Alicia Lea

Alicia Lea – Editor

I copyedit and proofread novels, middle-grade fiction, and juvenile nonfiction from award-winning authors at Penguin and Elite Editing.

Overview

I spend most of my working hours editing and proofreading for major publishers. The bestselling authors I have the pleasure of serving have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post lists. My decade of experience at a library, master's degree in history, and years spent as a flute player and Spanish language learner have given me a broad knowledge base, applicable to the subject matter I encounter in my present work.

I've heard editing described as a "perfectionistic playground." And, indeed, I thrive on polishing grammar and punctuation. But I also have a keen eye for continuity. I will make sure that each character's eyes remain the same color throughout and cups of coffee do not disappear midscene. When I return your manuscript, I will also attach a style sheet, which is helpful for tracking word lists, characters, and timelines as your project moves to its next phase. When querying authors, I believe it is important to be clear, professional, and humble. I approach my work with curiosity and kindness. The world is a harsh enough place; you don't need an editor who will make you feel small.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Middle Grade Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Penguin Random House

Apr, 2022 — Present
• Edit, proofread, and cold read adult and middle-grade fiction and nonfiction • Provide precise and evenhanded queries and feedback for authors • Create detailed style sheets—covering grammar, mechanics, word lists, characters, and timelines

Red Line Editorial

Dec, 2021 — Present
• Edit and proofread nonfiction books for young readers • Mark up typeset manuscripts

Elite Editing

Feb, 2020 — Present
• Edit and proof novels, nonfiction books, children’s books, calendars, greeting cards, technical writing, social media posts, business copy, and more • Passed an invitation-only test (on which only about 5% succeed) to gain access to projects from an exclusive client • Provide exceptional service to bestselling authors, including those on the New York Times, USA Today, and Washington Post lists • Write and revise style and process guides • Stand in for the Editorial Quality Team Lead and help onboard for social media team

Scribendi

Feb, 2018 — Present
• Edit and proofread academic, business, and personal documents and more • Specialize in assisting clients who speak English as a second language • Achieved a quality assurance average of 100% • Maintained a perfect 5.00 rating for 2+ years (based on 217 ratings)

Tutor.com

Dec, 2017 — Aug, 2020 (over 2 years)
• Assisted high school and college students with English essay writing—improving clarity, organization, punctuation, grammar, and adherence to style guides • Guided high schoolers preparing for the ACT and SAT • Tutored pupils in Spanish as a foreign language, through college level • Coached students in social studies, including AP courses

Mid-Continent Public Library

Apr, 2007 — Dec, 2017 (over 10 years)
• Edited documents for coworkers and the public • Aided Spanish-speaking customers and advised managers about Spanish titles to purchase • Certified as an e-book expert and trained in technical assistance • Supported customers in using Microsoft Word and research databases

Portfolio

Dear Hanna: A Novel

Stage, Zoje

Thomas & Mercer

Made with Reedsy
No Time To Waste (ECO WARRIORS)

Armstrong, Carolyn

Carolyn Armstrong Books

City People: A Novel

Topp, Elizabeth

Little A

Pike Island: A Thriller

Wirt, Tony

Thomas & Mercer

Running Cold: A Novel

Walter, Susan

Lake Union Publishing

Seems Perfect: A Novel

Hanover, Rebecca

Lake Union Publishing

If We Ever Get There: A Novel

Barrow, Laura

Lake Union Publishing

Polite Calamities: A Novel

Gold, Jennifer

Lake Union Publishing

Rewind

Graff, Lisa

Up in Flames

Alcaraz, Hailey

Extra Normal

Marshall, Kate Alice

The Future King ( Emry Merlin 2)

Schneider Robyn

Chasing Pacquiao

Pulido, Rod

Just Don't Fall: A Hilariously True Story of Childhood Cancer and Olympic Greatness

Sundquist, Josh

Anatomy of a Meet Cute

Woolridge, Addie

The Voynich Manuscript (Unsolved Mysteries)

Ashley Gish

Alicia has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Carolyn A.

Carolyn A.

May, 2025

Cannot say enough good things! I especially love the ability to ask follow up questions after the job is completed.
Alicia L.
Thank you for your kind words, Carolyn! It's a pleasure to work with you.
Carolyn A.

Carolyn A.

May, 2025

This is my second time working with Alicia. Her copy-editing skills are spectacular. She finished her work on time--even on my tight schedule. I'm so grateful to have her critical eye and immense knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
Alicia L.
Thank you, Carolyn! It’s been a pleasure to work with you again.
Steve F.

Steve F.

Mar, 2025

Alicia was amazing. I just hired her to proofread, but she did so much more! She noticed timelines that didn't work, critiqued a baseball scene with very good baseball observations, and noticed things like when one character left the room and then returned--I had forgotten that another characte...
Read more
Alicia L.
Thank you for your kind words, Steve. I wish you all the best with your book!
Morgan B.

Morgan B.

Feb, 2025

I loved working with Alicia. She was detailed about her editing process and very communicative. Her edits have helped to make my story stronger.
Alicia L.
Thank you for your kind words, Morgan! I think you will go far, and I wish you all the best.
Carolyn A.

Carolyn A.

Mar, 2024

I loved working with Alicia. I hired her to proofread my manuscript before publication. Besides adding commas here or there--and many hyphens to compound words--she also offered important and thoughtful suggestions. We had an open line of communication, often emailing back and forth several round...
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Alicia L.
It was a pleasure working with you, Carolyn! Your work is both fun and educational—not an easy balance to strike. Best wishes to you as you continue on this publication journey.

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