Please note: This article contains affiliate links to Reedsy. That means Writing Tips Oasis receive a small % of the sale if you hire the services of any of the following editors, or another professional on Reedsy, but at no extra cost to you.
You have completed the demanding task of writing a book and now you must go through it with a fine tooth comb.
The problem with self editing is that you’ve spent so much time on a particular page that you may not necessarily see the weeds in between the spaces.
That’s where you need to set aside your possessiveness and allow a professional to take over. I know it can be fretful, to watch a stranger take apart the product of your all-nighters.
But believe me, it would make all the difference. It would be the fine line between your raw manuscript lying forgotten somewhere and being remembered by hundreds of people.
Writers living in Washington, worry not!
For we’ve put together a list of 21 top book editors in Washington state.
1. Lindsay Newton
Lindsay Newton is an experienced self-employed book editor located in Seattle, Washington State, in the United States. She is able to provide developmental editing, editorial assessment and query letter review in American English. Along with over four years of experience working as a freelance book editor, Lindsay Newton has edited for reputable companies like Simon & Schuster, Writers House Literary Agency and Sourcebooks, among others.
Lindsay Newton can edit non-fiction biographies, self-help books, historical fiction, women’s fiction, as well as mystery novels and thrillers. Lindsay Newton has edited books like “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover, “The Japanese Lover: A Novel” by Isabel Allende, and “Heads of the Colored People” by Nafissa Thompson-Spires.
Contact Lindsay Newton today.
2. Allison Hebert
Located in Vancouver, Washington State, Allison Hebert is a professional freelance book editor. Her professional experience includes two years of experience as a freelance editor as well as time spent working as a copyeditor for PYMNTS between 2018 and 2020. During her time at PYMNTS, Allison’s responsibilities involved editing finance articles to be SEO-friendly, correctly written in AP style and uploaded to WordPress and Google Docs.
Allison Hebert’s editing services include developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, and proofreading. She’s proficient at working on material written in American English, including Christian fiction and non-fiction, self-help books, romance novels, fantasy, historical fiction, picture books and books for middle-grade readers.
Learn more about Allison Hebert.
3. Kelley Frodel
Kelley Frodel is an experienced self-employed book editor who has been freelancing since 2014. Graduating from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in creative writing and a certificate in editing, her professional experience includes working with companies like the Hachette Book Group and Macmillan’s Children.
Kelley Frodel can provide writers with copy editing, editorial assessment and proofreading services. She specializes in fiction books, including fantasy, LGBTQ fiction, science fiction, paranormal romance, and new adult novels. Some of Kelley Frodel’s editing can be seen in books like “Jade City” by Fonda Lee, “The Hod King” by Josiah Bancroft and “Bad Luck” by Pseudonymous Bosch.
Connect with Kelley Frodel!
4. Kary Wayson
Situated in Seattle, Washington State, in the United States, Kary Wayson is a professional independent book editor with experience in copy editing, proofreading and editorial assessment. She is proficient in editing books written in American English, including non-fiction books about art, biographies, LGBTQ non-fiction and writing.
Kary Wayson has been freelancing as an editor for about five years. Her other professional experience includes working as a writer for Hugo House and an associate editor for Poetry Northwest. For samples of her editing, look at “Feeding Hour” by Jessica Gigot, “My Strength in Adversity: A Tale of Tenacity” by Edgar Moran, and “Leaf is All” by Drew Dillhunt.
Speak to Kary Wayson today.
5. Lynn Post
Seattle, Washington State is home to Lynn Post, a professional book editor. She is a self-employed book editor who has been working professionally since 2014. She holds a certificate in editing from the University of Washington. Lynn offers developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, proofreading and query letter review.
Lynn Post is proficient in working in American English on books including biographies, nonfiction books on nature and travel, as well as action novels, historical fiction mysteries and young adults. She’s edited titles like “I’ll Sing Again Tomorrow: A Memoir” by Rene Terry Mucci, “The Third Secret” by Marco De Sio, and “Room 39” by Mike Coleco.
Find out more about Lynn Post.
6. Erin Cusick
Erin Cusick is a professional freelance book editor located in Seattle, Washington State, in the United States. She’s able to do copy editing and proofreading for books in American English, including books such as literary fiction, historical fiction, classics and nonfiction books about cooking, DIY and travel. Erin holds a certificate in editing from UC Berkeley.
Erin has been a freelance book editor since 2014. Her professional experience includes editing for GoodTherapy.org and YES! Magazine. Erin Cusick has completed editing books like “Stephen Florida” by Gabe Habash, “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz, and “Flight Risk” by Joy Castro.
Check out Erin Cusick’s profile!
7. Joshua Wilson
Joshua Wilson is a professional freelance book editor in Seattle, Washington State, in the United States. His academic background includes an MFA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in English. Joshua has been awarded commendations like the Academy of American Poets Prize and the Departmental Teaching Award in English.
Joshua Wilson is capable of providing editing support to writers through developmental editing, editorial assessment and query letter review for books of poetry. He has been freelancing as a book editor since 2018. Joshua Wilson’s portfolio includes “All That Beauty” by Fred Moten, “Evening Oracle” by Brandon Shimoda, and “Anne Carson: Ecstatic Lyre” by Joshua Marie Wilkinson.
Discover more about Joshua Wilson.
8. Stephanie Carbajal
Situated in Bellingham, Washington, Stephanie Carbajal is an experienced self-employed book editor who is capable of developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading books in American English. He’s been freelancing as a book editor since 2015 and has worked with reputable companies like Blue Star Press, Chronicle Books and Walter Foster Publishing.
Stephanie Carbajal is able to edit non-fiction books on art, DIY, history, self-help and children’s non-fiction. Check out Stephanie Carbajal’s editing work in “Out and Back: A Runner’s Story of Survival and Recovery Against All Odds” by Hillary Allen, “The Modern Bohemian Table: Gathering with Friends and Entertaining in Style” by Amanda Bernardi, and “How to Be Great at Your Job: Get things done. Get the credit. Get ahead” by Justin Kerr.
Start a conversation with Stephanie Carbajal.
9. Tori Thacher
Tori Thacher is a professional freelance book editor working out of her location in Seattle, Washington State, in the United States. She provides clients with developmental editing, editorial assessment and query letter review in American English. She holds certification in publishing from the Denver Publishing Institute.
Tori has been freelancing since 2018 and also has professional experience working with organizations like The Fedd Agency. She specializes in biographies, Christian non-fiction, and non-fiction books on business, home, inspiration and self-help. For a better look at Tori Thacher’s quality of editing, look at “Bring The Joy” by Jessica Janzen, “Survive the Day: Thriving in the Midst of Life’s Storms” by Ben Young, and “Chasing Failure: How Falling Short Sets You Up for Success” by Ryan Leak.
Speak to Tori Thacher.
10. Skye Loyd
Located in Seattle, Washington State, in the United States, Skye Loyd is an experienced freelance book editor who has many years of experience editing for well-known publishers like Wiley, Rowman & Littlefield and SAGE. Skye is proficient in editing books using Chicago and APA styles.
Skye Loyd is able to provide developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment, proofreading and query letter review for books written in American English. She’s experienced and competent at working on action novels, historical fiction and novels for young adults, as well as non-fiction books on Art, earth sciences, history, life sciences and music. Skye Loyd has edited books like “The Dreamer in the Unhaunted House” by Ibrahim Anderson, “Hope Disappearing: A Population Left Behind” by Sherman Haggerty, and “The Best Good Horse: And Other Short stories” by J Reeder Archuleta.
Contact Skye Loyd now.
11. Alex Bear
Alex Bear is an experienced freelance book editor who lives and works out of Seattle, Washington State, in the United States. Alex holds a BFA in dramatic writing and an editing certification from the University of Washington. Alex has eight years of professional experience working as a copy editor.
Writers looking for a quality editor to complete copy editing and proofreading on fiction novels such as science fiction, LGBTQ fiction, horror novels, and fantasy should speak to Alex. Alex Bear’s editing can be seen in titles like “Mission to Methone” by Les Johnson, “Antioch” by Gregory Ness et al., and “Out of Body” by Christopher John Chater.
Rely on Alex Bear!
12. Sarah Lane
Located on Bainbridge Island, in Washington State, Sarah Lane is a professional self-employed book editor who has thirty years of experience working as an editor, writer and manager in publishing. Her editing services include developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessment and query letter review.
Proficient at working on books written in American English, writers can come to Sara for editing help on historical fiction, LGBTQ fiction, literary fiction, biographies and books on psychology, education and earth sciences. Sarah’s editing credits include books like “Passing Fancies” by Marlowe Benn et al., “Foggy Panes” by Thea Winthrop, and “News Reporting & Writing” by Melvin Mencher.
Speak to Sarah Lane!
13. Taryn Albright
Taryn Albright is a professional independent book editor with 11 years of experience. Situated in Seattle, Washington State, Taryn provides developmental editing editorial assessment and query letter reviews for books written in American English.
Taryn’s professional experience includes editing for The Quarto Group, Disney Publishing and Andrea Brown Literary. She’s able to edit children’s nonfiction as well as cozy mysteries, novels for middle graders, thriller novels and fiction for young adults. Some of her edited books include “Race to the Bottom of the Sea” and “Hour of the Bees” by Lindsay Eagar, and “We’ll Never Be Apart” by Emiko Jean.
Check out what else Taryn Albright can do for your next book.
14. Leah Brown
Based in Vancouver, Washington State, Leah Brown is a professional self-employed book editor who has been working professionally since 2011. She holds a post-graduate degree in book publishing and offers editing services like proofreading, developmental editing, copy editing and editorial assessment.
Leah Brown has professional experience working for reputable organizations like Ooligan Press, RainTown Press, and Beyond Words. She is able to support writers working on nonfiction books on business and education as well as science fiction, urban fantasy novels for young adults and literary fiction. Leah Brown’s editing portfolio includes “Fragile Chaos” by Amber R. Duell, “Ignited” by A.M. Deese, and “Black and Blue” by Nancy O’Toole Meservier.
Connect with Leah Brown.
15. Teja Watson
Teja Watson is a professional freelance book editor with 27 years of experience. Located in Seattle, Washington State, Teja Watson is proficient in working on books written in British and American English. Teja’s editing services include developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, editorial assessments and query letter reviews.
Teja Watson’s professional experience includes positions at Two Birds Editing, Avalon Travel, Alyson Books and Jane Magazine. Teja can edit anything from non-fiction books about health and religion to LGBTQ fiction, literary fiction, plays, mystery novels and thrillers. Examples of Teja Watson’s editing can be seen in books like “Clay’s Way” by Blair Mastbaum, “Ema’s Odyssey: Shamanism for Healing and Spiritual Knowledge” by Sandra Harner, and “Signs Point to Yes” by Christopher Church.
For more on Teja Watson, look here.
16. Rachel Solomon
Seattle, Washington State, is home to Rachel Solomon, a book editor who specializes in editing fiction books, such as LGBTQ fiction, literary fiction, romance novels, women’s fiction novels for young adults and thrillers. She has been editing as a freelance book editor since 2012.
Rachel’s editing services include proofreading, copy editing, editorial assessments, developmental editing and query letter reviews. She has experience working at Entangled Publishing and at The Daily of the University of Washington, where she was a copy editor from 2008 to 2010. For a better idea of Rachel Solomon’s editing quality, look at “Nothing Left to Burn” by Heather Ezell, “See All the Stars” by Kit Frick, and “American Panda” by Gloria Chao.
Learn more about Rachel Solomon!
17. Shannon Cave
Shannon Cave has been an independent editor since 2014. She works out of Puyallup, Washington State, in the United States, supporting writers with developmental editing, copy editing, editorial assessments and proofreading books written in British English and American English. Shannon first started as a medical editor working on documentation to be used in the US and Canada, a position she started in 1991.
Shannon is able to provide editing support for non-fiction books on business. management. health and self-help as well as contemporary fiction. cozy mysteries. women’s fiction novels for young adults and romance novels. Shannon’s editing portfolio includes books like “Jingle Bells and Wedding Vows” by Barbara Dunlop, “Alpha Status” by Nathan Ikon Crumpton, and “The Parts We Lost” by Amy Marden.
Rely on Shannon Cave.
18. Sandra Haven-Herner
With 30 years of experience as a freelance book editor and writing coach, Sandra Haven-Herner is a reliable option for writers looking for an editor capable of developmental editing, editorial assessments or query letter reviews for books in American English. Her professional experience also includes editing for Manufactured Homes Magazine, BAE Information Systems Technology and the Writer’s International Forum.
Sandra Haven-Herner is an editor who specializes in working on fiction novels, including women’s fiction, medical thrillers, historical fiction and cozy mysteries. Titles that Sandra Haven-Herner has edited include “Splintered Silence” and “Fractured Truth” by Susan Furlong, “Pandemic” by Daniel Kalla, and Off the Books” by Lucy Arlington.
Discover more about Sandra Haven-Herner.
19. Michelle Hope
Michelle Hope is a professional freelance book editor who is able to work on books written in Australian, British and American English. She holds an MFA in prose from the University of Washington as well as a certificate in editing. Her editing services include copy editing and proofreading for fiction books, including science fiction, women’s fiction, novels for young adults, romance, mystery novels and historical fiction.
Michelle’s professional experience includes working at the University of Washington as a writing instructor, editing for Sasquatch Books and being a manuscript reader for Wales Literary Agency. She’s been freelancing as a book editor since 2010 and has edited books like “The Last Town” by Blake Crouch, “Serious Sweet” by A.L. Kennedy, and “Roulette” by Megan Mulry.
Find out more about Michelle Hope.
20. Megan Wildhood
Located in Seattle, Washington State, Megan Wildhood is a professional independent book editor who has over two years of working experience. Her editing services include proofreading, editorial assessment, copy editing and developmental editing for books written in American English.
Speak to Megan about editing your manuscript, whether it is contemporary fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction or nonfiction books about economics, history, law and psychology. Take a look at some of the books Megan Wildhood has edited, such as “Clash of the Couples” by Jessica Azar and Crystal Ponti, “House of Zolo’s Journal of Speculative Literature” by Erika Steeves et al., and “Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee” by Shannon Day and Crystal Ponti.
Start a conversation with Megan Wildhood.
21. Kevin Breen
Kevin Breen is a professional independent book editor who lives and works out of Olympia, Washington State. Since graduating with a degree in writing and an MFA in creative writing, Kevin has been editing professionally for companies like Latah Books, where he currently is an associate editor, as well as Willow Springs Books, where he worked in 2019.
Kevin offers editing services such as copy editing, developmental editing and editorial assessments for books such as nonfiction biographies, action novels, cozy mysteries, literary fiction, short stories and thrillers. Look at some of the books that Kevin Breen has edited, like “Twentymile” by Matthew C. Smith, “Freaks of a Father” by Kacy Tellessen, and “The Cascade Killer” by Rob Phillips.
Speak to Kevin Breen today.
Now that you’ve gone through the list, pick an editor residing in your vicinity in the state of Washington, and check off the first milestone in publishing your book.
21 Top Book Editors in Washington State is an article from Writing Tips Oasis.
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A 22 year old writer from India, Meera Nair has been blogging for over 5 years. She has a triple major Bachelor’s degree in Media, English and Psychology from Christ University Bangalore. She regularly reviews books for publishers like Bloomsbury, Pan Macmillan, Penguin etc. Reading and writing are two of her utmost passions and she is glad to have the opportunity to share that love with others.