than they would have been without her guidance.”
April Lindner, author of Jane, Catherine, and Love, Lucy
“Julie is thoughtful, thorough, and detailed in her picture book critiques. Specific direction on theme, rhyme, word choice, and pacing helped my manuscript tremendously. She is punctual and professional. I highly recommend Julie Scheina.”
Nicole Magistro, author
“All writers know that doing revisions can be an arduous business, but working with Julie was a true bright spot in the process. Although we’d never met, I felt like I was talking through thorny problems with a trusted friend, and she helped me look at my story in new ways that were enormously helpful.
As I told my agent, talking to Julie was like opening a window to let sunlight onto the manuscript, and it allowed me to approach revisions with much-needed fresh eyes. Her input was invaluable; I would recommend her to any writer looking to take their work to the next level!”
Kristin Mahoney, author of The 47 People You’ll Meet in Middle School
“Julie is incredibly insightful, understanding not only the art of fiction but also communication. She recognizes what a text needs—how to best revise, to reimagine—and articulates herself so clearly and kindly. Her feedback, whether in conversation or in writing, always lead me to uncovering something new about my story. Every session felt like an adventure. I was Bilbo and she the ever wise Gandalf encouraging me on my journey. Indeed, those phones calls were a sacred time to explore, to discuss this world I was, and still am, creating. I felt as though I were breathing new life into my characters, thanks to Julie’s help. How incredible is that? Julie pushed me to think deeper, to recognize my own potential in story writing.”
Evgenia Mantikas, author
“Julie offers not just big picture editorial insights but also small nudges and notes that help shape a manuscript in the most positive of ways. I know that her editorial input is helping me not just on this manuscript but also with books that I’ll write in the future. Her advice and guidance give writers tangible tools to use to improve their writing, and it’s provided in a style that isn’t overbearing or too critical. When going through her feedback, it feels like I have her voice in my ear as I read each comment and question. She gives praise where it’s due and suggestions and ideas when needed, providing a great balance and an editorial voice I’m happy to be hearing. I really feel that I got a great bargain for all the work that she puts into her editorial letter and line-item notes.”
Re Marzulo, author
“I loved working with Julie. I’m grateful she gave me a shot and took me on. Her insight and talent for spotting how to make a story better are amazing, and she communicates it in a way that’s understandable and productive. She is also very kind, and very generous with her time. I’m definitely planning on working with her again.”
Ben Mason, author
“I was so lucky to find Julie. She offered incredibly detailed insights and suggestions to help me push the story to where it needs to be. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”
Naoko Matsunaga, author and illustrator
“I worked with Julie on a manuscript in a genre fairly new to me. She gave me practical, constructive feedback, including comprehensive written comments and line edits. Her suggestions were well-considered and detailed, highlighting the positive elements of my work as well as the areas that might be revised or expanded. All in all, her edits pointed me toward a better, stronger manuscript.”
Laura Krauss Melmed, author
“Engaging Julie’s services to conduct a thorough developmental edit of my manuscript was the best decision I ever made since deciding to become an author. I’ll be forever grateful to that publishing industry friend of mine who said, ‘You should reach out to Julie. I think she’s just what your project needs.’ From start to finish, working with Julie was so wonderful. She’s a calm, encouraging presence, and her feedback is spot on. I appreciate that Julie offers a range of services, allowing you to pick and choose which ones are right for you. I asked her to line edit my manuscript and provide editorial feedback, all of which I incorporated into my next round of editing. Now I’ve moved into the querying part of this publishing journey, something that Julie also knows a lot about, so my learning continues! When I think about where I started and where I am now with this project, I’d never have come this far without Julie’s expertise. I’m really grateful.”
Barbara Michelman, author
“Without her, The Deadliest Earthling would’ve been a totally different book and far less immersive. There is only so much an author can do by himself and she really helped take The Deadliest Earthling to the next level. Thank you, Julie.”
Gibson Morales, author of The Deadliest Earthling
“Julie is a fantastic resource of editorial wisdom for a first time novelist. She probes and asks the tough questions needed to tighten plot, create gripping story threads and generate convincing characters. Her comments are organized in a thoughtful manner throughout my manuscript and tied back to central themes that will drive the narrative forward. I am so lucky to have found her and have fresh confidence in my writing. Next step: Submission!”
Kaia Moritz, author
“Working with Julie on both of my poetry books, What Color Is Goodness and Lila Duray: A Collection of Delightfully Delectable Poems, changed how I looked at both books. Julie helped me understand the best categories for these books to be placed in which dynamically changed the way I looked at both books. What Color Is Goodness became a gift book for all ages instead of just a children’s book. Her insight was invaluable as she pushed me to change phrases or consider words that kids might not understand and to clarify meaning in so many instances. She has ideas that never occurred to me and makes gentle suggestions that enhanced the poems. With poetry, one or two words can change the direction of the poem and she often caught phrases that were unnecessary or unclear. She is lovely to work with and provided other industry contacts and ideas that were also game changers for me.”
Emily Morrison, author of What Color Is Goodness and Lila Duray: A Collection of Delightfully Delectable Poems
“Julie has a unique ability to get inside the story and problem-solve organically. She’s organized, clear, professional, unerring. I’ll probably never write another book without her help.”
Suzanne Myers, author of I’m from Nowhere and Stone Cove Island
“As an author with 6 traditionally published books, and 12 years in the industry, I must say Julie Scheina is simply one of the best. Her dedication to the craft and attention to detail is unparalleled. Her passion and commitment to excellence shines through in every paragraph on every page. If you want your project to be the masterpiece it’s destined for, integrating Julie’s talent is the best decision you can make.”
Kary Oberbrunner, author of ELIXIR Project
“I approached Julie with a manuscript for a children’s book that I had been working on for some time. Although it was “finished,” I knew it wasn’t complete, but I couldn’t pinpoint the “problem” or the missing piece. Julie recognized what was lacking and thoughtfully explained, using examples, how to bring more focus to the main character, thereby enriching the story.
It was actually a fun process; while one doesn’t typically relish the idea of going back and rethinking and rewriting parts of a manuscript, it gets to a point when you’ve read it so many times you no longer see the “trees through the forest.” Julie unblocked the block. I was able to go back in and develop the story to become stronger. It was an enriching and gratifying experience. Needless to say, I would highly recommend Julie. She was lovely to work with, very responsive, and supportive of the questions I had along the way. I now have a manuscript I am confident in and can move on to the next phase!
Looking forward to working with Julie again.”
Cheryl Olsten, author
“Working with a developmental editor was one of the best decisions I made for my book, and Julie was absolutely the right choice. Her keen eye for detail and her ability to see the big picture helped me take my manuscript to the next level. Her suggestions were not only spot-on but also delivered with a gentle touch that made me feel encouraged and motivated to improve my writing. Julie’s feedback pushed me to think beyond what was on the page and to explore new possibilities for my characters and plot. Her editorial skills helped me to identify and fix issues that I would have never found on my own. I was amazed at the difference her edits made to my book. With Julie’s help, my manuscript has been transformed into something I’m truly proud of. I would recommend Julie to any writer looking to elevate their work. She is a gifted editor who is committed to helping writers realize their vision while maintaining their voice. Thanks, Julie!”
Inbal Oz, author
“I did thorough research on countless editors, and several intensive weeks later selected Julie due to her industry experience and reviews. I reached out to her and was thrilled when she agreed to be my editor. Julie has lived up to all her reviews. She’s very encouraging while at the same time, beautifully honest. She not only points out what’s not working, she offers ideas on how to fix it. Through Julie’s developmental editing and detailed editorial feedback on my middle-grade fiction, we strengthened my protagonist’s character arc, increased pacing, and improved plot structure. All essential components of a book. We even combined two of my antagonists to create one really, nasty one. Due to her incredible knowledge of the industry, Julie has additionally helped fix my pitching material for my middle-grade as well as my children’s picture book. Without hesitation, I recommend Julie.”
T. Pemper, author
“This story would not have been possible without our editor—Julie Scheina. Julie’s extensive experience with children’s books helped us transform the initial manuscript into a well-written children’s story. Julie, you are awesome!”
Radha and Abhijit Rai, authors of Liktoon’s Boat
“First and foremost, my editor, Julie Scheina, who I am convinced would win the Editor Olympics if there were such a thing. She is clever and wise and kind and all of the other adjectives that would be listed under ‘awesome’ in a thesaurus. My books are a million times better because of her savvy ability to ask all the right questions.”
Jennifer Rush, author of the Altered series
“Julie is a skilled editor who made my book so much better. I fixed several problems with my plot and character arcs in a middle grade novel based on Julie’s copious notes and thoughtful suggestions, which my “readers group” all eagerly approved. I am so glad I discovered her at an SCBWI conference and that she elected to edit my novel. Authors looking for an editor with an experienced and professional eye should seriously consider having Julie Scheina on their team.”
Timothy James Ryan, author of Karma and the Seven Cups
“Working with Julie was a joy. I was blown away by her attention to detail — she caught things I never would have noticed, in a manuscript I’d been working on for years! And she really cared about the work and the characters, oftentimes in ways I would never have considered. I also appreciated that in addition to notes and suggestions, she offered specific advice and creative methods to help me come up with what she was asking for — more like a writing coach than just an editor.”
Jonathan Sanchez, author and bookseller
“Julie’s editorial expertise made all the difference during our multiple rounds of revisions for my middle-grade manuscript. I tend to miss the forest for the trees in my writing, but Julie doesn’t. She sees both the line-level details and the overarching issues of plot structure and character development, and she offers her incisive feedback with clarity, warmth, and a collaborative spirit. I felt her genuine dedication to my success, and I highly recommend her to any writer looking to take their work to the next level.”
Elisabeth Schmidt, author of The Wax Castle
“Julie is the very best kind of editor–from the big picture issues to the small polishing details. She’s also the best kind of writing partner, because she truly respects the author as an artist. I’m looking forward to working with her again.”
Suzanne Selfors, author of the Smells Like Dog series, the Imaginary Veterinary series, and Once Upon a Sleepover
“Julie’s editorial analysis of my debut MG novel was insightful, thorough, and inspiring—far beyond my expectations. She provided clear, actionable advice on every aspect of my story, from the big picture to the details. Her letter has been my lodestar during revision, the result of which is a more compelling manuscript. She will be the first person I go to for feedback on my next project!”
Sara B. Shirley, author
“I’ve attended many writing conferences over the years and while they have inspired me, they’ve never directly improved my work. This year, I decided to skip the conferences and spend my writing money on Julie and her edit of my middle grade novel. Wow, what a great investment! Her observations and suggestions have allowed me to revise with confidence—such a gift. Having feedback on the entire manuscript from someone with Julie’s skills feels like a game changer for me.”
Mary Sloat, author of Escape to Japan
“Julie is a fantastic editor. She’s wonderfully insightful and incredibly thorough, and she made my book better by miles. It was a real pleasure to work with her!”
Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Storm Makers
“I have used Julie Scheina’s services for both a Detailed Novel Edit, and subsequent line editing for a middle grade fantasy adventure. One of the chief pleasures of working with Julie is how completely her close reading of the story, of the characters and their world, shines through in her comments. In just one of her 43 notes—on a nine-page chapter—she addressed three sentences of text, suggesting I clarify and condense the passage because the subject was addressed by a different character “below, as well as in the next chapter,” and use it as an opportunity for the heroine to more directly ask for what she wants.
The 43 comments reflect her meticulous attention to tightening any line in need of a fix—some as brief as “Perhaps omit?” She is always clear about the basis for her suggestions, which are in service of clarity, plot development, heightening of excitement or the emotional charge, or simply reading more smoothly. Julie is always respectful, remembering it is the author’s story, and that her suggestions are just that. But 95% of her comments have caused me to go back—and the story gets better.
I have felt encouraged and working with her has made me a better writer.”
Neal Snyder, author of The Stars Above the Trees
“Julie was a laser — incisive, inventive, wise. Any project would, no doubt, benefit from her work.”
Gideon Sterer, author of Wanted!
“Julie is a dream to work with. She has a gift for identifying problems with a manuscript, so the content of her feedback can be vital. That’s the cake—the icing is Julie’s manner when she gives her critiques. She’s gentle; she’s encouraging; and she offers potential solutions to the issues that she flags. I’ve been working with Julie on a story that I struggled with for years (and years and years) before I reached out to her. Her guidance has been invaluable; I’m far closer now to a successful manuscript than I ever managed to be without her; and I feel very lucky to have found her.”
Julie Sternberg, author of Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie and its sequels, and the Top-Secret Diary of Celie Valentine series
“Julie is my most valued editorial partner. I love that she can not only help me be my best narrative self, but also that I can specifically tell her the kind of read I am looking for, or what I am concerned about, and that she can give me a responsive read that answers all those questions. She has a wonderful depth of publishing industry experience, a commercial sensibility, and a love of craft that make her a unique partner for a writer. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”
Margaret Stohl, author of the Icons series and co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series
“Working with Julie Scheina is like working with a good friend – if your good friend had professional editorial chops, the creativity of a natural storyteller, and the eye of a detective who can identify inconsistencies and ask all the right questions. Her edits gave me ideas, a new perspective, and a lot more work for the draft of my novel – but most importantly, confidence. She’s an invaluable early filter for any author seeking to be published or, simply, to be better.”
Peter Stone, author of The Perfect Candidate
“Julie gave me a lot of excellent suggestions for improving my middle grade novel, particularly upping the stakes to make the novel more exciting and improving the main character’s arc, motivations, and growth. Julie seems to have a lot of affection for children’s literature and gave me great advice that is pertinent to middle grade. For those of us who don’t have agents yet, it’s hard to get good professional advice — I highly recommend Julie’s editorial services.”
Amy Thernstrom, author of My Six Days of Epic Bravery
“I can’t speak highly enough about Julie. She has an innate talent for looking at a story, figuring out how to improve it, and clearly communicating her recommendations in a kind and supportive way. Originally, I was pleased with my first chapter. It met my expectations and was a good gateway into the story. But after conferring with Julie, I was able to make the characters jump off the page and the story come alive. I am greatly indebted to her and will happily reach out for my next project.”
Michael Toledano, author of The Circle of the Paw
“I am so thankful to Julie for her thorough and thoughtful edit letter and line edits. I admit I was a little nervous, but reading them felt like opening a treasure chest filled with gold! I feel energized by all the ways I can make my book better. As I read, I kept thinking, “How did I miss this?” “This is a great idea!” and “Genius!” Her questions and ideas not only point to solutions that address the book’s weaknesses, but work to make everything so much stronger on all levels!”
David Trejo, author
“Julie took my writing to the next level with her thoughtful questions and suggestions, really making me look more deeply into my characters and their motivations as well as some plot points that were in serious need of an overhaul. What I loved most about working with her was that she ‘got’ my book, which meant everything she said was completely in line with my vision. She always presented her feedback in a way that enabled me to discover solutions on my own. Her trust in me as an author only made me want to work harder to improve the book and my craft. It was extraordinary to work with such an insightful, smart and giving editor. I am so grateful she was my guide.”
Denise Vega, author of Rock On: A Story of Guitars, Gigs, Girls, and a Brother (Not Necessarily in That Order)
“Julie Scheina edited my manuscript and absolutely transformed it for the better. Julie’s insight helped me shape my book into what I wanted it to be all along. Her input was 100% invaluable.”
Hannah West, author of Kingdom of Ash and Briars
“I found Julie after trawling through 10s, if not 100s of editorial service websites, looking for the right person to review my first book. Julie’s sparkling personality, enthusiasm and editorial talent shine through her website, testimonials and her correspondence. I was thrilled with her detailed editorial comments, not only because they have infinitely improved the pace of my book, but also because Julie has inspired me to weave magic into the story that wasn’t previously there. Best of all, her direction and encouragement have made me unstoppable in my pursuit to finish and publish!”
Suzanne Westgate, author of The Joneses and the Pirateers series
“I had never before worked with such a skilled editor, and I would hire her again in a heartbeat. Julie’s feedback on my middle-grade manuscript was astute, insightful, and refreshingly constructive. She approached my story with imagination, offering fresh ways to view character development and theme. Her suggestions came at a critical time, as I used her careful read to move my novel to the next stage with newfound energy!”
Katherine Wolff, author
“Julie Scheina’s invaluable input is now an essential step for every book I write. She is meticulous in the feedback she provides. Her line-by-line edits and suggestions on character development, story arc, language choice, plot, pacing, and theme are spot-on and true to the author’s voice. Her editorial notes are thorough, clear, and thoughtful with subheadings that make them easy to follow and understand. Each suggestion made is supported with specific examples, details, and purpose (e.g. climax, dramatic tension, etc). The result is what every writer hopes for – an elevated level of writing. She is a wealth of knowledge and I ask for her insights on queries, agencies, and the publishing market. She is professional, very prompt in responding, kind, encouraging, and always enthusiastic. It is clear that Julie has a passion for what she does and I am truly thankful for her!”
Fiona Wong, author of Aria’s Quiet Problem and Petastrophe!
“After receiving a rough round of feedback on my already-agented novel, I hired Julie because I knew I needed more help than my readers could provide. Julie gave me very detailed feedback that helped me to reign in my ideas and focus on the story. Working with her was a crucial step in turning my idea into an actual book.”
Kate Williams, author of The Babysitters Coven
“After finishing my first novel, I contacted Julie for a full manuscript review. Having never worked with an editor before I was apprehensive upon receiving the result, but after reading the review I found Julie’s work to be extremely thoughtful and thorough, with notes reflecting obvious time spent on the project. There were plot holes that I didn’t catch, and some very valuable suggestions as to how to improve the depth of my story and the characters within. I can highly recommend Julie!”
Emilia Ann Winter, author of The Eavesham Files
“It’s a blessing to have access to the incredibly professional and brilliant Julie Scheina. Her work is detailed and intensely smart. She steered me deeper into my novel by asking questions that allowed me to better understand my characters, story world, and pacing. She offered up concrete pointers and suggestions in a clear and actionable format. Her creative mind lit a fire under my own creativity and helped me improve my writing craft. She mined my story right down to the bones and could go toe-to-toe in a discussion on any point, making her the kind of creative partner writers dream about. Julie’s love of books is obvious and her industry knowledge is invaluable. I can’t say enough good things about working together. While there are many editors out there, Julie’s skills and experience put her hands down at the top.”
Sue Wyshynski, author of The Butterfly Code
“Julie Scheina, you are amazing. Thank you for holding the lantern high.”
Sara Zarr, author of The Lucy Variations and co-author of Roomies
“Julie has a very thoughtful and constructive way of working with her authors. I found her comments extremely helpful—she really encourages you to think, and re-think, your words and ideas. Thank you so much, Julie.”
Rory Kirstein Zuckerman, author of The Moon is Broken
“I am writing my first book, after retiring from teaching. Being new at this I am especially grateful for Julie’s approach. She has given me overall guidance on how to proceed as a writer, an explicit analysis of my draft, and detailed suggestions for the text itself. As I have applied her suggestions I have learned a lot about my own writing strengths and weaknesses, which is just what I needed to make my book the best it can be. She has provided a balance of clear criticism and supportive encouragement and I know my book will be better for it.”
Carla, middle grade author
“Julie is a brilliant editor full stop. I have worked with other editors, but none compare with Julie. Her edits are thoughtful, thorough and have been essential to my writing process. I struggled for years re-drafting manuscripts but after hiring Julie, things changed dramatically. Julie has helped me to tighten and strengthen my core plot arc and deepen my characters and has keen insights that only come with years of experience. Collaborating with Julie has enabled me to become a better editor of my own work and the work of others. As a bonus, she is an absolute pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her!”
Holly, middle grade author
“Working with Julie was such a pleasure! After revising my manuscript for several years, I was eager for objective feedback, and Julie provided that priceless perspective. She took the time to get to know my characters and the world they lived in. Her insights and questions pushed my thinking to a new and better place. My latest revision was fresher and my book much improved after working with her, and I will certainly turn to her again!”
Middle grade author
“After revising my novel umpteen times, I was having significant trouble finding clarity. Something just wasn’t clicking and I couldn’t put my finger on what that was. Julie was instrumental in helping me root out the story within the story. Her insight was invaluable and led me to better understand my overall goals. Julie never had a shortage of ideas and she presented each one with the caveat that I would be choosing and molding her notes to best fit my needs. She understands that the writer is steering the ship, and she is willing to be your compass, if you’ll let her in. She can also fix up your shoddy metaphors!”
Middle grade author
“I came to Julie after hitting a roadblock with my novel. I knew there were some plot issues that needed attention, but I was struggling to make progress and was looking for someone with editorial expertise who could approach the manuscript with fresh eyes. I truly couldn’t have hoped for a better editor! In her critique, she was able to pinpoint the areas of weakness in my current draft and propose well-thought-out strategies for tackling them. Her attention to detail and keen insights were extremely helpful, and her constructive criticism was delivered with a gentle touch, which left me feeling motivated to begin revisions. This was exactly what I needed to take my manuscript to the next level. I would recommend Julie’s services to anyone in need of editorial guidance!”
Middle grade author
“I truly value the work Julie did on my manuscript. It would not be nearly in as good a shape without her notes. Working with Julie was a pleasure, even during the pandemic which was such an insane time, Julie was level-headed and thoughtful in her response to my work. I found Julie’s feedback to be encouraging, supportive, and absolutely pushed my middle-grade book to be more cohesive and concise. Additionally, Julie pointed out problem areas with wonderful suggestions on improvement, and throughout it all, I felt Julie really understood and was championing my project.”
Middle grade author
“The process of working with Julie far exceeded my expectations, and I’d highly recommend her editorial services to picture book writers. She carefully considered many aspects of my picture book manuscript by identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement. I now have a much better understanding of the revisions I need to tackle before I submit. Also, our follow-up discussion was an invaluable, insider-look into the process of submitting to publishers, tailored to my book idea. Hire Julie if you want to get your work in the hands of an expert who knows the kid-lit publishing industry.”
Picture book author
“There are so many reasons why Julie provided support to my projects including her responsiveness and ability to give feedback that helped me look at my projects in different ways. She made suggestions to make my projects more marketable based on her experiences. In addition, her feedback has helped me grow as a writer.”
Picture book author
“Julie is a brilliant editor. While working through her notes and edits, I found myself in awe of her brain! She is excellent at weeding out unnecessary sentences and entire passages, and I completely trust her judgment about how to tighten up the writing and the overall story. She’s so good at finding what’s needed to propel a narrative forward. Thanks to Julie’s careful and thoughtful read, I already feel much more confident about my manuscript. And the amazing thing is, I’m actually enjoying the revision process rather than dreading it. I highly recommend Julie, and can’t wait to work with her again on a future project.”
Young adult author
“I am incredibly lucky that I had the opportunity to work with Julie on my YA novel. Julie is an excellent editor, and I trust her completely. When I sent Julie my opening pages and synopsis, she helped me to rework important elements of my story. She made several suggestions to help me improve the stakes, build tension, fix plot holes, and adjust the character dynamics. Thanks to her, my novel is much stronger now, and I’m happy with how it has turned out. Julie also provided line edits to help me improve the opening pages, query letter, and synopsis. She sent me very detailed editorial letters and comments on particular lines. I found it to be especially helpful to talk with Julie on the phone. She answered all of my follow-up questions and left me feeling reenergized and excited about my writing. She is also always positive, punctual, and quick to respond to messages, which I really appreciated.”
Young adult author
“It’s rare to encounter an editor with as much skill, enthusiasm, and dedication to her craft as Julie Scheina. She excels at respecting an author’s voice while suggesting the sorts of changes, large and small, that shape a manuscript into something outstanding. As an editorial colleague at a major publisher, I saw firsthand the ways in which Julie’s sensitivity, insight, and encouragement were central to the success of numerous bestselling and award-winning books.”
Barbara Bakowski, Former Senior Copy Editor, Random House Children’s Books
“After having worked with Julie at Little, Brown for a number of years, I can say with confidence that I’d trust her with any project. Her editorial instincts–from spotting talent to knowing just what a manuscript needs–are truly exceptional.”
Nancy Conescu, Publisher, Berbay Publishing
“Julie is an extraordinary talent. She possesses a deft touch with authors and illustrators and an uncanny ability to elevate every story she touches — the writing, the flow, and perhaps most importantly, the overall narrative arc. Julie transformed a couple of engaged submissions from questionable usability to enthralling, wonderful outcomes. I have repeatedly been in awe of Julie’s skills and recommend her unequivocally.”
Bram Hall, Founder, Kabook!
“I worked with Julie Scheina for over six years, and can say with supreme confidence that she is a superstar editor. Whether she was editing a #1 New York Times bestselling series or a literary novel with award potential, she gave each project equal attention. She has a keen editorial eye, is savvy about the market, always gives thoughtful and insightful feedback, and is beloved by authors, agents, and colleagues alike.”
Alving Ling, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“Julie Scheina is one of the most dedicated and insightful editors I have had the privilege to work with. She’s meticulous and firm, generous and unbiased. She taught me a tremendous amount as an editor by just being her competent and expedient self.”
Joe Monti, Editorial Director, Saga Press
“If I were to write my own book, I would be honored to have Julie Scheina as my editor. In the seven years she worked in the editorial department at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, she continually impressed me with her intelligent and thoughtful approach to the craft of editing, deep respect for writers, excellent communication skills, and professional poise. Her broad editorial range enabled her to work on a diverse list projects, including contemporary commercial fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and poetry and her first-hand knowledge of the publishing industry would be invaluable to writers as they embark on their careers.”
Megan Tingley, President and Publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“I had the pleasure of working with Julie Scheina over many years on a variety of different projects. She always brought her very best to every job, giving authors the individualized attention each required, never approaching a manuscript with a one-size-fits-all mindset. The books she worked on were better for her effort, and the writers she worked with better authors.”
Michael Bourret, Literary Agent, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC
“Working with Julie Scheina is sheer pleasure. She is detail-oriented on all fronts — from the editorial to the administrative — but also able to see the larger picture in every situation. I miss being able to work with her in-house, but am delighted that she has hung her shingle up and is therefore still available to us all. I know many great books will emerge from this!”
Sarah Burnes, Literary Agent, The Genert Company
“It is tough for an agent to share reading and submissions with a freelancer; taste and judgement are so personal. But Julie is the best reader I’ve worked with, and invaluable in helping me remain constantly open to new material. Her commercial and aesthetic instincts are finely tuned and always backed by extensive, current market knowledge. As I sift the flood of queries and manuscripts, Julie is an invaluable ally!”
Sarah Davies, Founding Literary Agent, The Greenhouse Literary Agency
“When I think of Julie Scheina, I think of her warmth, her intelligence, her good humor, her keen editorial insights, and her enthusiasm. My author greatly enjoyed working with her on her book, and I, too, have nothing but the most positive things to say about our experience working with her. I only wish she’d not left New York!”
David Dunton, Literary Agent, Harvey Klinger
“Julie is an incredibly thoughtful and careful editor who understands how to identify quickly what an author is trying to do and help them do it even better. Her tastes are diverse, and she understands that different books (and authors) require different approaches. I always know that no matter what kind of manuscript I give to Julie, it will leave her hands in better shape than when she got it.”
Steven Malk, Literary Agent, Writers House
“Julie has impeccable taste and is thoughtful and thorough—one of the most hand-on editors I’ve encountered. She has a keen eye and a strong hand but never loses sight of the author’s intent or purpose. She digs deep, and the projects she works on are better for it.”
Jim McCarthy, Literary Agent, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret LLC
“Julie has an eye for talent, so I trust her with my query inbox—and that’s no small thing when future clients are in the queue! Julie has impeccable taste, she’s thoughtful, she’s thorough, and she’s precise. Plus, she’s lovely to work with! Her stellar editorial background and impressive client list makes hiring her a no-brainer. I’d recommend her to anyone looking for editorial services.”
Kristin Ostby, Literary Agent, The Greenhouse Literary Agency
“As I agent, I’ve worked with Julie for many years. She’s everything a writer needs and wants in an editor: perceptive, with a keen ear, and always professional, while still being warm and friendly.”
Wendy Schmalz, Literary Agent, Wendy Schmalz Agency
“Julie Scheina is an incredibly perceptive, thoughtful editor. She has been a true pleasure to work with throughout the years, and my clients and their novels have benefited immensely from her guidance, her enthusiasm, and her keen editorial instincts.”
Amy Williams, Literary Agent, The Williams Company