Claire Ashgrove

Claire Ashgrove – Editor

16+ years building USA Today/NYT/Bestselling/Award-Winning careers in sci-fi, fantasy, and romance. I'm thorough and kind, with short waits.

Overview

I've been editing genre fiction for over 16 years and worked on over 200 successful novels, primarily in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance (both category and stand alone, and across all romance sub-genres.) I absolutely love working with new authors.


MY BACKGROUND:

In Science Fiction and Fantasy, 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 extensive in historical, contemporary, paranormal, and suspense. I've edited 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, and 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.


MY MANNER:

I respect your voice, your choices, and work to bring your vision to life. Your story is special; it deserves to be treated as such.


*I specialize in world-building, developing strong conflict, and three-dimensional characters.

*Honest remarks delivered with grace and respect.

*Personalized, constructive feedback with a coaching emphasis.

*Detailed manuscript comments that highlight strengths and areas of improvement.

**Ongoing support through the entirety of the editing phase**



SERVICES:

Developmental Editing -- You can expect a detailed feedback letter as well as thorough manuscript comments. Focus on plot, characterization, world building, and conflict. Big picture and micro-level analysis.


Editorial Assessments -- Very similar to the above, with added emphasis on craft where needed. Fewer in-manuscript notes. Big-picture only.


Copy Editing -- Detail-oriented feedback on grammar and style, consistency, minor line edits, and fact-checking.


Line Editing -- Clarity in phrasing and also second-language works. I work with "smoothing out" translated works and enjoy this very much.


Proofreading -- Thorough review for final errors. I'll use your style sheet from copy editing, too.


Query Package -- Polishing your query letter, a full and short synopsis, and the opening 50 pages of your novel.


*I am also happy to fact check anything equine related. (Select Developmental Editing and specify this need.)



"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

Out of The Way Things: Edition Two

McNutt, Kendall

Independently published

The Shalie Files

LaPointe, Britten

Independently published

Paladin's Fire

White, E. D.

Burn the Freeze: A Dystopian Adventure

McVicar, S.M.

Hopeful Rebel Publishing

Starfall: War of the Harbingers

Pawlowski, Brad

Sunquake Books

The Last Wish

Lanham, M.A.

Parola Press

The Heretic (Runes and Ruin Book 1)

Allen, Nathan R

Sharpened Stylus Publishing

Athena Unbound (The Void Walkers Book 2)

Palmer, Joseph McRae

Ansible Publishing, LLC

Azure Revealed (The Void Walkers Book 1)

Palmer, Joseph McRae

Ansible Publishing, LLC

Dearly Beloved

Rhys, Wilt

Bowker

The Marksmen Guard

Troupe, Nathaniel E

Palmetto Publishing

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 106 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Denise B.

Denise B.

May, 2024

Pinned
I asked Claire to help me get my manuscript agent-ready. She did just that. She submitted a very thorough editorial letter with excellent suggestions of how I could improve my overall story, character building, themes, and even did some copy editing. Then she went through my manuscript making several notations. She is well-versed with what the industry is looking for, and as a new author, I...
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Nathan A.

Nathan A.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
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!
Patrick C.

Patrick C.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
Claire, you did a great job copy editing a massive and complicated science fiction novel for me, and you did it under an insane deadline with grace and aplomb. As always when I work with an editor, I learned much from you that will improve my future writing. Thanks, Claire, I won't hesitate to use you again or recommend your services or talents.
Claire A.
Thank you so much Patrick! You have a really amazing world you've built. It was a joy to be part of your process! Looking forward to doing so again!
Diana M.

Diana M.

Dec, 2024

Spot on! Not only a thorough developmental review, but a long editorial letter filled with teaching moments. Claire's blunt, forthright criticism was tough, but I agreed with about 99 percent of it. Her work has already improved my writing style and should power my book to the next phase.
Ada A.

Ada A.

Dec, 2024

I am a first-time author here who was initially riddled with anxiety when it came to choosing the right person for my book. Claire made me feel at ease the minute I started working with her. She is exceedingly refreshing, professional and encouraging to be around and I am so looking forward to working with her again in the future! Money well spent!

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