HOW IT WORKS

If you are a writer for young people, or an editor or publisher working in this space, we will work with you to match your book with a committee of young readers from The International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers.

For example, if you have written or are publishing a chapter book for readers 9-12 years old, we will find a group of readers from that age group. They will provide notes on the book, at whatever level you wish. Maybe you want to make sure you got the dialogue right for kids that age. Maybe you want to make sure you describe third grade correctly. Maybe you want to make sure your story, which you think is funny, is actually funny.

Our student editors will step up and provide you with the answers.

They enjoy being part of the editorial process, and they get invaluable experience. They develop profoundly as student-editors, as writers, and they get the thrill of being acknowledged by professional editors.

To honor the students' work, we suggest one or more of the following:

• a small contribution to each student's college or other education fund

• a small contribution to their local writing/tutoring center

• acknowledgement by name in the final printed book.

• one personalized and signed copy of the book from the author to the student.

 All donations are tax-deductible, of course. We will work with you to coordinate details for the editorial process, including these modest contributions.

ENDORSEMENTS

"It drives me crazy that no one in publishing ever talks to any kids other than their own. This is a perfect way to connect the people who make things with the people they make things for. We have needed this for a long time."
—Taylor Norman, Editor, Chronicle Books

“At long last, writers can get free advice from strangers without approaching them in the street.”
—Lemony Snicket, author of a series of unfortunate events and many other boooks for children and adults

“I think it’s important that people who write for kids actually talk to kids (which means listening to them, too). The student editorial committee is a great way to get feedback from young readers, to give students valuable editorial experience, and to support an indispensable youth writing center, all at the same time.”
—Mac Barnett, AUTHOR OF Caldecott HONOR BOOKS EXTRA YARN, SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE, AND MANY OTHERS

"I don't think I could have finished The Lifters without student readers. They were invaluable."
—Dave Eggers, author of books for children & adults 

“Teachers, this project got my class of young editors fired up about reading and writing.”
—KEVIN BOLGER, TEACHER AT MEADOWLANDS PUBLIC SCHOOL

"It was really fun to see a book printed on regular paper and have a chance to read it before anyone else. And then it was amazing to see that the author used some of my comments in the final book."

—Ajani, 826michigan student, grade 8, Detroit

"Now that the book is finished, I'm definitely going to read it again!"

—Lucie, 826michigan student, grade 4, Detroit

“I liked the Young Editors Project because it gives you an idea of how a book comes together and what it looks like earlier in the stages. It’s very fun to do the questions, as well.”

—KENDRA, Meadowlands Public School student. grade 4. OttAwa.

“I really enjoyed participating and would love to work in publishing because of this experience.”

- CARA, DONCASTER, UK. YEAR 8 STUDENT.

Back story

The International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers is a network of organizations worldwide which serve school-aged students with writing and tutoring programs, including those in the 826 National network, founded by author Dave Eggers and educator Ninive Calegari. The young people who attend classes and workshops at these centers are public school students ages 6-18.

They are also voracious readers and astute editors. Over the years, many children’s book authors have taught at these centers, and have found our students to be exceptionally enthusiastic readers who provide valuable insight.

In 2017, while writing The Lifters, a middle-grade book, Dave Eggers assembled a committee of young editors aged 8-12. He gave them his manuscript and asked for their feedback. With red pens in hand, they marked up the book, and these notes made the book stronger.

“Student readers are especially important, because their enthusiasm is so pure,” Eggers says. “One young reader, for example, put hearts all over the book to mark the parts she liked. She noted places where she thought I could improve the book, of course, but the enthusiasm meant the world to me. Now I can’t imagine writing something for young people without getting their input.”

Along with Chronicle Books editor Taylor Norman and noted author Mac Barnett — a former executive director at 826LA — Eggers decided this would be an important service to provide to authors writing for young people around the world. It gives young author-editors a powerful and authentic experience as editors in the professional publishing world.

The program, run by Amanda Uhle, former Executive Director at 826michigan, now invites more collaboration between young people and the adults who write for them.