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
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Penguin Young Readers

Apr, 2022 — Present

• Edit and proofread middle-grade fiction
• 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

Alicia has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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 rounds in a given day. By the end of the project, I felt like she really cared about my characters and st...
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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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