About the Editor

Nicole Ellul joined Simon & Schuster in February of 2012 after previous roles with Bloomsbury Children’s Books and the picture book publisher, Sleeping Bear Press. She is the US editor of the internationally bestselling Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts, along with being the editor of #1 New York Times bestselling authors Lynn Painter (Better than the Movies) and Shea Ernshaw (The Wicked Deep). Nicole is also the editor of New York Times bestsellers Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch, Rachel Lynn Solomon’s Past Present Future, The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith, and many more. During her editorial career, she also had the honor of working on books by the immensely talented Jodi Picoult, Philippa Gregory, and R.L. Stine. A former college volleyball player, Nicole graduated with a BA in History and English Language and Literature from Grand Valley University located in Grand Rapids—one of the vibrant artistic hubs in her home state of Michigan.

Nicole focuses mainly on commercial YA books in the genres of light fantasy, contemporary, speculative, historical fiction and magical realism. Romance is a MUST for Nicole in YA, as is a commercial hook. Nicole gravitates towards books with a storybook

atmosphere and lyrical writing that feels ethereal (on the hunt for an Erin Morgenstern for YA.) with a unique structural hook. In MG, Nicole leans more towards light fantasy that feels commercial, and in picture books, it’s all about the lush atmosphere and musical quality. She has a gothic soul and would love more projects that capture the Tim Burton / Guillermo del Toro vibe / atmosphere across any age and genre! Also, books that explore magic–especially those exploring witches/witchcraft–are welcome in all formats!