What Writers Say about Working with Kiley
“As my editor for Nerd Camp, Kiley asked all the right questions, helped me develop the plot more fully, and cheered for my geeky characters from start to finish. To this day, I include her first editorial letter in my presentations for schools to show the importance of revision and the difference a good editor can make. Kids often gasp when I tell them how different the ending of the book was before I read Kiley’s notes, and with good reason! Nerd Camp is a notably better book thanks to her expert guidance and bottomless support.”
— Elissa Brent Weissman, author of the popular Nerd Camp series
“During my fifty years of publishing, I have worked with many editors: Kiley Frank is exceptionally insightful, articulate, and personable. Put your text in her hands and she'll help you write a better book.”
— Avi, Newbery Medalist
“Kiley Frank is the kind of editor who reads deeply and knows exactly the right questions to ask, questions that opened my manuscript to new possibilities.”
— Marion Dane Bauer, Newbery Honor Winner
“I will never be able to thank Kiley enough! She was a developmental editor for my memoir, The Goodbye Diaries. From the moment we began working together, I could tell she really understood my book and what was special about it, and she knew just how to improve it. Her advice was specific, filled with helpful examples and resources, and -- the most valuable -- it really made me pause and think. It was as if a fairy godmother had swept through my pages and spread pixie dust all around. Kiley is just that, pure magic.”
— Marisa Ramel, author of The Goodbye Diaries
"Kiley is one of the most creative, compassionate, and responsive editors you will find! She has extensive experience working with the top publishing houses, esteemed authors, and multiple genres. I was intimidated writing my first book, a memoir about growing up in the foster care system. Kiley was patient, informative, and as dedicated from start to finish. Three Little Words is now a New York Times Bestseller. More recently, I have sought Kiley's expert eye and advice as I dip my toes into the world of Children's picture books. Whether you're a seasoned writer, or you're in the brainstorming phase of your next great idea.... Kiley is someone you want on your literary dream team!"
— Ashley Rhodes-Courter, bestselling author of Three Little Words
“Kiley’s lengthy and focused comments on my Middle Grade manuscripts push me to think through what I want to say in each book. And her experience in the publishing industry provides an extra level of expertise to her thoughts. Kiley has a rare understanding of what is the heart of a story that is still in process, and she knows how to suggest ways to make that heart beat strong.”
— Betsy Kepes, writer and book reviewer
I had the privilege of working with Kiley Frank on my middle grade novel Eva of the Farm when she was an editor at Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Having previously published six novels for children and young adults, I was used to the editorial process that brings a novel to fruition.
What set Kiley apart was how she fostered my own creative process. Whatever the issue in the novel—plot, character, ideas—she knew the right questions to ask, questions that inspired my imagination to bloom with my own beautiful solutions. It was as if she sensed I had an imaginary friend who was more creative than I was. Kiley knew how to get me to play with this imaginary friend not only to solve problems but also to add richness to the novel. Kiley helped me to engage and expand my own best process to write my best book.
Patient, kind even when I was frustrated, Kiley always walked with me. Working with her with was one of the finest creative collaborations I’ve ever had. For that experience I will always be grateful. If you have the opportunity to work with Kiley Frank, grab it and rejoice.