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.
Testimonials
“Rachel Abrams is a plot wizard who can work with a writer to take a solid idea and transform it into a sustained novel-length narrative with perfect pacing and page-turning interest.”
Elise Howard, literary agent, defiore & company
“Rachel Abrams has an intuitive approach to author care that is like nothing I've ever seen. She's able to quickly assess a creator's strengths and challenges and support them in exactly the right manner. I would relish the chance to work with her again.”
Kieran Viola, Editorial Director, Disney Hyperion
“Rachel took a very complicated set of ideas, went away to work, and sent back to me a cohesive, developed, tightened first draft. I can say honestly that Rachel’s work was crucial to keeping our project moving on an accelerated schedule. Her attention to detail and thoughtful approach to structure made all the difference in taking a project from an early-stage concept to a fully-executed, high-quality draft.”
Anne Heltzel, EDITOrial director, Abrams Children’s Books
"Rachel's expertise and robust knowledge of multiple genres was invaluable as I began work on my first picture book—which was subsequently acquired by a publisher! I am so grateful for the education and inspiration Rachel provided as she helped me organize and grow my text and ideas, while simultaneously teaching me about the complex craftwork that goes into writing a cohesive, engaging illustrated story. I highly recommend writers of all professional stages engage Rachel for their editorial needs."
Ashley Rhodes-Courter, New York Times Bestselling Author of Three Little Words and Three More Words (Simon & SCHUSter), and her debut picture book, Sam Is My Sister (Albert Whitman & Co)
“Rachel is detailed, timely, and collaborative. Her developmental editing skills are top notch—she knows your story like the back of her hand.”
Sarah Henning, Author of SEA WITCH and Sea Witch Rising (HarperCollins)
“Rachel is the real deal. Her editorial prowess, detailed feedback, and expert craft advice elevated my troubled manuscript and boosted my confidence as a writer. After working with her twice, I felt I had been given a toolbox filled with all the metaphorical gadgets and gizmos I needed to build an engaging, well-paced, structurally sound story that could stand on its own.”
Timothy Janovsky, author of never Been kissed (May 2022) and you’re a mean one, Matthew Prince (October 2022) (Sourcebooks Casablanca)
“I am infinitely thankful that I had the opportunity to learn from Rachel. When I wrote my first children’s book manuscript, I was clueless about the writing, submission, and publishing process. I didn’t even know how to properly format or paginate a manuscript! Rachel shared a wealth of knowledge with me that covered the elements of writing children’s book manuscripts all the way to what I should expect from the submission process. Not only is Rachel a skilled writer and editor, she believed in me and in my manuscript. During a time when I was filled with feelings of vulnerability and self-doubt, Rachel was a constant force of positivity and support. Thanks to Rachel, my manuscript found a home.”
Karina Nicole González, Author of The Coquíes Still Sing (Roaring Brook Press, August 2022)
"When I couldn’t take my first draft any further on my own, I connected with Rachel. Smartest move ever! Working collaboratively with her enabled me to elevate my world-building, character development, and pacing. Thanks to Rachel’s editorial chops, professionalism, and support, my novel is a more robust and emotionally engaging story, and the literary agents I’m now querying are definitely taking notice.”