I’m a freelance editor and former full-time Scholastic and Penguin Random House editor of nonfiction middle grade, YA, and adult projects. I specialize in narrative nonfiction (historical, scientific, and memoir), creativity and gift books, and historical or science reference for MG readers. To see previous editorial projects, see
Expert Critique for Children’s Nonfiction
I got a written critique of my manuscript from Amanda Shih. She has a lot of experience with childrenís nonfiction and her advice and suggestions were really great. She was very encouraging and helpful. Iím so glad that I got the critique and that I chose Amanda!
Charlene Smith
Clarifies Project Direction with Confidence
Amanda was incredibly helpful and response to my questions (which I noted on my submission ahead of time to help guide our conversation). She also sent the Zoom link in a timely manner and provided a back-up plan to connect by phone as needed.
I came away with a clear direction for my project and better insights into the industry — and that means renewed confidence that my work could be successful.
Susan Santone
Thorough Feedback and Great Ideas
I had a great consultation with Amanda! I went into it without specific questions and didn’t really know what kind of feedback I wanted. She was very thorough, took her time offering me comments, and gave me chances to ask questions throughout. We stuck to the time parameters, but she made it feel like we had the time in the world. I wound up with great ideas and info I can use to move forward – real gems!
Heather Schwartz
Work with Amanda
LIVE Meetings: Meet face-to-face, from home. Choose Zoom, Google Meet, or phone, and speak for the appointed time about your query, first page, and/or first ten pages (for longer meetings). Does not include written notes, but is a chance to have an honest discussion about your work, and to ask follow-up questions. International meetings welcomed.
HYBRID is a live meeting at the appointment time, with written notes.
WRITTEN Critiques: Get detailed, thoughtful notes on your work. Comes with large-scale edits (character, world, plot, tension, concept, conflict, and similar as needed) in an editorial letter and small-scale, line-by-line notes as needed (for longer critiques, an average of three per page). Work arrives in your inbox within 24 hours of thedate on the calendar.