Erin Alladin

I am a specialist in children’s literature with more than a decade of experience acquiring, editing, writing, and promoting award-winning picture books, juvenile nonfiction, and novels for young-adult and middle-grade readers.

I also have expertise in SFF (Science Fiction and Fantasy) and in fiction and nonfiction related to outdoor education, gardening, permaculture, woodcraft, quilting, sewing, and crochet.

Looking for someone who knows her stuff when it comes to a specific subject? Based on previous projects and life experience, you’ll find me a fount of information on: animal senses, basket-making, bats, camping, Canadian history, chronic illness and disability, Dungeons & Dragons, ecosystems, etymology, fashion history, foraging, forestry, the history of nursery rhymes, LGBTQIA2S+ identities (with lived experience for the L and the A), literacy, neurodivergence, Northern Ontario, poetry, pollinators, regenerative agriculture, theatre, the War of 1812, and wildflowers.

Before my freelance career, I worked in-house at a publishing company for eleven years, rising to the position of Associate Editor. I had a hand in the whole life cycle of a book, from reading the initial submission to writing the marketing copy and pitching it to sales reps, chain-store buyers, and review-journal editors. I have a sharp understanding of what makes a book really work in its market, and I know how to put that knowledge to work for you at any stage of the writing process.

My editorial services include:

• Consultations for anyone who just need to pick a professional’s brain
• Fulsome substantive edits for writers ready to dig deep into revisions
• Manuscript evaluations at any stage in the drafting process
• Copywriting services for authors targeting traditional publication (grab that agent’s attention!) and self-publishing (sell that book!)

Visit my website to learn more.

I occasionally offer rewriting services. Email me to find out if I’m a good fit for your project.

Testimonials:

“I worked with Erin on three of my picture books: The Library Bus, A Sky-Blue Bench, and If You See a Bluebird. It was a great experience, and throughout the process, Erin was really helpful, providing me with valuable suggestions to improve my manuscript. She has a gift for selecting book titles, for which I’ll always be grateful. I’d recommend her to any writers, whether they’re new to the craft or well-established.”—Bahram Rahman, The Library Bus, A Sky-Blue Bench, If You See a Bluebird

“Erin has edited a number of my books and I’ve always been pleased with her keen eye for detail, curiosity and respect for my intentions. She is a true wordsmith and has a masterful way of massaging my words into sentences that are succinct and finely crafted. I would recommend Erin for any editorial work as I know she will take the time and care to edit thoughtfully.”—Colleen Nelson, If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It; See It, Dream It, Do It; The Umbrella House; The Harvey Stories

“I really enjoyed working with Erin and I hope that I will have the pleasure of working with her in the future. She has a great ear for creating a fantastic read-aloud and she combines art with text to produce a seamless picture book. She is positive and effective in her critique, and she is open and collaborative in her approach to editing.”—Lana Button, The Cow Said BOO!

Keywords: picture book, non-fiction, YA, middle grade