“What sets Nancy apart from other gifted editors is her genuine respect and affection for her authors and illustrators. She cares deeply about their lives and careers and is relentless in her pursuit of opportunities to elevate them. Her editorial notes are thoughtfully delivered, with both the market and the author's feelings in mind. During the 6 years we worked together at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Nancy offered valuable editorial input into a very diverse portfolio of books — from the poetry of Mary Ann Hoberman and preschool picture books by bestselling author Todd Parr to the middle grade adventure series The Mysterious Benedict Society and the young adult phenomenon The Twilight Saga. Rounding out her prodigious talents, she is an excellent writer, highly-organized, has a keen eye for style and a delightful (sometimes wicked, in the best way) sense of humor.”
MEGAN TINGLEY, PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER, LITTLE, BROWN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS AT HACHETTE BOOK GROUP
“I first met Nancy when we were both new appointees at Walker Books Australia at the end of 2016. Our task was to support award-winning creators already on the list and to find new voices that demanded to be heard.
What I discovered about her over the time we worked together is that although we come from different worlds, Nancy and I share a passion for discovering those special storytellers whose magic excites and supports young people of all ages and allows them to dream big dreams.
Nancy’s flair for words and pictures, and the powerful alchemy produced from the mixture of the two, allows her to empathise with authors and illustrators at a deep-down level and help them realise their vision in book form. Because, as a trusted and compassionate mentor, she is absolutely first class.
As an experienced publisher with a deep passion for the natural world and all the creatures that dwell there, Nancy actively looks for stories that make a difference. And she is dedicated to bringing the best books to young readers everywhere. That is her mission.”
LINSAY KNIGHT, FORMER HEAD OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS RANDOM HOUSE AUSTRALIA AND WALKER BOOKS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND. CURRENT CO-FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER AT PITT STREET POETRY
“Nancy Conescu is everything you could ever want in an editor: she's smart, kind, warm, and her enthusiasm for her work is matched only by the wisdom of her editorial comments.She is truly a pleasure to work with and will elevate any project that she's involved in.”
STEVE MALK, SENIOR LITERARY AGENT AT WRITERS HOUSE
“Nancy is one of the most creative, passionate, and productive children's book editors I've worked with, and she has a strong track record for introducing talented authors and artists who go on to become beloved in the field. I admire Nancy tremendously, and it was a great pleasure to be her colleague.”
LAURI HORNIK, PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER, ROCKY POND BOOKS,
AN IMPRINT OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
“Nancy is an excellent publisher and art director who gives kind, constructive feedback and brings a fresh and insightful approach to creating books for all ages. Nancy is very well connected (and very well liked) in both the US and Australia. I have always found her to be knowledgeable about global book market trends and she is terrific to talk to about interesting insights into the book industry. Nancy has both a commercial eye, and a willingness to take risks and try new ideas; the best of both worlds. I would highly recommend Nancy to creators and publishers alike, and I look forward to working with her in the future.”
ANNABEL BARKER, LITERARY AGENT AT ANNABEL BARKER AGENCY
“If it weren't for Nancy's enthusiasm and incomparable editorial instincts ghostgirl would not be a New York Times bestseller. I always felt like she loved the characters and books as much as I did.”
TONYA HURLEY, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF GHOSTGIRL
"Nancy Conescu seamlessly guides writers to a place where creativity and productivity flourish in unison. There is a magic to her personality and feedback which filled me with such optimism throughout the entire process. I could not think of a better partner for any writer.”
GITTY DANESHVARI, AUTHOR OF SCHOOL OF FEAR SERIES
“Working with Nancy across two publishing houses has been an absolute privilege. She brings an incredible depth of knowledge, a sharp editorial eye, a rare creative vision and a genuine passion for storytelling to every project she touches. With a unique and inventive mind, Nancy approaches publishing with a blend of strategic thinking and artistic sensitivity. She’s not only brilliant at what she does—she’s also a joy to work with.”
STEVE SPARGO, CAMPAIGN MANAGER, HARDIE GRANT CHILDREN'S BOOKS
“Nancy Conescu is a genius. I'm serious. As a reader, she is nuanced and generous, bringing the light of her intelligence and compassion to every facet of the story. As an editor, she sees every stitch, every throughline, every divot in space and time and every opportunity to innovate, elevate and illuminate. She meets every manuscript on its own terms, listens to its beating heart, gently holds its hand and shows it what it was always meant to be. I am a better writer because of her. I am this writer because of her, and I will never cease to be grateful.”
KELLY BARNHILL, NEWBERY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON
“Nancy is a force of nature - an invaluable mix of creative, collaborative and competent - that is universally adored by anyone who’s had the joy of working with her. Whether it’s as a colleague or creator, you are lucky to have her in your orbit.”
AMY HABAYEB, SENIOR DIRECTOR, SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS, SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN'S PUBLISHING
“Nancy tracked down my novel from my agent, shared it with the US division of the company she worked for at the time and then acquired it for the Australian and UK markets. As an editor, Nancy was communicative, effective, and kind. She made me feel assured that my book was in good hands.”
REMY LAI, AUTHOR OF PIE IN THE SKY
“Coming from Disney Feature Animation, I had limited experience with self-led projects, but Nancy was my unwavering supporter and guide. She helped me untangle the ideas buried deep in my mind—ones I didn’t even realize were there. Her notes for Once Upon a Cloud were incredibly thorough, thoughtful, and, most importantly, motivating. Every time I read her feedback, I felt inspired to dive right back into work. Nancy’s ability to elevate creative ideas through collaboration is unmatched, and I couldn’t recommend her enough to anyone seeking an editor who truly brings out the best in your vision.”
CLAIRE KEANE, AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR OF ONCE UPON A CLOUD
“Nancy is a force of nature - an invaluable mix of creative, collaborative and competent - that is universally adored by anyone who’s had the joy of working with her. Whether it’s as a colleague or creator, you are lucky to have her in your orbit.”
AMY HABAYEB, SENIOR DIRECTOR, SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS, SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN'S PUBLISHING
“Nancy tracked down my novel from my agent, shared it with the US division of the company she worked for at the time and then acquired it for the Australian and UK markets. As an editor, Nancy was communicative, effective, and kind. She made me feel assured that my book was in good hands.”
REMY LAI, AUTHOR OF PIE IN THE SKY
“Coming from Disney Feature Animation, I had limited experience with self-led projects, but Nancy was my unwavering supporter and guide. She helped me untangle the ideas buried deep in my mind—ones I didn’t even realize were there. Her notes for Once Upon a Cloud were incredibly thorough, thoughtful, and, most importantly, motivating. Every time I read her feedback, I felt inspired to dive right back into work. Nancy’s ability to elevate creative ideas through collaboration is unmatched, and I couldn’t recommend her enough to anyone seeking an editor who truly brings out the best in your vision.”
CLAIRE KEANE, AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR OF ONCE UPON A CLOUD
"Whenever people ask me, 'what does an editor do?' I tell a story about Nancy. We were working on a novel revision, and with her help I had reworked the second half of the book, but was stuck on the ending. She made a suggestion, a small change, but it opened up a new pathway in my mind. I think a good editor is able to point out problems in a book, but a truly great editor is able to understand the writer and their story on such a deep level that they become a key that can open locked rooms in their author's thinking and writing. Nancy is – and I do not say this lightly – the most naturally gifted editor I've worked with in my decade as an author. She is approachable, wise, funny, and I would follow her anywhere to work on more books together."
MICHELLE CUEVAS, AUTHOR OF BEYOND THE LAUGHING SKY, CONFESSIONS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND, AND THE UNCORKER OF OCEAN BOTTLES
“Nancy brought Front Desk to the Australian market. She’s a fantastic editor with a sharp eye for stories that resonate with children today!”
KELLY YANG, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FRONT DESK
“Nancy is one of those editors that has an eye for the art and design of picture books. Her passion for illustration and her willingness to develop new talent made her an exciting partner to have while we worked together at Little, Brown.”
PATTI ANN HARRIS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR SCHOLASTIC INC.
“Nancy and I collaborated on many wonderful titles during our time working together at Penguin Young Readers. I witnessed firsthand not only her impeccable taste, but the incredible care and brilliant insight Nancy pours into all of her collaborations with creators. She always brings out the best work in her authors and illustrators and manages to make all of her books feel simultaneously like the fresh new must-have, and a timeless classic. Believe me, you want Nancy in your corner!”
JENNY KELLY, ART DIRECTOR, DIAL BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS
“I have had the good fortune and pleasure to work with Nancy Conescu on two books aimed at readers ages 8-12. She is a perfect editor, who understands story and character, and how to convey suggestions with clarity and warmth. Nancy is an empathetic reader and rigorous editor, whose insights always made the work better. I watched her work with my illustrator Jill Weber with the same rigor, sensitivity and talent for calibrating the interplay between pictures and text. Our collaboration resulted in two books that won accolades from professional reviewers and readers, with an invaluable assist from Nancy's brilliant touch."
JULIE SALAMON, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ADULT AUTHOR AND AUTHOR OF CAT IN THE CITY AND MUTT'S PROMISE
“I have worked with Nancy over eight years on several picture book projects. She creates an environment that makes the editing process not only productive but enjoyable. She gives detailed, constructive feedback every step of the way while retaining the voice of the author. Personally, I found my stories have always benefited from my collaboration with Nancy and it is an editorial partnership I value.”
GABRIEL EVANS, AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR OF NORTON AND THE BEAR, SHORTLISTED FOR CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
“Working with Nancy has been one of the highlights of my writing life. This is due to her extensive skills and knowledge as a publisher paired with her passion, warmth, gentle guidance and unerring professionalism. She treats her authors and their projects with the highest respect and nurtures their talents through all stages of their career. Her authors trust her unquestionably, as her advice is always delivered with the benefit of her experience, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, aesthetic sensibility and astute publishing instincts.
Nancy has a rare gift as a publisher, editor, art director and project manager and would be an invaluable asset to any author or publishing house.”
EDWINA WYATT, CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA HONOUR AWARD WINNING AUTHOR OF THE SECRETS OF MAGNOLIA MOON
“I have published with manymanymany publishers, for manymanymany years, and worked with manymanymany-an-editor, and Nancy Conescu has always been one of the best of the best of the best. Whether it’s author & illustrator perfect pairings, page-turn pacing, or championing her books well beyond publication, Nancy always makes books better. She reads everything and knows everyone, which has made her an industry expert in the Kidscape. But beyond all that, when it comes to knowing what makes a a great book, Nancy just gets it. Humor. Heart. What readers remember. She is irreplaceable, invaluable and inimitable. A triple i-threat, That’s why, when it comes to Nancy Conescu, it is always a starred review. ⭐️”
SAMANTHA BERGER, AUTHOR OF THE MARTHA DOESN'T BOOKS AND EMMY-NOMINATED TELEVISION WRITER
“Nancy is an absolute gem. She has a passion for timeless stories, not bending to trends or gimmicks. Her feedback is gentle, instructive and honest and has the true intention of presenting the best possible iteration of a story. Each story I have created with Nancy feels so much stronger for her thoughtful and thorough guidance; she is the wind beneath any author’s wings!”
CAT RABBIT, AUTHOR OF HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS:A BEAR'S GUIDE, A CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA NOTABLE BOOK AND THE LIBRARY OF BEARS
“After working closely with Nancy for many years, I can say unequivocally that she is one of the most talented, thoughtful, and visionary editors I know. In addition to Nancy's editorial acumen, I've witnessed firsthand how her eye for spotting talent, her ability to see a project's potential in its earliest stages, and her skilled approach to design, marketing, publicity, and production played an invaluable role in many books' successes. Combined with her supportive and collaborative approach, it is no wonder that everyone who works with Nancy would love to do so again."
JULIE SCHEINA, JULIE SCHEINA EDITORIAL SERVICES
“As the illustrator and designer, my success is central to having a creative and productive collaboration with my editor. It was such good fortune to have Nancy Conescu as our most gifted editor. She brought that extra talent of fully understanding the marriage between art and text and gave our project the extra brightness to make it truly shine. Her guidance was brilliant and invaluable. With her help, Julie Salamon and I produced two fully illustrated books that were so well received by both reviewers and our wonderful readers. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Nancy.”
JILL WEBER, ILLUSTRATOR OF CAT IN THE CITY AND MUTT'S PROMISE