The Official Bio

Heather Alexander is the acclaimed author of more than 70 books for children. She writes both fiction and nonfiction for ages five through thirteen. Some of her many books include the award-winning A Child’s Introduction to . . . series, Life on Earth lift-the-flap series, Wallace and Grace early chapter mystery book series, The Magic Stardust Friends early chapter book series, and the new middle grade series, Eat Bugs. In addition to writing, Heather works as a children’s book editor, packager, and literary scout. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

Fun Facts About Me

 I began my career as an editor in children’s publishing, first at Grosset & Dunlap and then at Parachute Publishing, where I was responsible for Media and Licensed Acquisitions. (Full House, Seventeen magazine, John Deere, Party of Five, Barbie, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Independence Day, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are just a few). I became Editorial Director, overseeing the publication of 100 titles per year.

 I’ve edited all types of books—fiction, nonfiction, toddler books, middle-grade, and young adult. I was the editor of R.L. Stine’s mega-popular, best-selling Goosebumps and Fear Street series, among many, many others.

When I first started writing, I authored a lot of TV and movie novelizations (Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana, Spiderman). I also wrote many series under pseudonyms (names that weren’t my own).

I was born in New York City, grew up in New Jersey, attended college in upstate New York, moved back to New York City, then moved back to New Jersey, and now I live in sunny Los Angeles. Whew!

Growing up, I competed in figure skating. I also played on my high school tennis team and was the editor of both my school newspaper and yearbook.

I’m a nonstop doodler. All my school notebooks were covered with doodles. When I’m talking on the phone, any paper in my reach becomes a doodle masterpiece!

When I was younger, I was the kid under the covers with a book and a flashlight. I read every Nancy Drew, Little House on the Prairie, and Judy Blume book. I used to write to authors, too. Paula Danziger was the first author to write me back.

My first high-school job was at a local bookstore. I’d volunteer to straighten the books on the shelves just so I could sneak read a chapter… or two.

When not writing and editing, I help run a book festival (morristownbooks.org), and work as a book scout, connecting media companies with literary properties and content through my company, Xander Story Scouts (xanderstoryscouts.com).