Middle grade fiction is a magical realm where young readers embark on journeys of imagination, friendship, and self-discovery. But behind every enchanting story lies the meticulous work of an editor, the unsung hero who shapes these tales into their best versions. 

Whether you’re an author looking to breathe life into your manuscript or a reader curious about the minds that polish your favorite books, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the top middle grade fiction editors in the industry—those wizards of words who know just how to captivate a young audience.

1. Amy Ewing

Amy Ewing is a New York Times bestselling author and a seasoned editor specializing in Middle Grade (MG), Young Adult (YA), speculative fiction, and romance. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, Amy brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. She’s not just an editor; she’s also a creative writing instructor at the Bronx Loaf Writing Program in New York City. Amy’s approach is all about making your voice shine. Whether you’re working on a quirky middle-grade book or a sprawling YA fantasy, she offers thorough and thoughtful critique designed to elevate your work. With an M.F.A in Creative Writing, Amy is the guiding hand your manuscript needs to reach its full potential.

2. Robin Benjamin

Robin Benjamin is a New York-based developmental editor who specializes in middle-grade fiction. With over twenty years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Robin is known for her strong line-editing skills and her ability to brainstorm big ideas with authors. She has worked with a diverse range of authors at different stages of their careers, from debut novelists to award winners and bestsellers. Her portfolio includes an impressive array of titles across genres, making her an ideal choice for anyone looking to refine their middle-grade manuscript.

3. Judi Weiss

Judi Weiss is an editor who specializes in Young Adult, Middle Grade, and adult fiction. With a background that includes roles at Radish Fiction, Tobias Literary Agency, and Entangled Publishing, she brings a multi-faceted approach to editing. Judi has also mentored in writing contests like PitchWars, helping several writers secure agents and publishing contracts with renowned publishers like Candlewick and Scholastic. She has edited for bestselling authors such as Rachel Harris and Jennifer Shirk, making her an excellent choice for those looking to polish their middle-grade manuscripts to a high standard.

4. Amber Hatch

Amber Hatch is an Oxford-based editor with a passion for authentic voices and powerful storytelling. Not only is she a published author with her works translated into 17 languages, but she also holds an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. Amber is known for her clear sighted and considerate approach to editing. She has a particular interest in children’s and literary fiction, as well as wellbeing and memoir in non-fiction. Her goal is to help authors communicate strongly, guiding them to recognize the strengths and weaknesses in their work. If you’re looking for an editor who can elevate your middle-grade manuscript, Amber is a standout choice.

5. Margaret Milan Wright

Margaret Milan Wright is a developmental editor with a specialized focus on young adult and middle-grade fiction. With prior experience at prestigious publishing houses like Penguin and Simon and Schuster, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to your manuscript. Margaret is known for her meticulous attention to structure, clarity, and tone, providing both extensive feedback and line-by-line edits. She has edited a variety of genres and series, including bestsellers like the New Nancy Drew series and Hardy Boys Adventures. If you’re seeking an editor who can elevate your middle-grade story while maintaining its original essence, Margaret is a top choice.

6. Kimberly Grandizio

Kimberly Grandizio is an experienced children’s book editor with a focus on middle-grade and young adult genres. With a Master of Arts in Publishing and a portfolio boasting over a hundred titles, Kimberly brings a scholarly and practical approach to her editing. Her background includes five years in trade publishing, where she served as a developmental editor for children’s picture books and various nonfiction genres. Kimberly’s graduate thesis on censorship in children’s literature adds an extra layer of depth to her editing skills. If you’re looking for an editor who combines academic rigor with industry know-how, Kimberly is an excellent choice.

7. Alexandra Ott

Alexandra Ott is a Tulsa-based editor and author specializing in young adult and middle-grade fiction. She brings a unique dual perspective to her work, having experience as both an author of middle-grade fantasy novels published by Simon and Schuster and a former editorial assistant at Entangled Publishing. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Tulsa and has over a decade of editorial experience. She has been a Pitch Wars mentor and an editorial intern at Nimrod International Journal. Her editorial approach is comprehensive, focusing on everything from raising the stakes in a scene to deepening character development. If you’re looking for an editor who understands the nuances of storytelling from both sides of the desk, Alexandra is a prime candidate.

8. Kaitlyn Katsoupis

Kaitlyn Katsoupis is an Orlando-based editor and literary agent with a focus on middle-grade fiction. She holds a degree from Emerson College in Writing, Literature, & Publishing, and offers a range of editorial services that include manuscript critiques and developmental edits. Kaitlyn employs a “Compliment Sandwich” critique technique, highlighting your strengths while offering constructive feedback for improvement. Her turnaround time for full manuscripts typically ranges from 2-4 weeks. With a portfolio that includes clients published by Big 5 publishers like Penguin, HarperCollins, and Macmillan, Kaitlyn is a strong choice for authors looking to elevate their middle-grade fiction.

9. Vanessa Curtis

Vanessa Curtis is a Devon-based editor and award-winning Young Adult and Children’s author with a specialization in YA fiction. She brings a unique blend of industry experience and literary acumen to her work, having reviewed books for leading national newspapers like The Times, TLS, Guardian, and Independent. Vanessa has also won several awards for her Young Adult fiction, including the Young Quills Award and the Manchester Children’s Book Awards. As a literary consultant, she has over twenty years of experience helping authors shape and improve their novels. Her editorial approach is comprehensive, covering aspects like character development, plotting, and sentence construction. If you’re looking to give your middle-grade manuscript a competitive edge, Vanessa Curtis is a compelling choice.

Middle grade fiction editors are the invisible hand guiding both authors and readers towards unforgettable experiences. As you embark on your own storytelling journey, we hope this list of exceptional editors helps you find the perfect collaborator to bring your vision to life.