Ashley Casteel

Ashley Casteel – Editor

Editor of all things smart, inspiring, crafty, and culinary that enrich the soul. Helping authors put their best books forward since 2008.

Overview

EDITING PHILOSOPHY

A good copyeditor or proofreader's impact on a manuscript is imperceptible but profound, invisible but indelible, and that's the balance I strive to provide my clients.


SEVICES OFFERED

I polish grammar and spelling, eliminate redundancy, check facts, verify attributed quotations, finesse wording, make recommendations regarding adding/removing/reorganizing content, catch inconsistencies, note formatting errors, verify indexes and table of contents pages, format footnotes and bibliographies, curate style guides, and help authors make their manuscripts shine. Using preferred industry resources like The Chicago Manual of Style, I work closely with authors and publishers to remedy anything that might otherwise prevent a distraction-free, immersive experience for readers.


GOING ABOVE & BEYOND

In addition to the nitty-gritty of grammar, logic, clarity, and formatting, one of my top priorities as an editor is building strong author/editor relationships through thoughtful, discerning queries and correspondence. Working toward publication can be an exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes emotional journey, but I strive to make authors feel uplifted and encouraged throughout the editing process.


QUALITY EDITS BEGIN WITH QUALITY QUOTES

I offer competitive flat rates based on word counts, free sample edits, precise delivery timelines, and every collaboration includes a detailed project style guide to ensure a smooth review process.


EDITORIAL EXPERTISE

My qualifications include an English degree from Hiram College, where I graduated with honors in creative writing in 2008, and 3+ years of in-house editorial production experience. I've spent the last 10+ years freelance editing hundreds of titles for a variety of publishers, including Adam's Media (Simon & Schuster), BenBella Books, Quarto, Callisto Media, and Page Street Publishing. My genre specialties include historical and contemporary romance, YA/children's nonfiction, DIY/crafting, self-help, health and wellness, cookbooks, new age/religion/spirituality, and inspirational nonfiction.


Thank you for considering my services, and I look forward to working with you on your manuscript!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits DIY & Crafts Health & Wellbeing Religion & Spirituality Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Romance
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Adams Media (Simon & Schuster) | BenBella Books | Page Street Publishing | Callisto Media

Jul, 2013 — Present
As a freelance editor, I contract with publishing companies and independent clients to provide editorial services remotely, usually by editing electronic assignments using Track Changes in MS Word or with PDF editing tools. (Copyediting is always handled in MS Word or Google Docs, and proofreading is typically performed after a manuscript is typeset and formatted as a PDF.) Sometimes projects take just a few days or up to a few weeks to complete, depending on their length and complexity. On average, my editing schedule can accommodate 50 to 60 books each year.

Barbour Publishing

Jun, 2008 — Feb, 2012 (over 3 years)
In traditional publishing, an assistant managing editor helps guide books through the production process after the acquisitions editor has accepted a book proposal and approved a finished draft from the author (and after the managing editor has created a publication schedule for the title). Once this timeline was established at Barbour, it was my job to ensure each manuscript was thoroughly edited by a series of freelancers, properly typeset, and previewed by the author and acquisitions editor before its print-ready deadline. I also handled permissions requests for special projects and did some in-house ghostwriting, copyediting, and proofreading as needed. ln total, I helped shepherd over 500 romance and inspirational nonfiction titles to print, gaining a great deal of valuable editing experience and industry insight along the way.

Portfolio

Knit Happy with Self-Striping Yarn: Bright, Fun and Colorful Sweaters and Accessories Made Easy

Lotven, Stephanie

The Story of Simone Biles: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers)

Burk, Rachelle

The Little Book of Energy Healing Techniques: Simple Practices to Heal Body, Mind, and Spirit

Frazier, Karen

Macaron School: Mastering the World’s Most Perfect Cookie with 50 Delicious Recipes

Hurst, Camila

Daily Lessons from the Saints: 52 Weeks of Inspiration and Encouragement

Higginbotham, Father Brice

Stunning Watercolor Seascapes: Master the Art of Painting Oceans, Rivers, Lakes and More

Blume, Kolbie

The Little Encyclopedia of Jewish Culture: 101 People, Places, Things (and Foods) Every Jew Should Know

Klickstein, Mathew

Meditations on Self-Love: Daily Wisdom for Healing, Acceptance, and Joy

Mattingly, Laurasia

The Oregon Trail Romance Collection

Amanda Cabot

Risking all their hopes and dreams on promises of fertile land in the Northwest, thousands set off on the Oregon Trail between 1843 and the 1890s. Despite the majestic landscape and daily opportunities for fireside chats, the trail was hardly the place these m... read more
Colorful Curly Haired Crafts for Kids: 60 Fun and Easy Activities that Celebrate the Beauty of Natural Hair

Gavrielides, Cheryl

Celebrating Diwali: History, Traditions, and Activities – A Holiday Book for Kids (Holiday Books for Kids)

Joshi, Anjali

My Awesome Field Guide to Bugs: Find and Identify Your Crawling and Flying Bugs (My Awesome Field Guide for Kids)

Toney, Krystal Monique

Cannabis Drinks Made Simple: 50 THC and CBD Cocktails, Mocktails, Shakes, Teas, and More

Kyle MS RDN HCP, Emily

Women Who Changed the World: A Feminist Book for Children Ages 3-5

Burk, Rachelle

3-Minute Devotions for a Cat Lover's Heart: 180 Purr-fect Readings

Compiled by Barbour Staff

Fidget!: 101 Ways to Boost Your Creativity and Decrease Your Stress

Heather Fishel

Busy hands equal a happy brain! Learn how fidgeting can help increase productivity and decrease stress, with 101 ways to tap, jiggle, doodle, and click your way to better concentration and creativity.Fidget spinners are the latest popular trend, but pen clicki... read more
The Cactus Creek Challenge

Erica Vetsch

Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like... read more
The Joy of Doing Nothing: A Real-Life Guide to Stepping Back, Slowing Down, and Creating a Simpler, Joy-Filled Life

Rachel Jonat

Fight back against busyness and celebrate the pleasure of doing nothing in this new guide that helps relieve stress and increase happiness in your life.In The Joy of Doing Nothing you’ll discover how to step away from everything you think you have to do and le... read more
No Recipe: Cooking as Spiritual Practice

Edward Espe Brown

Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces

Crider, Jen

Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts--with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors

Sivertsen, Linda

Find Your Goddess: How to Manifest the Power and Wisdom of the Ancient Goddesses in Your Everyday Life

Alexander, Skye

Sarah's Surrender

Vickie McDonough

When Sarah Worley rejects Luke McNeil’s proposal to pursue property in the Oklahoma Territory land lottery in 1901, the ranch hand pulls up stakes and goes after her. But he’s the last person she wants to see. The land lottery gives Sarah the chance to realize... read more
Crystals for Emotional Healing: A Contemporary Guide

Harrell, Stacey

Devoted

Marjorie Jackson

Life is good with a God who is great! What’s a girl to do in a changing world full of darkness, distractions, pressure, lies, and uncertainty? Is it really possible for a twenty-first-century young woman to live a life in direct contrast to culture’s ever-chan... read more
Heart's Heritage: Also Includes Bonus Story of The Magistrate's Folly by Lisa Karon Richardson

Cecil, Ramona K.

A Future Spring

Catherine DePasquale

High school teacher Ginny Dalton is hiding from life. When a violent incident breaks out at her school, she is suddenly face-to-face with police detective Scott James. Scott brings with him his own demons but perhaps a chance for a new beginning for them both.... read more
The Beginner's Guide to Watercolor: Master Essential Skills and Techniques through Guided Exercises and Projects

Merryl, Jovy

The Invisible Machine: The Startling Truth About Trauma and the Scientific Breakthrough That Can Transform Your Life

Lipov MD, Eugene

Undercover Bride

Margaret Brownley

Pinkerton detective Maggie Cartwright is tasked with going undercover as a mail-order bride. Her “fiancé” is widower Garrett Thomas, aka the suspected Whistle-Stop Bandit. No sooner does Maggie arrive in Arizona Territory when she’s confronted with an early we... read more
The Boys' Guide to Growth Mindset: A Can-Do Approach to Building Confidence, Resilience, and Courage

Akindele, Oluwatosin

Cast-Iron Cookbook for Beginners: Easy Recipes for the Greatest Skillet of All

Rosemond-Hoerr, Elena

60 Days of Faith for Women: A Devotional to Deepen Gratitude, Praise, and Prayer

Trimble, Cameron

Mixed Fiber Macramé: Create Handmade Home Décor with Unique, Modern Techniques Featuring Colorful Wool Roving, Ribbons, Cords, Raffia and Rattan Baskets

Conlon, Chantel

Dreena's Kind Kitchen: 100 Whole-Foods Vegan Recipes to Enjoy Every Day

Burton, Dreena

Normal Broken: The Grief Companion for When It's Time to Heal but You're Not Sure You Want To

Cervantes, Kelly

Brightest and Best

Olivia Newport

The collapse of a schoolhouse puts pressure on Amish families and their long-held educational values. Ella Hilty anticipates marrying Gideon Wittner and becoming a mother to his children. In a whirling clash of values, Ella seeks the solid ground that seems to... read more
Heaven: The Inside Story from the Bible: An Illustrated Reference on Heaven, Paradise, and the Afterlife

Strauss, Ed

Galaxy Watercolor: Paint the Universe with 30 Awe-Inspiring Projects

Davis, Sosha

High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row

Echols, Damien

Vocation

Catherine DePasquale

Courage in the Face of Evil

Mark Shaw

For Vera Konig, a Christian German nurse, the decision is clear: She must risk her life and that of Andrea, an orphaned Russian girl she is hiding at Ravensbrück Concentration Camp by trusting the enemy, a Nazi prison guard who may save Andrea or parade them b... read more
The Hawaiian Quilt

Wanda E. Brunstetter

Join Mandy Frey as she and three friends leave their Amish community in Indiana for the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. But when Mandy and one of her friends miss the cruise ship after a port of call on Kauai, how will they adjust and get back home? Find out in ... read more
Humility

Pat Williams

You hold the secret in your hands. We live in a narcissistic age, when our leaders and celebrities seem very impressed with themselves—and they think we should be impressed with them, too. Many believe that the key to success is a supersized ego. “Wrong,” says... read more
The Nordic Knitting Primer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scandinavian Colorwork

Drysdale, Kristin

The Feel-Good Pregnancy Cookbook: 100 Nutritious and Delicious Recipes for a Healthy 9 Months and Beyond

Kipping, Ryann

The Gift

Wanda E. Brunstetter

Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure t... read more
Metalsmith Society’s Guide to Jewelry Making: Tips, Techniques & Tutorials For Soldering Silver, Stonesetting & Beyond

Bolton, Corkie

Journey of the Heart / Song of the Dove

Mills, DiAnn

Crystal Bliss: Attract Love. Feed Your Spirit. Manifest Your Dreams.

Brown, Devi

The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot® Cookbook: No-Fuss Recipes for Nutritious, Ready-to-Go Meals

Forrest, Carrie

Growth Mindset Journal for Girls: A Space to Embrace Challenges, Build Confidence, and Dream Big

Bassos, Jamie Leigh

Practical Meditation for Beginners: 10 Days to a Happier, Calmer You

Benjamin W Decker

Brush Lettering Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Workbook to Create Gorgeous Freeform Lettered Art

Elizabeth, Chrystal

Edibles for Beginners: A Cannabis Cookbook

Wolf, Laurie

Genius LEGO Inventions with Bricks You Already Have: 40+ New Robots, Vehicles, Contraptions, Gadgets, Games and Other Fun STEM Creations

Dees, Sarah

Listening to My Body Activities for Kids: Social-Emotional Skills to Build Self-Awareness and Express Feelings

Striesfeld, Mallory

Healthy Eating for Life: An Intuitive Eating Workbook to Stop Dieting Forever

Harbstreet, Cara

The Engagement Plot

Krista Phillips

Can Hanna and Will Find True Love Amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV? Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette! Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now ... read more
Fun Painting Projects for Kids: 60 Activities to Unleash Your Inner Artist

McMullen, Louise

The Teen's Guide to Social Media…and Mobile Devices: 21 Tips to Wise Posting in an Insecure World

Jonathan McKee

Ever regret something you’ve posted?Just how smart are you when it comes to streaming, messaging, gaming, commenting. . .? The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices will help you navigate the digital world with 21 refreshingly honest and humorous tips ... read more
Green Witchcraft Tea Recipes: 60 Magical Brews for Love, Healing, and Growth

Willow, Autumn

Shadow Work Journal and Guide for Beginners: An Introduction to Discovering and Healing Your Unconscious Self

Bramblett, Kelly

Drawing with Fire: A Beginner’s Guide to Woodburning Beautiful Hand-Lettered Projects and Other Easy Artwork

Carver, Aney

Weeknight Smoking on Your Traeger and Other Pellet Grills: Incredible Wood-Fired Meals Made Fast and Easy

McKenzie, Adam

Appalachian Witchcraft for Beginners: The History, Remedies, and Spells of a Rich Folk Magic Tradition

Lily, Auburn

My First Book of Cats: All About Furry Felines for Kids

Grassi, Morgan

A Year of Taoism: Daily Wisdom and Meditations for a Life of Balance (A Year of Daily Reflections)

Reninger, Elizabeth

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas

Erica Vetsch

Journey now to Fort Bliss in West Texas of 1874, where...A Battle Is About to be Waged Between Two Hearts. Fashion artist Priscilla Hutchens has a grudge against the army that has ruined her family and taken the people she holds most dear. When her twin niece ... read more

Ashley has 34 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Wesley B.

Wesley B.

Sep, 2024

This is my second project that Ashley has assisted with editing. Her work was excellent and finished in a timely manner. I will be asking her to assist with future work.
Mark S.

Mark S.

Sep, 2024

Ashely can edit (and vastly improve) anything written in English! In the past two years, she has edited two intrigue novels, two history books, and a religious commentary for us. In her editing of these diverse books, she could not have done better work or been easier to interact with. She is the...
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Mark S.

Mark S.

Jun, 2024

This is my second collaboration with Ashley Casteel. She is a joy to work with. My manuscript is infinitely improved with her careful eye for detail and her many helpful suggestions for improving the flow of the action and the quality of the dialog. I would give six stars if that were an option!
Marc B.

Marc B.

Apr, 2024

Ashley has now worked on three books for us. Her work is always above expectations and excellent. She is highly recommended.
Marc B.

Marc B.

Nov, 2023

Ashley once again exceeded all expectations. We are blessed to have her working on our books and and cannot say enough about her. She is passionate about her work and there is an evident anointing that makes it stand out even more. I recommend her and know you will be just as satisfied as we are.

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