Rachel Abrams is a comprehensive and developmental editor of books for children and adults, including picture books, novels, short stories, and narrative nonfiction. She provides consultation to authors, publishers, literary agencies, and other publishing partners.
About Me
I can teach you how to write a great story:
How to compose crisp, evocative prose—writing so good you double back, read it again, and shake your head before devouring the rest; how to craft deeply real characters who seem to live and breathe off the page; how to develop pacey, original, high-concept plots that capture and sustain attention; how to build fantasy worlds that stretch the imagination, and how to construct everyday settings with equal depth and vividness. Most of all, I can help you transform your manuscript into the story you’ve always wanted to tell.
I began my publishing career at HarperCollins Children’s Books, editing and acquiring beloved, award-winning, and bestselling books for young readers and teens. In 2013, I opened the doors at Rachel Abrams Editorial, offering my expertise to the larger writing community.
I founded my business on the philosophy that a mastery of storytelling stems from four things: an authentic voice, a unique narrative vision, an open mind toward revision, and a dedication to craftwork. My advice is honest, thorough, and based on over fifteen years of industry experience. I am committed to making the editorial process manageable, educational, and dare I say it—enjoyable.
My background is in children’s books, but I edit stories for every age and from a wide variety of genres— sci-fi to historical fiction to celebrity memoir— and have advised authors during all stages of their careers. I specialize in complex plotting and structural development and have extensive experience editing illustrated books and books about sports. My corporate clients include Algonquin Books for Young Readers, Abrams Books, Disney Hyperion, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Full Fathom Five.
A selection of books I had the privilege to work on during my tenure at HarperCollins Children’s Books and now at Rachel Abrams Editorial:
““Rachel is detailed, timely, and collaborative. Her developmental editing skills are top notch—she knows your story like the back of her hand.””