Christine Kelly Reads and Writes

While using a freelance editor is never necessary for the querying author I do believe there are some very good reasons to use them. Esepically if you have exhausted your resources of CPs and Betas, but are still getting feedback in the trenches that something isn’t working about your story.

Here are a few editors I know either personally or through other writing folk that I think are the best out there. I know I am missing many, so don’t limit your search, but these folks are a great place to start!

Freelance Editors:

Andie Smith with Sun & Spines: Andie is an agent at Booker Albert Literary Agency, author of COVALENCE and LUCKY ENOUGH, and freelance editor pro. She has had multiple editorial authors get agents and deals. Check out her website for her different packages. She is amazing!

Vicky Weber: Vicky is an amazing author, agent and book coach. Her website has a wealth of resources and her feedback is invaluable. Be sure to check out her YouTube Channel! Vicky also has a newsletter with another agent, Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong, that has amazing resources and insights. I highly recommend following along! Follow Agent Antics here!

Mara Hollander: Mara is a literary agent, writer and also a developmental book editor. She has her PHD and is a great resource for authors. Not only does she fight for her clients as an agent, but she is a wonderful person to receive feedback from. She has many different packages available to select from, be sure to check them all out!

Rebecca Carter: Full disclosure, Rebecca is my author so I am obviously very biased, but it’s for good reason. Not only is she a wonderful writer, but she has great feedback and understands storytelling. Be sure to check out her multiple packages, including comp help!

Alyssa Matesic: Alyssa has a great newletter I suggest signing up for. It includes interviews with agents that prove insightful (full disclosure, I did one!). But also following Alyssa on X or BlueSky is great because she does amazing threads of information.

Joel Brigham: Joel is amazing. Full stop. I love all his insights he shares on his socials (X and Bluesky), but also he has so many resources and provides such a great feedback. I know many authors who have used him and seen amazing success from querying packages to full manuscript feedback. Follow his Substack, on socials, and check out his website for all he has to offer!

Savannah Gilbo: I have a friend who used Savannah as a book editor and she was VERY thrilled with the feedback and assistance. And through watching my friend, I was also able to see how a editor can help someone grow as a writer. Savannah not only is a book coach and editor, but she also has a great podcast that I highly reccomend!

If I missed anyone that you have used or know, please be sure to comment below!