Rachel Vine
Developmental Editor & Story Specialist
Hi, I'm Rachel—founder of Wildflower Editorial.
Stories have shaped my life for as long as I can remember.
As a former children’s librarian, children’s literature, editing and publishing graduate, and lifelong student of narrative craft, I’ve spent years studying what makes stories endure—and what causes them to falter.
Today, through Wildflower Editorial, I work with children’s and YA authors who want to strengthen their manuscripts with clarity, insight and structural precision.
Professional Background
✿ Professional Member of the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd)
✿ Literati Member of Writing WA
✿ Personal Member of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (WA Branch)
✿ Background in librarianship and children’s literature
✿ Postgraduate study in youth librarian studies, children’s literature, and editing and publishing
✿ Specialist focus on children’s, middle grade, YA and NA fiction
My training combines literary analysis with practical editorial application—ensuring feedback is both thoughtful and actionable.
My Philosophy on Story
A strong manuscript is not built on beautiful sentences alone.
It rests on:
✿ Clear narrative architecture
✿ Compelling character motivation
✿ Emotional stakes that escalate
✿ Thematic coherence
✿ A voice aligned with audience expectations
When these foundations are solid, line-level polish becomes powerful rather than cosmetic.
I believe writers deserve honest, intelligent editorial feedback—delivered with respect and clarity.
I am committed to preserving your unique style and voice—helping you to refine your words or story, so your manuscript resonates with young readers.
Why Children’s & Youth Stories Matter
I believe every child deserves stories that spark imagination, teach empathy, and make the world feel bigger and brighter. Children’s and YA books shape how young people see themselves, others, and the possibilities of life—and now, more than ever, the world needs thoughtful, courageous storytelling.
I’m passionate about helping authors craft books that do more than entertain. Together, we can create stories that linger in readers’ hearts, foster curiosity, and inspire connection. From whimsical picture books to layered YA novels, I love nurturing stories that matter, resonate, and grow with their readers.
Why I Work With Writers
Writing for kids and young adults can feel isolating.
Revision can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to balance story, character, and voice for young readers.
I work with authors because I know how transformative it is to have someone carefully read your manuscript and say:
“This is what’s working.
Here’s what’s not.
And here’s how to strengthen it.”
My goal is not to impose my voice on your work—but to help you refine your own, so your story resonates with the readers it’s meant to reach.
Story Beyond the Manuscript
I am also the creator and host of the Likely Stories podcast, where I explore literary mysteries, scandals and hoaxes, and famous writing advice, as well as Books in Bloom, a podcast dedicated to writing for children, teens, and young adults.
Through Rachel Vine Creative, I continue to analyse and celebrate the layered nature of narrative—reinforcing my ongoing study of story structure and literary history.
This work directly informs my editorial practice, keeping me immersed in evolving conversations about storytelling and allowing me to bring fresh insights and deeper craft guidance to the children’s and YA/NA manuscripts I edit.
Work With Me
If you’re a children’s or YA writer ready to approach revision strategically and seriously, I would be honoured to support your process.
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Rachel Vine is a developmental editor, story coach, and former children’s librarian based in Boorloo (Perth, WA). She specialises in helping children’s, YA, and new adult authors develop manuscripts with strong structure, engaging characters, and emotional depth.
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Rachel holds postgraduate study in Editing, Publishing, and Children’s Literature, and is a professional member of IPEd. Combined with her experience as a children’s librarian and years of hands-on editorial work, she brings both expertise and a deep understanding of young readers to every manuscript she works on.
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Rachel works with picture books, middle grade, YA, and new adult fiction. She supports authors at all stages—from early drafts to near-publication-ready manuscripts.
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Rachel takes a craft-focused, collaborative approach. Developmental editing examines story structure, pacing, characters, and thematic clarity. Story coaching provides strategic guidance and actionable next steps so authors can confidently revise and strengthen their manuscripts.
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Absolutely! Rachel supports both experienced writers and first-time authors, providing guidance, clarity, and confidence to help every writer reach their potential.
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You can book a free 15-minute “First Bloom Call” to discuss your manuscript, goals, and the support you need. From there, Rachel can recommend either story coaching, manuscript assessment, or developmental editing tailored to your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Free First Bloom Call
Take 15 minutes to explore your story’s potential and discover how developmental editing or story coaching can help your manuscript blossom.
Perfect for children’s, middle grade, and YA authors ready to move their story forward.