Author Elizabeth Rudnick

About Me

Elizabeth Rudnick is a writer, editor, and literary agent with over twenty years of experience in publishing, known for adapting more than thirty books including beloved Disney classics. She now partners with authors to bring heartfelt, character-driven stories to life. A lover of horses and golf, she is nestled in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where she lives with her red-headed son and his equally red-headed dog. I have a new book—preorder now!

Writer

New Book Coming April 28, 2026

First Night at Dad’s: A Reassuring Book about Divorce, Separation, and Family Changes

A heartfelt picture book about one of the big milestones for kids in the midst of a divorce or separation—spending their first night at the other parent’s house—and the love that can be found everywhere.

Pre-order now

HachetteAmazonBarnes & NobleBookshop

When not working with authors as an agent or freelance editor, Elizabeth is writing herself and has adapted over thirty books, including the best-selling Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, as well as original stories based on hit films like Frozen and Pete’s Dragon. While middle grade is her sweet spot, she is open to writing for all ages, from early reader to adult.

Editor

Elizabeth began her career as an editor at Disney Hyperion and a piece of her heart has always stayed in that world. Whether it is working on line edits, brainstorming a character’s backstory, or big picture problem solving, Elizabeth takes the time to get to know each author and the world they are creating to best aide them in the process of bringing a book to life. During her tenure at Disney Hyperion she had the privilege of working with authors such as Melissa de la Cruz, James Ponti, Tui T. Sutherland, Kathryn Williams, Catherine Hapka, Helen Perelman, and many more.

Please reach out if you are interested in working with Elizabeth on your own story.

Contact Elizabeth

“It’s the kind of thing writers dream about—an agent who not only has time for you but who will truly be your champion, boosting you every step of the way while pushing your work further, deeper, better. As an editor, reader, and now agent, Elizabeth has been in my corner for more than fifteen years. She is genuine, thoughtful, dedicated, and—extremely important—experienced as both an editor and an author herself. A rare find.”
—Author Kathryn Williams

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have met Liz. She is an absolute joy to work with and was a huge part of crafting my book while staying true to my mission. She is masterful with words, but also with communication. She will always be honest and never just tell you what you want to hear. My book would not exist without her (nor would it be this good!). She needs no testimonials because she’s that amazing but I’m going to insist that she post this paragraph of praise which I’m sure she’ll also copy edit for me.”
—Author Michelle Park

“Liz first took the time to really get me, my story, and what I was looking for in a writing career—then helped me get there. I couldn’t be happier having her with me on my journey…. Being repped by Liz feels like having an industry insider for a best friend. She’s so thoughtful, intuitive, and well connected—and brings all of that to the table to be a really effective champion for my work.”
—Erik Jon Slangerup

Agent

Elizabeth believes that a good book can, and should, transport a reader and that now, more than ever, writers have the power to be superheroes to their fans—teaching valuable lessons of grit, determination, kindness, empathy—all through the lens of entertainment.

While children’s publishing—from picture book to young adult—has been Elizabeth’s focus, she is broadening her horizons and looking to take on more commercial women’s fiction as well as adult thrillers and mysteries. She is drawn to stories with rich world building, strong character dynamics, and loves exploring the idea of firsts—first love, first breakup, first divorce. While her focus is more on contemporary stories at the moment, she is still seeking her elusive dragon series.

As an agent for the Gillian MacKenzie Agency, she represents a talented group of authors and illustrators including: Kathryn Williams, Erik Jon Slangerup, Sascha Alper, Michelle Park, Darrin Lunde, Shelley Hampe, and more.