Welcome to the literary labyrinth that is the world of Young Adult fiction—home to powerful coming-of-age tales, unforgettable characters, and storylines that resonate with both teen and adult audiences alike. But behind every bestselling YA novel is an unsung hero: the editor. 

These wordsmiths work meticulously behind the scenes, helping to shape and polish manuscripts into the gems we treasure. As a writer, choosing the right editor for your Young Adult project can be as crucial as a well-placed plot twist. That’s why we’ve scoured the industry to bring you this list of the top Young Adult fiction editors who have a knack for making good stories great and great stories unforgettable. 

1. Jennifer Rees

Jennifer Rees is a New York Times bestselling editor specializing in Children’s Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult novels. Her portfolio includes collaborations with renowned publishing houses like Scholastic, National Geographic, and Wattpad. Notably, she played a pivotal role in shaping Suzanne Collins’ iconic THE HUNGER GAMES series. Jennifer’s editorial approach is comprehensive, focusing on character development, plot, pacing, and other elements that contribute to a story’s marketability and emotional impact. Based in Pittsburgh, she continues to maintain a strong professional network in New York City’s publishing scene. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, Jennifer is the go-to editor for writers looking to elevate their work.

2. Becky Wallace

Becky Wallace is an award-winning author and editor with over 12 years of experience in traditional publishing. Specializing in Young Adult and Middle Grade genres, particularly fantasy and contemporary stories, Becky has a knack for increasing tension, fleshing out characters, and perfecting pacing. Her editorial prowess is backed by a detailed, multi-page edit letter that offers concrete solutions for manuscript improvement. The authors she has worked with praise her keen eye for plot, character, and pacing, as well as her ability to understand their vision. Based in Houston, Texas, Becky’s expertise makes her an invaluable asset for writers aiming to polish their manuscripts to perfection.

3. Eric Smith

Eric Smith is a literary agent and Young Adult author based in Philadelphia, PA, who has contributed to award-winning and New York Times bestselling books. With over a decade of experience in publishing, Eric is a “full-time book person” who specializes in Young Adult fiction, genre-blending adult fiction, and a wide array of non-fiction. He brings a multifaceted perspective to editing, having worked as an agent, author, and even a mentor in Arcadia University’s MFA program. Eric’s expertise lies in crafting book proposals, polishing query letters, and providing an extra set of discerning eyes for your novel. With a passion for words and an insightful approach, Eric is the editor to help you elevate your manuscript.

4. Adana Gardner Marfield

Adana Gardner-Marfield is an editor with a unique blend of experience in both education and the entertainment industry. Based in Sedona, Arizona, she specializes in Young Adult, Kid Lit, and Adult genres, promising to “sculpt your book or screenplay into the masterpiece you’ve envisioned.” Adana’s keen eye for detail is evident in her work, including Paramount’s 2022 film release, “RUN & GUN.” As a retired high school English teacher and Los Angeles Teacher of the Year 2012, she brings a deep understanding of storytelling and language to her editing. Whether it’s spotting inconsistencies or enhancing flow and pacing, Adana’s comprehensive approach ensures your manuscript will sparkle.

5. Jessie Campbell

Jessie Campbell is a freelance editor based in San José Province, Costa Rica, with a focus on Young Adult fiction among other genres. She brings a unique blend of experience, having worked with multiple USA Today bestselling authors and frequently participating in writing and book conferences. Jessie’s approach to editing is deeply collaborative, offering a detailed plan tailored to each author’s vision. She’s also committed to diversity and inclusion, and every potential client receives a free sample edit and consultation video chat. With a backlist of bestselling authors who repeatedly choose her for new releases, Jessie is a trusted name in the editing world.

6. Eve Porinchak

Eve Porinchak is an award-winning author and editor based in Los Angeles, California, with over a decade of experience in getting manuscripts into submission-ready shape. A former literary agent, Eve has a robust background in psychology, healthcare, and social services, making her adept at editing stories involving complex themes like medicine, human trafficking, and incarceration. She has worked with authors who have secured top agents and book deals, specializing in Young Adult, true crime, thriller, and more. Eve’s approach is highly collaborative, offering detailed developmental editing and guidance to countless authors on their paths to publication.

7. Kate Sederstrom

Kate Sederstrom is a New York-based freelance editor with over seven years of industry experience, specializing in children’s and young adult fiction. She has worked on both the editorial and agenting sides of the publishing industry, bringing a well-rounded perspective to her editing approach. Kate is known for her keen sensitivity in shaping books to their best versions, aiming to uplift the author’s unique voice. With experience in developmental editing, editorial assessments, and query letter reviews, she offers a comprehensive editorial package. Whether you’re looking to tighten up a finished novel or need guidance through writer’s block, Kate is the editor who’s got your back.

8. Charlotte Colwill

Charlotte Colwill is a London-based editor and literary agent who specializes in children’s and commercial fiction. With a background as a bookseller, she brings a unique perspective to the editorial process. Charlotte has worked with a range of genre fiction authors, as well as literary and commercial fiction writers. She is known for her editorial focus, working collaboratively with clients to prepare their manuscripts for publication. With experience at HarperCollins and Welbeck, she has been involved in the creation and editorial process of several children’s series. Her approach is both story and detail-oriented, making her an ideal choice for authors looking to refine their work.

In the dynamic landscape of Young Adult fiction editors, we hope this curated list helps you find the perfect match for your storytelling vision, setting you on the path to not just publication, but lasting literary success.