Children's book editor testimonial examples
“Laura Atkins does exactly what you hope she'll do—and way, way more. I'm beyond happy that I had the opportunity to benefit from her extensive experience and knowledge. Her edits were sharp, thorough, and thoughtful, but she also offered invaluable suggestions for how to expand and enhance the text. She knows her stuff and is committed not just to diverse, high-quality children's literature, but to supporting the artists and writers working to create it.” –Kate Schatz, Rad American Women A-Z, New York Times best-seller
"As an award-winning author, I've had the pleasure of working with many. My all-time favorite editor was Laura Atkins. She guided me with words of wisdom and ingenious suggestions. It would be an honor for any writer to work with Laura – she is wonderful and enthusiastic, brilliant and patient."
—Ginger Park, co-author, Where on Earth Is My Bagel?
“Laura is an excellent editor with a keen eye for detail. She is acutely aware of cultural context and is sensitive enough to appreciate the need to maintain socio-cultural specificity whilst still ensuring that the story will have universal appeal. As a publishing house based in Africa, we very much appreciate her skills and most importantly her interest and commitment to presenting a diversity of children’s worldview from across the globe.” – Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Publisher, Cassava Republic Press, Nigeria
Laura Atkins is outstanding in her work as an editor, community organizer and activist.
As an editor working on a multicultural fantasy novel set in Central Africa, she gave me excellent pointers that strengthened and deepened my writing, while never altering the story's cultural settings and references. All the edits she suggested were not just respectful of my culture but were made to be a perfect fit for my "voice" as well. She is easy to work with, with excellent communication skills. If you are looking to create a change and further your writing career, Laura is the person you want to talk to.
– N.J. Mvondo, Multiculturalism Rocks
My first picture book experience was with Laura Atkins when she was at Children’s Book Press, and it is from the inspiration of my experience with her that I continue to pursue children’s books. Laura brings a boundless enthusiasm steeped in an encyclopedic knowledge of children’s literature. Her careful consideration of every aspect of a story makes her an incredible resource and sounding board, and her suggestions always move a project forward. I couldn't recommend her enough. For me, she had set a standard by which I’ve had to compare all my professional experiences since.
– Carl Angel, author, illustrator, and designer
"Laura is an ultra-talented editor. To this day I'm in awe of her foresight to help me see the importance of an energetic cover for our project. I am an award-winning children's book illustrator for over fifty books and at the time received a major literary award on my first book. It wasn't easy for her to bring up the closed off body language and somewhat awkward facial expression of the main character to a young illustrator with newfound success, but she did. It was done with such tact and reason that I simply saw the light."
—R. Gregory Christie, illustrator, DeShawn Days and Love to Langston
“Laura worked with Room to Read on an ambitious project to develop a global, series on climate change, with each book written by an author from one of the 10 countries featured in the series. This was the first global book series that Room to Read developed and the resulting books are impressive. Laura was a sensitive mentor, thoughtful editor, and patient collaborator on a complex project that spanned original manuscripts in 10 different languages developed by teams from around the world. She brought exceptional organizational skills to keep track of the drafts and rounds of feedback, flexibility to work across time zones and with authors who had not all experienced writing expository nonfiction before, and a sense of humour to navigate the unexpected. Laura artfully kept all the dots connected between the Room to Read project leads, the designer, and the individual country teams. She is wonderful to work with, and we look forward to an opportunity to work with her again.” —Christabel Pinto, Vice President, Literacy, Room to Read
The best investment ever! Laura knows her stuff, she is great to work with and has imaginative yet constructive ideas to take your work to the next level. Worth working with!
– Abiola Bello, children’s/YA author
"I had the pleasure and privilege to work with Laura Atkins, book editor and consultant, on my first children’s book. Laura was incredibly fast in her turn-around critique and on point with her assessment. Everything she pointed out had merit and a logical reason behind it. Her experience, sense of humor and first-hand understanding makes her the perfect choice for anyone who needs a sound, intelligent, and creative person to bounce ideas off of, whether it’s a funny book or one with more of a serious tone and message. She truly cares about your book!"
—Joe Nipote, Actor, Casper and Curb Your Enthusiasm
"I had been working on editing a manuscript for a children’s story for over a year and really needed a fresh perspective. Having already had the story edited by two professional companies, I really had not intended on doing it a third time, but after perusing blog articles relating to my focus, I came across Laura’s site and was ecstatic to learn she offered critiques. Laura did not disappoint. The perspective she brought to my story was unique and constructive. She had questions about things I had not thought about and offered suggestions that gave my final book the polish it needed to stand out and be noticed. Her critique was invaluable in its depth and content and I feel extremely fortunate for having received her insight."
—Navjot Kaur, Author and Publisher, Saffron Press
"Laura handled the editing of our picture book, Ciao Meow, with all possible aplomb. She was prompt, professional, helpful, detailed in her suggestions and supportive in all the important ways authors/illustrators need in letting someone caretake their baby for the first time. With emphasis on streamlining the total thrust and drama of the story, as well as consistent encouragements that we would get there, she deftly shaped a book we are now very proud of and confident about, as we move it towards publication. Thank you, Laura!"
—Natalie Galli, Author