Kristen Simmons
Developmental Editor
Kristen Simmons is the critically-acclaimed young adult author of the dystopian Article 5 trilogy, The Deceivers boarding-school thriller series, and speculative fiction stand-alones, Pacifica, Metaltown, and The Glass Arrow (all with Tor Teen/Macmillan). She has also co-written the magic-wielding, gladiator fantasies, Set Fire to the Gods and Rise Up from the Embers (Balzer and Bray/Harper), and the yōkai horror, Find Him Where You Left Him Dead (Tor Teen/MacMillan). In addition, she has penned the erotic Masseuse series and The Talent Trilogy (available on Amazon). Her work has received star reviews, librarian recognitions, and been nominated for the Edgar Award and Anthony Award for best young adult mystery. Several of her titles are included in junior high and high school reading curricula, and are used in reluctant reader programs nationwide.
Kristen’s writing is inspired by her work with trauma survivors as a mental health therapist, specializing with soldiers with PTSD, people with severe mental illnesses, and individuals in foster care. She has been writing fiction for 20 years and providing education through classes and panels to teens and adults on character development, world-building, and plot structure for 10 years. She has served as a judge for writing competitions, is a frequent speaker at educator, writing craft, and fan conferences; and has a continuing role with the national YoungArts program as a writing mentor.
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
General fiction for all ages, including middle grade and young adult readers
Romance and erotica, especially with sharp dialogue and a thrilling plotline. I would love to work with a new romance novelist on developing their series!
Young adult horror, sci-fi/fantasy, contemporary, thriller, mysteries, historical, and romance. The edgier the better!
Adult horror
Women’s fiction, rom-coms
Humor
Compelling memoirs
AAPI-centered stories, or stories with biracial characters
Stories centering mental health issues and/or therapy
AVAILABLE FOR
Writing coaching, manuscript critiques, query letter editing, content editing, developmental editing.
“Kristen Simmons does the first critique of every book I write. Her input is invaluable and thought provoking. She helps me see my plot clearly, helps with the layering of characters, and is fantastic with arcs. She is a wonderful to work with!”
-Katie McGarry, author of the Pushing the Limits and Thunder Road series
“When we invite Master Teachers to join us and work with our young artist, it is critical that these teachers work with our students as they would their own professional peers. Kristen was able to do this. She was incredibly generous with her time, and fully authentic in her conversation with our winners. At a time when young people are questioning privilege and representation, Kristen was able to speak genuinely from her own experiences and background about the diverse worlds that she creates and why that matters. In bringing Kristen in as a speaker, we were able to bring in an author that our students were not only familiar with but also someone who was able to work with them both on the craft of writing and articulate what means use that craft and make a living as an author.”
- Rebekah Lanae Lengel, Director of Artistic Programs, YoungArts
“Kristen Simmons was everything you'd want from an author; engaged, knowledgeable, honest, and relatable. She knows YA lit and teens well. GLASS ARROW is a stark look at gender equality (think HANDMAIDS TALE for teens) and she took - and gave - the tough questions in a way that truly connected. If not an author, she could be an excellent and very popular teacher. Highly recommended.”
-Geoffrey Girard, English Dept. Chair, Moeller HS
"Kristen Simmons was a delight to have on our campus. She was engaging, smart, and truly interested in our students. She was very generous with her time and went to dinner with students, gave a fabulous hour-long talk about her life as a writer and the issues that have influenced her work, and then stayed for an hour after the talk signing books and talking to every student who wanted to engage with her."
-Dr. Adam R. Beach, Professor of English, Ball State University
“Kristen is always very approachable and friendly to students and staff. She is a ROCK STAR to us!!”