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Are you an author based in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford or another city in Oregon?
Do you need your first or latest book edited?
Below you’ll find 17 top book editors in Oregon.
Note: Always take your time when selecting a book editor. If there are a few editors you want to make contact with, request sample edits, ask them questions about their experience in editing a book in your genre, ensure you understand the editing approach used by the individual and are happy with it.
1. Alexis Miller
Alexis Miller is a freelance writer and editor from Salem, Oregon. She prides herself in being a person who is passionate about particular about accurate writing and will provide writers with exactly the advice about grammar and style that they need. Her services including developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading for non-fiction biographies, Christian non-fiction, and books on self-help.
After years of working at Deep River Books as an editorial assistance and author relations coordinator, Alexis Miller set out as a self-employed editor and writer in 2014. Seven years and dozens of satisfied clients later, Alexis continues to be one of the most reputable editors in the state of Oregon. Her portfolio includes “1000 Strangers in My Car: Adventures of a Pastor Turned Uber Driver” by Steve La Farge, “From #Selfie to Selfless: Living the Life You Were Created For” by Kristen Perino, and “Sunlight Burning at Midnight” by Jessica Ronne.
Go to Alexis Miller for support on your next book!
2. Steve Anderson
Portland, Oregon is home to Steve Anderson, a published author, translator and editor The publishing professional can work in various accents of the English language and is competent in Canadian English, American English, Australian English, South African English, New Zealand English, and British English. He holds degrees in history and German from the University of Oregon, and a postgraduate degree in history from Portland State University.
Steve started working as an independent editor in 2014 and has worked with reputable names including Amazon Publishing, Girl Friday Productions, and Peter Riva. He offers developmental and copyediting to authors of non-fiction biographies and fiction including contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and books on action and espionage. “The Honest Spy” by Andreas Kollender, “Where the Desert Meets the Sea” by Werner Sonne, and “The Air Raid Killer” by Frank Goldammer are a number of books that he’s worked on in the past.
Speak to Steve Anderson for more information.
3. Lee Montgomery
Based in Portland, Oregon, Lee Montgomery is a skilled editor, who is capable of editorial assessments, developmental editing, and query letter reviews. She graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from Iowa Writer’s Workshop and was the recipient of the Oregon Book Award and the Iowa Short Fiction Award.
Lee has professional experience editing for the Santa Monica Review, the Iowa Review, Dove Books, and Tin House Books. Since 2012, she’s also as an independent editor, editing books of many genres including anthologies, contemporary fiction, biographies, and books on psychology, medicine, and writing. “Mentor” by Tom Grimes, “River House” by Sarah Lee Lawrence, and “Glaciers” by Alexis M. Smith are a few titles that she’s been responsible for editing.
Learn more about Lee Montgomery here.
4. Meg Storey
With over 15 years of experience in editing, Portland, Oregon’s Meg Storey is a valuable asset to work alongside. The experienced editor and proofreader provide developmental editing, copyediting, editorial assessment, and proofreading for biographies, short stories, and literary fiction. Former clients rave about her ability as an editor with good taste and a great eye for what details need to be included and cut out.
Meg started out as an editorial associate with Literature and Medicine in 2004, where she spent three years before moving over to Tin House Books. Between her time at Tin House Books and Tin House Magazine, she worked for over two decades as an acquisitions editor, proofreader, and copy editor, before becoming a freelance editor in 2017. Her editorial work can be seen in books such as “Kiss Me Someone” by Karen Shepard, “Little Sister” by Barbara Gowdy, and “After James” by Michael Helm.
Rely on Meg Storey for your next manuscript.
5. Candace Johnson
Located in Portland, Oregon, Candace Johnson’s background with traditional publishers allows her to bring invaluable experience to her current role as an independent editor. Whether it is for query letter reviews, proofreading, copy editing, or developmental editing, authors can depend on Candace, to be honest, and open-minded when assessing their work.
Formerly the senior editor for Health Communications, Inc, best known for their “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, Candace has been freelancing as an editor since 2007. She works on non-fiction literature about health, parenting, and psychology, among others. For a closer look at her ability and work, take a look at “Treating Couples Well” by David C. Treadway, “Growing Happy Kids: How to Foster Inner Confidence, Success and Happiness” by Maureen Healy, and “The Healing Power of Girlfriends: How to Create Your Best Life Through Female Connection” by Deborah A. Olson.
Candace Johnson is the editor that will take your work in progress to where it needs to be!
6. Garrett Marco
Garrett Marco is the independent editor behind his own company, Marco Editing, that he founded in 2013. Working in Portland, Oregon, Garrett provides editorial services including editorial assessments, proofreading, copy editing, developmental editing, and query letter review for authors writing in Canadian English, American English, and British English.
Garrett first acquired editing experience working for Soul Mate Publishing from 2013 to 2016, while his own company Marco Editing was getting off the ground. He edits a wide range of content, from biographies, self-help books, and books on travel, to short stories, literary fiction, and books for young adults and middle-grade readers. “Dark & Day” by Israel Grey, “Bleddyn Hall” by Amanda L.V. Shalaby, and “What They Don’t Teach You” by Erin Osborne are a number of titles that he has edited.
Speak to Garrett Marco for more details on his services.
7. Jasmine Gower
With a graduate degree in publishing from Portland State University, Jasmine Gower is a credentialed editor and experienced author. Currently situated in Beaverton, Oregon, she provides developmental editing, copy editing, and editorial assessments to authors of fiction. Her specialties are epic fantasy, horror, LGBTQ fiction, literary fiction, urban fantasy, and young adult fantasy.
Jasmine started out as a freelance author in 2014 and started working as a self-employed editor in 2019, something she continues to this day. From 2017 to 2019, she also gained experience as a graduate publisher with Ooligan Press, where she learned about the marketing, design, and editing that goes on at a publishing house. Her portfolio includes books like “Moonshine” by Jasmine Gower, “Sleeping in My Jeans” by Connie King Leonard, and “Blurred Lines” by Caitlin Ricci, et al.
Reach out to Jasmine Gower directly to find out more about how she might be able to help you.
8. Ray Rhamey
Ashland, Oregon is home to Ray Rhamey, a longtime editor of fiction books. Past clients praise Ray, describing him as someone who pushes them to stretch themselves as writers, that he was able to identify areas of improvement that other editors would miss, and that, most importantly, that he respected and looked for ways to develop the author’s voice through the text.
Ray specializes in providing developmental editing for fiction, including fantasy, humor, romance, science fiction, thriller, and urban fantasy. His professional credentials are impressive, including copywriter experience with over two decades, as well as working at companies like Flogging the Quill LLC, Washington State University, and Filmation. Take a look at some of the editing that he’s responsible for, such as “The Thirteenth Tower” by Sara C. Snider, “NanoStrike” by Pete Barber, and “Keepers of Arden: The Brothers, Volume 1” by L.K. Evans.
Ray Rhamey is someone who can provide you the support that you’re looking for!
9. Camilla Kaplan
Capable of helping writers with editing, proofreading, and design, Camilla Kaplan is a professional editor based in Portland, Oregon. She has been freelancing for four years and is personally an avid reader. Her personal interest in books means that any insight that she’s able to provide you comes from a personal investment in your book; as an editor and as a reader, she’s passionate about your book turning out the best that it can.
From fantasy to science fiction and young adult novels, Camilla offers quality developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessments, and query letter reviews for authors. Samples of her work can be seen in “Ocean in My Ears” by Meagan Macvie, “Seven Stitches” by Ruth Tenzer Feldman, and “Three Sides Water” by Peter Donahue.
Trust that Camilla Kaplan is an editor who can help you take the next step with your writing!
10. Kelly Schaub
From Springfield, Oregon, Kelly Schaub is a familiar name to the publishing scene. A well-known, popular editor among fiction writers, Kelly’s skill at developmental editing and editorial assessment have been a blessing to authors of fiction novels, including action, contemporary romance, fantasy, young adult fantasy, science fiction, and other genres. Kelly’s own ability as a writer makes her relatable and a trustworthy ally for many writing professionals.
Kelly worked with The Wild Rose Press from 2007 to 2012 while she was starting out as a freelance editor, and now dedicates her time to editing as an independent. Many reviews from past clients speak of an incredibly positive experience working with this professional, insightful, gifted editor. Among the countless books that she’s helped edit are “The Fourth Wall” by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo, “Chase “by Jill Knapp-Zitron, and “Epitaph” by Karla Brandenburg.
Learn more about why so many rely on Kelly Schaub!
11. Richard Feit
With many years of editorial experience behind him, Oregonian Richard Feit is a self-employed editor who specializes in developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading for non-fiction books. Whether the material is about cooking, wine, health, music, or self-improvement, Richard is prepared to help writers make their manuscripts stand out from the competition.
Richard’s own editing business started in 2014 after he’d accrued significant experience working with companies like Paradigm Publications, where he was their developmental editor. The multi-talented professional was also the dean of performance studies at the New England Conservatory of Music, until stepping down in 2014, just before leaping into his own business. “Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail: Upland Birds and Small Game from Field to Feast” by Hank Shaw, “Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening” by Martha Beck, and “Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture” by Andrew W. Ellis are a number of titles that he has edited.
Contact Richard Feit to start a conversation and learn how his skills could benefit you.
12. Eric Muhr
Eric Muhr, of Newberg, Oregon, is currently a publisher at Barclay Press, a position that he’s been at since 2015. He also serves as executive editor for the company and offers proofreading, editorial assessment, copy editing, and developmental editing to authors of Christian fiction and poetry, as well as Christian non-fiction, LBGTQ non-fiction, biographies, and books on writing and publishing.
Eric has helped release over thirty-six books at his position with Barclay Press. Prior to this, he taught at the C.S. Lewis Academy, George Fox University, and Nampa Christian Schools, in addition to writing freelance and working as a reporter. His wide range of experiences, particularly as a teacher, means that he is comfortable and familiar with working with others, as well as providing advice and feedback. Some samples of his editing are books like “Presence and Process: A Path Toward Transformative Faith and Inclusive Community” by Daniel Coleman, “As Clean as a Bone” by Wheatfall Emmett, and “Death Will Come” by Bill Denham.
Find out more about Eric Muhr and his editorial services here.
13. Tricia Callahan
From Slice Magazine to Random House Children’s Books, to Howler Magazine; Tricia Callahan has had many stops on her long, successful career in editing. Formerly a resident of New York City, she moved to Portland Oregon, and started freelancing as an editor in 2014. Her copy editing and proofreading services are available for writers who do non-fiction books like self-help, books on writing or inspirational literature, and fiction including literary fiction, books for young adult,s and books for middle-grade readers.
Tricia is currently contracted with larger publishing houses, more local names, and independent writers. The level of commitment and skill that she brings to a job does not vary depending on the size of the project, and writers have learned that they can trust they’re getting the very best every time they work with her. Take a look at “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean, “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone, and “Asymmetry: A Novel” by Lisa Halliday, to get a better idea of what Tricia Callahan is like as an editor!
Let Tricia Callahan help you with your work in progress now!
14. Susan DeFreitas
Author of the award-winning novel “Hot Season”, Susan DeFreitas is a self-employed editor and writing coach. With an undergraduate degree from Prescott College and an MFA in writing from Pacific University, she is able to approach writing with a technical accuracy that editors without her level of education find challenging. Her specialties include working on books of fantasy, literary fiction, science fiction, and urban fantasy.
Susan has been freelancing since 2010. Whether it is her work as an editor, as a coach or as a marketer, her approach is always to learn about the writer, in order to transform the book into something authentic and attractive for readers. She’s contributed to the publication and success of “A Great Length of Time” by Joyce Cherry Cresswell, “Open Country: A Civil War Novel in Stories” by Jeff Richards, and “Side Chick Nation” by Aya de Leon.
You won’t regret reaching out to Susan DeFreitas, someone who’s been in the industry for quite some time and might have something to add to your book!
15. Lisa Kaitz
Based in Portland, Oregon, Lisa Kaitz has been copyediting for over twelve years. She’s known for both her attention to detail and her ability to communicate corrections in a constructive manner, While other editors may offer developmental editing and copy editing in a hybrid fashion, Lisa is strictly a specialist, and one of the best, in analyzing a text grammatically and structurally and giving feedback to the writer on how they should further correct the work to make it more readable.
Lisa has provided her copy editing services to authors of literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction, not to mention books on mystery, action, romance, and thriller. In addition to her independent business, she’s also worked with Core K12 in 2010 as a staff copyeditor. Her portfolio includes titles like “The Thin Black Line” by Simon Gervais, “Perfectly Broken” by Robert Burke Warren, and “The Patriot Cipher” by Sean McCutchen.
Look to Lisa Kaitz to provide you with a thorough comb through of your writing for any technical problems!
16. Becky Ohlsen
Becky Ohlsen has worked as a freelance writer and editor for almost two decades. With experience working along and on teams, in various aspects of the publishing process that includes copy editing and proofreading, she would be a valuable asset for any writer. She’s worked on non-fiction subject matter including business content, news stories, and books on sports and travel.
Becky’s familiarity with the standards of technical writing will be an advantage for writers who want to target a specific, demographic. With her wide range of experiences, you will be able to pitch text to her to look over without worrying that she might not understand the content or format that she is working in. She’s completed edits for the acclaimed travel series “Lonely Planet”, including “The Vanlife Companion” and “Lonely Planet Pocket Stockholm”, and other travel-related books such as “Backpacking Oregon: From River Valleys to Mountain Meadows” by Douglas Lorain.
If you’re writing in the travel or outdoors genre, Becky Ohlsen may be the perfect editor for you to get in touch with!
17. Jim Spivey
Harvey Award nominee Jim Spivey has just about done it all in the publishing industry. The Tigard, Oregon local has worked for over twenty years in writing, editing, manufacturing, and publishing. With a keen interest in comics and comics non-fiction, he’s also interested in other genres of fiction such as science fiction, horror, thriller, as well as books for young adults.
Jim’s career being in 1993 as an associate editor with DC Comics, where he spent five years before joining Tim Warner Book Group as an associate production manager. In 1999, he started his own independent business as an editor and writer, called Prepress Production, where he continues to work to this day. For a better idea of his editing, look into titles like “Utopia PR” by Adam Bender, “The Nothing Within” by Andy Giesler” and “The Fifth Ward: Good Company” by Dale Lucas.
Connect with Jim Spivey to glean more advice from this veteran professional of the comic books publishing world!
Some More Top Book Editors in Oregon
18. Colleen Sell
Located in Eugene, Oregon, Colleen Sell has been writing and editing for almost thirty years. Professional reviews from past clients describe her as an incredibly diligent and intelligent professional who is easy to work with and loves to learn more about the vision of the authors she’s collaborating with, in order to help their voice shine through the text. She herself is a professional editor, ghostwriter, and anthologist.
Colleen’s able to complete professional-level proofreading, copy editing, developmental editing, and editorial assessment for mostly non-fiction books. She’s worked on texts related to business, cooking, health, gardening, parenting, religion, and travel in the past. Since 1999, Colleen has been freelancing as an editor and writer, after a career working at companies including GRAND Media, LLC, Adams Media, and Aster Publishing. Her past edits include “Finding a New Normal: Living Your Best Life with Chronic Illness” by Suzan L. Jackson, “The Missile Game” by Glenn Shepard, and “Shooter: Combat From Behind The Camera” by Stay Pearsall.
Go with Colleen Sell for the quality editing that your book deserves!
19. Christina Pfister
Portland, Oregon is home to Christina Pfister, an editor whose specialty is Christian non-fiction and books on religion and spirituality. A member of multiple professional and faith-related organizations, such as the Editorial Freelance Association, the Society for Editing (ACES), and The Christian Pen, Christina provides developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading to works written in both American English and British English.
Christina’s professional background features stops at different companies and schools. After a career as a teacher as well as an editor, Christina is a trained and experienced communicator and instructor. She’s worked as a freelance editor since 2009, in Oregon and further south in California. “Talking about Race” by Issac Adams, “Handbook of Reading Theological German” by Christopher Ryan Jones and Katharina Hirt, and “I will Abolish the Bow” by Matthew A. King are a number of books that Christina has edited.
There are few more competent at editing Christian literature than Christina Pfister in the state of Oregon!
Do you know of any other book editors in Oregon? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
K. Z. Kwan is a freelance writer based out of Halifax, Canada.