Katherine Bircher

Description

I am currently the children’s and YA editor at Re-Naissance Agency. My primary responsibility
is collaborating closely with teen authors to expand their contest-winning stories into full-length novels for the “For Teens, Written by Teens” imprint forthcoming from Re-Naissance’s partner MacKenzie Press. Like any developmental editing position, this role requires high-level editorial skill and sound judgment, but the unique interpersonal dynamic of working with very young authors necessitates particular clarity, delicacy, and flexibility.

I have also been a consulting editor for Sara Crowe, senior agent at Pippin Properties, for over three years. Sara relies on my trusted opinion on submissions as she builds her commercially and critically successful roster of middle-grade and YA titles. She also depends on my detailed, thoughtful editorial feedback on clients’ in-progress manuscripts to ensure their acquisition by a publisher.

In my previous position at The Horn Book, I was an integral part of a very small editorial team publishing the prestigious bimonthly children’s literature review journal The Horn Book Magazine, an encyclopedic review database, and daily digital content. My primary responsibility was managing five regularly scheduled newsletters, a lively blog, and social media posts across several platforms; this meant creating original content as well as curating and repurposing existing material and editing colleagues’ copy. I was also a prolific reviewer, reviewing hundreds of children’s and teen titles across a wide range of genre, audience age, and format. In this role I demonstrated flexibility, clear communication, and strong organizational skills as I collaborated with colleagues in my office and beyond.

I am committed to amplifying the full spectrum of diverse perspectives and voices. Out of the Box, the blog I launched for The Horn Book in 2010, originated as a place for conversational updates on children’s book news and glimpses “behind the scenes” of our publications. The blog retained its characteristic light tone, but evolved into a platform championing diverse books and a resource for parents and educators engaging with children around social justice causes. I apply this sense of social responsibility and sensitivity in evaluating manuscripts as well.

With my editorial experience, excellent communication skills, collaborative nature, and commitment to inclusivity, I believe I am an excellent addition to an editorial team.