What authors are saying
“I’m the kind of writer that isn’t married to her words. For me, it’s the piece itself that’s important. I want to know how I might make my work shine, and Stacy Whitman meets me there with every book. She digs deep, asks important questions, and helps me see what the manuscript could do if allowed to breathe, to unfurl, to sing. Stacy has changed my life with her brilliance!”
—Guadalupe García McCall, Pura Belpré Award-winning author and bestselling author of Summer of the Mariposas
What I’m doing now
After years of dedicated work founding and leading the Tu Books imprint at Lee & Low, bringing critically acclaimed and bestselling diverse voices to the forefront of children’s and young adult literature, I am now working independently.
My passion for nurturing powerful stories and guiding authors to their fullest potential remains stronger than ever.
I excel with books at the crossroads of literary & commercial, particularly books with a strong hook that will appeal to young readers, then continue to live for years to come in curricular adoptions and as library favorites.
I focus on developmental editing, book coaching, and publishing consulting. If you have a novel or nonfiction project for middle grade or young adult readers, particularly science fiction or fantasy, I could be the right match for you.
Work with
Stacy
With more than 25 years in the publishing industry, including 15 years at the helm of an award-winning imprint, I offer unparalleled insight and a proven track record.
My services are designed for authors, agents, and publishers seeking a seasoned professional to elevate their projects. I specialize in middle grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction (prose and graphic novels—not poetry, sorry), with a particular interest in science fiction & fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, and diverse voices.
Developmental editing
Deep-dive structural and narrative feedback to transform your manuscript.
Author coaching
Personalized guidance on craft, revision, career strategy, and navigating the publishing landscape.
Manuscript and query critiques
Get a chapter or your cover letter/query critiqued
Publishing consulting
Expert advice for agents and publishers on list building, acquisitions, and market positioning.
Workshops
Interested in going deeper on a specific topic? Stacy offers remote workshops on a number of writing topics. Sign up for her mailing list to be notified of the next class.
“Stacy was the first person to open the doors of publishing for me when my book was a finalist for the New Visions Award. Many years and books later, I cherish her expert guidance and feedback. She’s insightful and thorough, and I’ve grown tremendously as a writer thanks to our collaborations. She’s never prescriptive and can help you get to the heart of the story so that it will resonate with your readers, I recommend her fully!”
—Yamile Saied Méndez, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of Furia, a Reese’s Book Club Pick, among many other books for young readers
The whole life of a book
Nobody understands the publishing world like Stacy!
