Claire Ashgrove

Claire Ashgrove – Editor

Passionate editor w/15+ years experience - USA Today / NYT / National Bestselling and Award-Winning authors of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance.

Overview

I've been editing genre fiction for over sixteen years and worked on over 150 successful novels, primarily in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance (both category and stand alone, and across all romance sub-genres.)


MY BACKGROUND:

In Science Fiction and Fantasy, I've worked freelance and with Kevin J. Anderson's Wordfire Press, and pulp publisher Pro Se Productions. I'm proud to have worked on titles by Frank Herbert, Hugo-Nominated Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Peter J. Wacks, J.R. Boyett, DJ Butler, D.K. Holmberg, Kate Corcino, CS Humble, and many others. I'm a sucker for anything dragon related and fully realized magical systems.


My Romance background is vast with extensive experience in historical, contemporary, paranormal, and suspense. My credits include editing for Entangled Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and authors such as: NYT and USA Today Bestselling authors Nana Malone, Barb Han, and Denise Grover Swank; Golden Heart Nominee Evie Anderson; National Bestselling author Saranna DeWylde, along with many other award-winning and bestselling authors.


I'm also a multi-Award Winning and National Bestselling author with titles published by TOR, Blackstone, Berkley, and Entangled. I've contributed to several science fiction / fantasy anthologies, including the highly successful Joe Ledger franchise. I also held the office of President for our local RWA chapter for many years until the organization became no longer viable for my career path.


MY MANNER:

Our mutual goal: a book you are proud to confidently promote.


I specialize in world-building, developing strong conflict, and three-dimensional characters. I believe in constructive feedback that is straightforward and includes potential solutions. Your story is special; it deserves to be treated as such. I also understand putting work out there isn't easy for everyone. For new authors, this is often a scary endeavor. While I'm honest, I deliver that honesty with grace and respect. My feedback is always designed to empower your writing and pave your career path. Feel free to ask me anything during the process, and I'll cheer lead when you need it, too! Developmentally, I believe in a collaborative, coaching approach that honors your vision and creativity. At a copy editing level, I'm detail-oriented and follow the thorough process New York publishers employ.



"Claire's insights into my novel helped me identify areas needing improvement--what was working, and what wasn't--allowing me to polish my novel and take it to the next level. Knowledgeable and easy to work with. I would recommend her to anyone." -- National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Epic Fantasy Historical Romance Paranormal Romance Romantic Suspense Science Fiction Urban Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Best Paranormal Single Title
  • Best Contemporary Romance
  • USA Today Bestsellers
  • NYT Bestsellers

Work experience

Wordfire Press

Mar, 2015 — May, 2016 (about 1 year)

Proofreading services and digital formatting for over 20 titles.

Entangled Publishing

Jan, 2014 — Mar, 2016 (about 2 years)

Developmental editor for contemporary and paranormal romance and a handful of cozies.

Self-employed

Oct, 2011 — Present

Numerous editing credits with NYT / USA Today / Bestselling and award-winning authors such as Nana Malone, Frank Herbert, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Barb Han, Saranna DeWylde, D.K. Holmberg, Peter J. Wacks, and many many more. I have edited for Entangled, Wordfire Press, Pro Se Publications, and worked with both indie and traditional authors in romance (all sub genres), fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, young adult, and more.

Award-winning, National Bestselling author of over 30 novels in romance, fantasy, and science fiction with more to come. Published by Tor, Entangled, and Berkley and well versed in indie publishing.

The Wild Rose Press

Sep, 2009 — Jan, 2012 (over 2 years)

Acquired for contemporary romance, developmental and line-editing. Some proofreading. Some digital formatting. Maintained a strong stable of no less than 15 authors annually.

Portfolio

Silverskin

Cooper, Caitee

Pathlighter

Leigh, Rob

Marked

Hall, Kaylyn

War of the Sea

Claire, Dana

Summer's Slumber

Wooley, E. M.

UnMarked (Extinction)

Mathews, Ashlyn

Origins & Endings Volume 2

Negelein, Christopher Robin

Vows of Revenge

Ridgley, J. F.

Highland Legends

Bastion, Kat

Blondetourage

Rushby, Allison

Love on the Menu

Barr, Dyann

Say Something

Morrison, Cathy

Shooting Stars

Rushby, Allison

Tooth and Nail

Lunsford, Sara

Whisked

Barr, Dyann Love

Zeru

Vargas, Phillip

The Dark Ability

Holmberg, D.K.

Claire has 75 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lauren M.

Lauren M.

Apr, 2024

Pretty amazing and super professional, I'll very likely end up using Claire for more editing going forward.
Claire A.
I thoroughly enjoyed the uniqueness of your manuscript; it was an absolute treat! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to work on this with you and very much hope that we can collaborate on the secon...
Read more
Nathan A.

Nathan A.

Apr, 2024

Claire has been a joy to work with! Besides being a great editor she also helped answer some of my questions and guide me through different concerns on my debut novel. She was prompt and professional. Her speed also allowed me to move my release time table up significantly which is a huge bonus!
Claire A.
Loved loved loved the story and working with you, Nathan! I can't wait to share your release, and I look forward to the next in series!
David C.

David C.

Apr, 2024

Clair was accommodating and specific to her notes on the developmental edit and open to future questions. She explained the market and answered my questions as to why the edits I need to make to my manuscript would be necessary.
Claire A.
David, you have a really good story, and I am so very glad you tackled the project this way. I enjoyed the read, and I look forward to updates as you step into the world of publishing!
Daniel R.

Daniel R.

Mar, 2024

Claire is a great person. Ok, ok, before you start thinking, yeah that's what any nice person would say. Let me explain the bad, and then explain why it is good. Claire informed me that she had been sick, and was dealing with some personal issues. Even through all of that, she managed to complete our agreement in a timely fashion. Now me, I was in the military for a long time and being on time...
Read more
Claire A.
Thanks, Daniel! I thoroughly enjoyed your manuscript. Spring has been rough here, health-wise. But I really do take my commitments seriously, and work as hard as humanly possible to get them ful...
Read more
Piper A.

Piper A.

Mar, 2024

Claire was so attentive and communicative. She followed up with me and met the timeline that we agreed to. Her feedback was clear and constructive, which I appreciate greatly.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Claire and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Claire

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Karl Jones

Karl J.

As a life long storyteller I enjoy working with authors and other creatives to bring the best narratives to life in a variety of mediums.

Tulsa, OK, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Susan Barnes

Susan B.

Fiction editor of SF/F and romance (trade, indie, and apps). Lover of all things nerdy, steamy, and in between.

Chicago, IL, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Tammy Salyer

Tammy S.

Experienced editor specializing in fantasy and science fiction and their many subgenres. As dedicated to words as a hobbit to breakfast.

California, United States

100% reply rate

View profile