Alison Rolf

Alison Rolf – Editor

Award-winning editor with years of experience in traditional and indie publishing. Specialisms: sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction.

Overview

I'm a thorough, honest, and easy-going editor who will prioritize the integrity of your original work in a way that fosters a long-lasting relationship, while also prioritizing the future of your book.

You'll notice in my reviews that I'm known for my clarity, my professional criticism, and my ability to guide authors in a direction that will continue to transform their writing well after our collaborations are complete. Nearly every author I've worked with has returned for a second, third, or even fourth edit, and even after our collaborations are complete, many of my clients feel (rightfully) comfortable reaching out with questions during the publication process and beyond.

The bulk of my editing experience has been with Pleiades, a literary journal of creative fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. While editing with Pleiades, I championed a piece of fiction titled "The Imagination Resettlement Program" which won the 2019 Pushcart Prize. I am currently a Senior Editor and Writer at Status Quill, where I perform developmental edits and editorial assessments.

I completed my education at the University of Central Missouri where I majored in Creative Writing and minored in Communication. I continue to educate myself through conferences like AWP and BOWS, while reading the latest literature on editing and writing, and by keeping in touch with local authors through a Kansas City Writers Group that I run.

I am a writer and an editor, which allows me to empathize with my clients while also focusing on the marketing and publishing perspectives.

I really admire the writers I've worked with and am grateful for the personal and professional relationships we maintain. I live on a small homestead in Kansas City with my husband, our son, Atticus, and enough chickens to keep me busy when I'm not otherwise editing, writing or playing video games.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Fantasy Literary Fiction Romance Science Fiction Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Edited Story that won Pushcart Prize
  • David Baker Award 2018
  • David Baker Award 2019
  • David Baker Award Honorable Mention 2017
Certifications
  • B.A. Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2019 — Present

I own and am the chief editor of my own editing company based in Kansas City, where I edit, manage the business and oversee the editorial process for the hired and contracted editors that I work with. I also offer educational workshops in writing, editing, and the processes of indie and traditional publishing.

Status Quill

Apr, 2019 — Present

At Status Quill, I work mainly with content edits. I do developmental, editorial assessments and occasional Query edits. I also write blogs and other website content.

Pleiades Magazine

Jan, 2016 — Jan, 2019 (about 3 years)

Copy edits, line edits, developmental edits, publishing, agency and event hosting.

Portfolio

Automaton Nation

Kumanchik, Cynthia

Concordance of Steel

Chesler, Daniel

“More good poems, essays and stories are found in these presses than any other place on the planet.” Richard Ford This 43rd edition of the annual Pushcart Prize – the most celebrated literary series in America – is further proof that these days the heat and he... read more
Legacy Of Defeat

Brennan, Steven P

QUARANTEENED

Wilson, Joel

Alison has 42 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Isaac A.

Isaac A.

Jan, 2022

Alison has been a pleasure to work with. Her communication is excellent - professional, friendly and approachable. Alison has helped me see my manuscript in a whole new light. Her comments were thoughtful and precise and helped me understand what was working and what wasn’t. She also offered genuine advice and support for me as a writer and invited longer term collaboration. Alison exceeded...
Read more
Jackie B.

Jackie B.

Aug, 2021

This is my second time working with Alison, and same as the first, she was absolutely wonderful. I can positively say my novel is much better after her professional help.
Steven B.

Steven B.

Jul, 2021

Speed and accuracy are usually tradeoffs, but Alison’s got both. She delivered much sooner than I would have thought possible without compromising on quality. Going in, I knew there were specific problematic passages in my manuscript I wasn’t sure how to fix. Alison zeroed-in on every single one. Her classifications helped me figure out exactly what was wrong, allowing me to be more efficient ...
Read more
Joel W.

Joel W.

Jun, 2021

Alison has been extremely helpful during the editing process. As a new author, she helped guide me along a path to success. I would highly recommend her to any author, and hopefully, I can work with her again soon!
JD S.

JD S.

Jun, 2021

Alison is an incredible light! She was professional and kind. She was prompt and caring. She was everything and more. I enjoyed every second working alongside this incredible mind and consider myself lucky to have have found her when I did. As an editor, she had an eye for detail that sharpened my book into something truly spectacular. She knew just the right amount of touch to provide my words...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to Alison

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

John Knight

John K.

Seasoned fiction and non-fiction editor specializing in literature, memoir, and biography with 10+ years experience at FSG and McSweeney's

100% reply rate

View profile
Michele Perry

Michele P.

An editor of all genres, having worked for indie and trade publishing clients for 20 years, my expertise is developmental and copyediting!

Brisbane QLD, Australia

100% reply rate

View profile
Natalie Bolderston

Natalie B.

Award-winning writer and versatile editor working in genre fiction publishing. Especially interested in fantasy, poetry and women's fiction.

London, UK

100% reply rate

View profile