Alyssa Matesic

Alyssa Matesic – Editor

Passionate book editor who's worked with bestselling authors at Penguin Random House on thrillers, historical fiction, and book club reads.

Overview

If you're an aspiring author, I have good news: It IS possible to publish that book you love so much — and feel proud of it. I know how intimidating and downright discouraging the publishing process can feel at times, which is why I offer a unique combination of editorial expertise and industry insight to help you take your story from rough draft to a sparkling diamond in the rough.


WHO AM I?

I’m a passionate developmental editor dedicated to helping writers feel more confident in their stories and get one step closer to their dream of seeing them published. Between my time at publishing houses, a top-tier literary agency, and editing independently, I’ve worked with 300+ book writers at all stages of their careers — from first-time novelists to New York Times bestselling authors.

With nearly a decade of industry experience, I’ve evaluated and edited hundreds of novels, and I’ve seen what top-notch book publishing looks like at its highest level.


I've held roles at the following:

→ Penguin Random House (Ballantine Books)

→ Macmillan (Henry Holt & Company)

→ The Book Group literary agency


Authors I've worked with are represented by WME, ICM, and Triada, among other literary agencies.


MY SERVICES

I am a developmental/structural editor — think of me as the first line of defense once you've finished your draft. My feedback will focus on big-picture elements like plotting, pacing, character development, structure, and organization. The goal? Help you tell the best possible version of your story and realize your vision.


My services include:

→ Editorial Assessments
→ Manuscript Makeovers (a comprehensive package including an editorial assessment, a developmental edit, and coaching)
→ Query Reviews (including query letter reviews, synopsis reviews, and sample pages reviews)


MY GENRE SPECIALIZATIONS

It’s critical to ensure the editor you choose has a skillset and background that align with your needs and goals. I truly believe in partnering with writers whose genres and needs sit within my specialties, so I can get you the best possible results.


I offer developmental and structural editing for the following genres:

✓ Thrillers, mystery, and suspense

✓ Contemporary women’s fiction

✓ Historical fiction

✓ Literary fiction

✓ Memoir

✓ Anything that can be devoured in one sitting!


There’s nothing I enjoy more than supporting aspiring authors throughout their book writing journey. When I’m not editing books, you’ll find me sipping an espresso martini, reading about the Titanic, or cuddling my goldendoodle, Luka.


I can't wait to discuss your project!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Historical Mysteries Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller Romantic Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Certificate in Book Publishing, New York University
  • BA in English and American Literature, New York University
  • Minor in Creative Nonfiction, New York University

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2018 — Present

Evaluate submissions and provide extensive editorial feedback on client manuscripts for a group of top-tier New York City literary agents, including projects by New York Times bestselling authors. Complete full-novel developmental editing, editorial assessments, and query letter reviews for aspiring authors.

Penguin Random House

May, 2017 — Jul, 2018 (about 1 year)

Independently edited novels from acquisition to publication through multiple rounds of revision. Assisted in editing books by New York Times bestselling authors, composing extensive editorial letters and providing constructive line edits. Evaluated dozens of monthly fiction submissions.

Genres: thriller/suspense, historical fiction, and women's fiction.

The Book Group

Sep, 2015 — Apr, 2017 (over 1 year)

Composed detailed editorial letters for leading literary agents regarding clients’ manuscripts before submission to editors. Independently managed agency's submissions inbox, reviewing hundreds of queries and determining whether to consider them or pass.

Genres: thriller/suspense, historical fiction, women's fiction, and literary fiction.

Macmillan (Henry Holt and Company)

Jun, 2015 — Aug, 2015 (2 months)

Evaluated submissions from agents and wrote editorial letters to strengthen novels prior to publication.

Genres: literary fiction and narrative nonfiction.

Gibson Square Books

Feb, 2015 — May, 2015 (3 months)

Line edited and proofread manuscripts for independent London publishing house, working with writers through rounds of revision.

Genres: humor, thriller, nonfiction, and self-help.

Alyssa has 208 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Conor M.

Conor M.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
This was a great experience. Alyssa provided an extremely helpful editorial assessment where she was able to highlight what worked and didn’t work in my manuscript. While positive feedback is always nice, I was most impressed by the level of detail she went into on the areas that needed improvement. Many of these things I was already worried might not be working, others I had just completely be...
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Jennifer E.

Jennifer E.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
Alyssa has been so helpful to me. Anyone out there that has written a book knows that feeling when you think you've got something decent, but you can no longer see what works and what doesn't work because you are too close to it. That's where I was at, and Alyssa's feedback really helped me pinpoint ways to make the story work for readers. She is so smart and talented at editing. Her insights ...
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Lisa O.

Lisa O.

May, 2023

Pinned
Alyssa delivered everything she promised - and MORE! I got (1) things that were working, (2) things that needed to work, and (3) things that needed clarifying. I would expect this from any reputable editor, but where Alyssa went way beyond expectations was in giving me very concrete, detailed, and thoughtful notes with specific suggestions for how to strengthen my manuscript. If YOU have the o...
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Elizabeth R.

Elizabeth R.

Oct, 2024

Alyssa is everything I had hoped for. I write paranormal thrillers and her suggestions were sound advice. I could quickly see the value of working with her and highly recommend anyone looking for developmental guidance!
LB S.

LB S.

Sep, 2024

Alyssa was fantastic. She identified and clearly understood the strengths and core messages/characters of my work and created an amazingly helpful plan to edit and add to my story in order to make those elements truly shine. She was prompt, kind, instructive, and just wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend working with Alyssa and cannot wait to implement all of the changes she recomme...
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