My Dear Readers …
I’m celebrating my 30th year editing books for young readers by giving away a free edit. My publishing journey began in November 1995. On my first day, a fellow editorial assistant leaned in and whispered excitedly, “We have this really cool thing called email.” I spent 10 years in-house at Harcourt Children’s books, and (so far) 20 years freelance editing picture books, chapters books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, and New Adult books, and even some books for adults. 10 – 20 – 30 years … I like those round numbers. During them, I’ve worked with veteran and debut writers on bestsellers and award-winners across genres. Three decades of variety amidst specialty. My work gives me such joy.
I’ve been through the industry’s ups and downs. The explosion of blockbuster YAs, the meteoric rise of middle grade, the downswing then upswing of picture books. The ebooks-triggered “Death of Books” phase, the 2008 recession, the pandemic, the current Middle Grade challenge. The emergence of graphic novels and hybrid, highly illustrated books for young readers. Hello, BookTok. I know we’re staring down AI, and there’s compression in the children’s book industry and various headwinds, but I am still ALL IN — for the hard and the joyous.
One of the best things I did was create DearEditor.com 15 years ago, shortly before the publication of my book WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION FOR DUMMIES. That began my dialogue with you all, which I consider to be the candles on my cake.
Today, I celebrate my big Editing 30 by putting out creative energy. I’m giving away a free edit of a picture book manuscript (up to 900 words) or the first 20 pages of a Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult, chapter book, or graphic novel (text only) manuscript. Please enter using this RafflePress box below by April 21, 2026 (read the Giveaway Rules & Terms in the box) and consider sharing the fun on your social media. The more at this party, the merrier!
Huzzah!
The Editor
The Editor, Deborah Halverson, has been editing books for thirty years and specializes in picture books, Middle Grade/Young Adult fiction and nonfiction, and New Adult fiction. For her editorial guidance in making your manuscript ready for submission to agents and publishers or for self-publishing, click Editorial services. Learn more in her books: Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies and Writing New Adult Fiction
Congratulations on 30 years!
Thank you, Cathy!
Thirty years! Thanks for being a guiding light.
Charlie, my friend. If I’m a light, you are always a lovely breath of fresh air.
Congratulations!
And Thank YOU for years of helpful advice as well as this generous offer!
Thanks, Sandy!
Where did the time go? Go for another 30 and Congratulations!
Right?! We blink, then we’re here. Love that you’ve been a part of my journey. Wishing you well always.
Congratulations for 30 years and thank you for always sharing such fabulous advice!
Kim! Thanks. Hope you’re well.
Congratulations!
Thank you, Yolanda.
Wow, Deborah! The time has flown! (Not an airport pun.) it has been a privilege to learn from you, watch your boys grow, and call you a friend. Here’s to 30 more years!
It’s been MY pleasure, Judy. MUCH more adventure for both of us!
Congratulations! I’ve been following you for a long time and learned so much!
Oh thank you for sharing that. I’m so happy to have been helpful to you!
Congratulations on 30 years! I am grateful I was a small part of that. You accelerated my learning like no other. I hope there is plenty of chocolate in your future.
Julia! I have no doubt there is MUCH chocolate in my future. I hereby give you homework to get some chocolate — or whatever your yummy thing is — today and treat yourself too.
What a generous gift at a time when publishing books for children has become so competitive.
Don’t retire. We need you.
Aw, thanks! I am going NOWHERE. I love what I do and who I do it with. Writers are awesome peeps. Sending good vibes for your writing today.
Congratulations on 30 years and thank you so much for providing this wonderful giveaway! I read and am still using your Writing Dummies book, it’s fantastic!
Oh, that’s awesome, Caroline! I’m so glad the book helps you work your magic.
30 years?! You are amazing! Congratulations on building a beautiful career helping many hapless writers to authorship!
Teresa, my dear. Hugs and high fives to you.
Wow, what a milestone. Congratulations! I have learned a lot over the years from Dear Editor. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!
Yay, Traci — I’m glad I could be there for you over the years. I’m not done yet, so we’ll stay in these trenches together.
Congratulations! And thank you for guiding and supporting writers!
Thank you, Ann!
Congrats! You’re a treasure. Here’s to many more years of creative editing!
Hear, hear! Sending best wishes your way for your writing, Lisa. 🙂
Congratulations on 30 years of doing what brings you joy. Before I began clicking the keyboard, I read, reread, highlighted, underlined and “devoured” your YA how-to book, for I was one of those“dummies.” Your honesty, encouragement and expertise have pushed me into becoming the author I believe I am. Thank you for “Dear Editor;” it keeps me current. You’re truly a Star on the Storybook Stage. I’m so grateful you’re in my writing life.
Oh, golly. You’ve made my day, Marsha. I’m deeply honored to have been a helpful part of your journey. Sending you big positive vibes for writing.
Congratulations! That is quite a milestone.
Thank you, Rosi. 🙂
Congratulations, Deborah!
MeiLin. Thank you. 🙂
Congratulations!! I didn’t know what I’ve been missing. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity!
Oh yay — happy for you to discover the info here. Click through old posts. You can also search for favorite topics using the search button at the top of the site. Enjoy!
Wow! 30 yrs of supporting writers! Thank you.
It’s been great and I swear I have 30 more in me! Happy writing!
Thank you for all the excellent writing advice you share on a regular basis. Congratulations on 30 years!
Dawn! Thank you.
Congratulations, Deborah! I’m so proud to know you. 🙂
Always so kind, Carrie. Thank you!
You’re always so kind and supportive, Carrie. Thank you!
Thank you for your generous offer! And congratulations on 30 years of inspiring and guiding KidLIt authors.
I want 30 more! 🙂 Wishing you well.
Congratulations! thanks for your generosity and support of writers.
Thank you, Kathryn. 🙂
Congratulations. You have no idea how may writers you have given a hand up when it comes to writing and the field of publishing.
Oh, gosh. Thank you!
Congratulations on 30 years!! A thank you for this generous offer as a way to celebrate. I’d love to win a PB edit.
I always love a good celebration. 🙂
Congrats on 30 years Deborah!
Your edits have helped me immensely! Thank you!
Hello, Lisa! Thank you 🙂
What a lovely career! Congratulations!
Thank you, Angela. I’ve love being part of the children’s publishing community.
Congrats! You’re so good at what you do!
Congrats on 30 years!
Thank you, Rachel.
Happy 30th Anniversary~
Thank you, Marcus. 🙂
30 years?! WOW!! Congratulations and thanks for including this offer in your celebration!
I blinked and three decades passed! 🙂
Best wishes for continuing success1
Thank you, Robin.
Congratulations on 30 years! That is a wonderful milestone!
Thank you, Angie. 🙂
Thank you!
I a big believer in celebrating milestones and steps accomplished, so this is fun for me. Wishing you well, Christine.
Congratulations on an amazing milestone!!