Ashley Rayner - Editor
**BOOKING MARCH/APRIL 2023** I'm a professional book editor with 10+ years of experience. I love helping make book dreams reality!
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Overview
**NOW BOOKING MARCH/APRIL 2023 PROJECTS**
I'm a professional book editor with 10+ years of experience, both as a freelancer and an in-house production editor. I love helping authors polish their prose and make their book dreams a reality.
I hold a BA in English from the University of Guelph and a Certificate in Creative Book Publishing from Humber College. After graduation, I worked as an editorial intern and then as production assistant with various Canadian publishers. I was Editorial Manuscript Co-ordinator at the University of Toronto Press from 2014. In early 2017, I decided to focus on my own business, Inkwell's Editorial Services. Since 2009, I've been providing publishers and authors with quality editorial services.
What I Do
I'm a reader first and a writer myself too. I know how tough it can be to find a good editor. I work with you to polish your manuscript so your voice can shine through and tell your story the way you want it told. With my in-house experience behind me, I can help move your book from dream to draft, from manuscript to book.
I've had a hand in over 140 book projects (but who's counting?). I specialize in academic and non-fiction, although I have a soft spot for fiction. My areas of expertise include history, social sciences, sports, and politics. For fiction, I work primarily on romance novels, although I also like fantasy and sci-fi.
My Skills
As a production editor, I had to develop the skills to take a book from draft to final product. My areas of expertise include:
-copy editing
-proofreading
-reference editing (APA, CMS, MLA)
-book production project management
-rights and permissions licensing
-photo research
Why Work with Me?
There are so many editors out there. It's hard to choose one--and how do you know you've found the right person? I get it. I used to hire freelancers as part of my job, and it's tough to find the right people. My clients keep coming back, so I think I must be doing something right. Here's what I offer:
-Collaborative editing. My job is to help you tell the story you want to tell, in your own words.
-Support every step of the way. Have a question about what to do next? Feel free to pick my brain.
-Excellent communication. I'm not going to ghost you. A good editorial relationship is built on communication.
-Attention to detail. People say I'm thorough. Almost too thorough. (Is that even a thing?)
I'm a professional book editor with 10+ years of experience, both as a freelancer and an in-house production editor. I love helping authors polish their prose and make their book dreams a reality.
I hold a BA in English from the University of Guelph and a Certificate in Creative Book Publishing from Humber College. After graduation, I worked as an editorial intern and then as production assistant with various Canadian publishers. I was Editorial Manuscript Co-ordinator at the University of Toronto Press from 2014. In early 2017, I decided to focus on my own business, Inkwell's Editorial Services. Since 2009, I've been providing publishers and authors with quality editorial services.
What I Do
I'm a reader first and a writer myself too. I know how tough it can be to find a good editor. I work with you to polish your manuscript so your voice can shine through and tell your story the way you want it told. With my in-house experience behind me, I can help move your book from dream to draft, from manuscript to book.
I've had a hand in over 140 book projects (but who's counting?). I specialize in academic and non-fiction, although I have a soft spot for fiction. My areas of expertise include history, social sciences, sports, and politics. For fiction, I work primarily on romance novels, although I also like fantasy and sci-fi.
My Skills
As a production editor, I had to develop the skills to take a book from draft to final product. My areas of expertise include:
-copy editing
-proofreading
-reference editing (APA, CMS, MLA)
-book production project management
-rights and permissions licensing
-photo research
Why Work with Me?
There are so many editors out there. It's hard to choose one--and how do you know you've found the right person? I get it. I used to hire freelancers as part of my job, and it's tough to find the right people. My clients keep coming back, so I think I must be doing something right. Here's what I offer:
-Collaborative editing. My job is to help you tell the story you want to tell, in your own words.
-Support every step of the way. Have a question about what to do next? Feel free to pick my brain.
-Excellent communication. I'm not going to ghost you. A good editorial relationship is built on communication.
-Attention to detail. People say I'm thorough. Almost too thorough. (Is that even a thing?)
Languages
English (CAN)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
History
Humanities & Social Sciences
Political Science & Current Affairs
Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction
Romance
Work experience
Senior Editor
Self-employed
November, 2009
–
Present
(over 13 years)
As the Senior Editor at Inkwell's Editorial Services, I provide copy editing, proofreading, and other services for publishers and authors.
Editorial Manuscript Co-ordinator
University of Toronto Press
July, 2014
–
January, 2017
(over 2 years)
As the Editorial Manuscript Co-ordinator, I was responsible for guiding manuscripts through the production process, from copy edit to printed book.
Production Assistant
University of Toronto Press
August, 2010
–
June, 2014
(almost 4 years)
As the Production Assistant, I was responsible for helping the Production Co-ordinator prepare manuscripts. I assisted with proof reading, copy editing, and other tasks.
Editorial Assistant
Firefly Books Ltd.
April, 2010
–
July, 2010
(3 months)
As the Editorial Assistant, I prepared cover copy, conducted photo research, and reviewed and edited page proofs for several books.
Editorial Intern
Firefly Books Ltd.
February, 2010
–
April, 2010
(about 2 months)
As the Editorial Intern, I gained insight and experience in the book industry by assisting with the preparation of several books. I assisted with photo research and reviewed page proofs.
Editorial Intern
McGraw-Hill Ryerson
September, 2009
–
October, 2009
(about 1 month)
As an Editorial Intern, I reviewed page proofs and learned about the production processes for textbooks.
Portfolio (47 selected works)
Asking what it means to be quilombola (descendants of African slaves) in the twenty-first century, Kenny illustrates how heritage and identity do not simply exist, but are continually being constructed to reflect particular historical circumstances. The book includes supplementary exercises that encourage readers to make connections between the case study at hand, their own heritage, and herit... read more
Lissa: A Story about Medical Promise, Friendship, and Revolution (ethnoGRAPHIC)
Sherine Hamdy, Coleman Nye, Sarula Bao, Caroline Brewer
As young girls in Cairo, Anna and Layla strike up an unlikely friendship that crosses class, cultural, and religious divides. Years later, Anna learns that she may carry the hereditary cancer gene responsible for her mother's death. Meanwhile, Layla's family is faced with a difficult decision about kidney transplantation. Their friendship is put to the test when these medical crises reveal sta... read more
A Short History of the Italian Renaissance
Kenneth R. Bartlett
Award-winning lecturer Kenneth R. Bartlett applies his decades of experience teaching the Italian Renaissance to this beautifully illustrated overview. In his introductory Note to the Reader, Bartlett first explains why he chose Jacob Burckhardt's classic narrative to guide students through the complex history of the Renaissance and then provides his own contemporary interpretation of that nar... read more
In assembling, translating, and arranging over a hundred primary source readings, Somerville and McDonald successfully illuminate the Vikings and their world for twenty-first-century students and instructors. The diversity of the Viking Age is brought to life through the range of sources presented, and the geographical and chronological coverage of these readings. The Norse translations, many ... read more
The fifth edition of this bestselling reader builds a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary theory, with a sharpened focus on gender and anthropology, and the anthropology of new media and technology. Short introductions and key terms accompany every reading, and light annotations have been added to aid students in reading original articles. Used on its own or together with A Hi... read more
Since the publication of the first edition of The Crusades: A Reader, interest in the Crusades has increased dramatically, fueled in part by current global interactions between the Muslim world and Western nations. The second edition features an intriguing new chapter on perceptions of the Crusades in the modern period, from David Hume and William Wordsworth to World War I political cartoons a... read more
285 glorious illustrations celebrate the scratchboard art of Scott McKowen. "McKowen is a scratchboard master, creating theater posters and book covers of fantastic clarity, shrewd wit and subtle mystery. McKowen's mastery of line and texture, gift for arresting juxtapositions and perspectives, and fluency in drawing the human figure make for complex and breathtaking images that are at once ol... read more
These original essays show how the US government repeatedly aided certain regimes as they planned and then carried out crimes against humanity and genocide. What makes the collection unique—and chilling—is the inclusion of declassified documents generated by the US government at the time: memoranda, telegrams, letters, talking points, cables, discussion papers, and situation reports.In his int... read more
Why have democratic governments failed to take serious steps to reduce carbon emissions despite dire warnings and compelling evidence of the profound and growing threat posed by global warming?Most of the writing on global warming is by scientists, academics, environmentalists, and journalists. Kevin Taft, a former leader of the opposition in Alberta, brings a fresh perspective through the ins... read more
Canada is in a new era. For 35 years, the country has become vastly wealthier, but most people have not. For the top 1%, and even more forthe top 0.1%, the last 35 years have been a bonanza.Canadians know very well that there's a huge problem. It's expressed in resistance to tax increases, concerns over unaffordable housing, demands for higher minimum wages, and pressure for action on the lack... read more
Rivals for Power: Ottawa and the Provinces tells the story of the politicians who continually contend over the division of power (and money) between Ottawa and the provinces. The heroes and villains of this story include many of the leading lights of Canadian history, from John A. Macdonald, Wilfred Laurier, and Maurice Duplessis to Pierre Trudeau, Joe Clark, Bill Davis, Peter Lougheed and Jea... read more
Newspapers, television and films cast homeless shelters as places of desperation, sadness and sickness. However, over the last 25 years, homeless shelters have changed dramatically.Shelters have become more professional and sophisticated in addressing homelessness in their communities. They now do much more than provide a bed and a meal for the night — they offer different methods of intervent... read more
Petroleum is the most valuable commodity in the world and an enormous source of wealth for those who sell it, transport it and transform it for its many uses. As the engine of modern economies and industries, governments everywhere want to assure steady supplies. Without it, their economies would grind to a standstill.Since petroleum is not evenly distributed around the world, powerful countri... read more
Detailed profiles of every player in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is the greatest individual honor that can be bestowed upon a professional hockey player. Since the first class in 1945, the Hockey Hall of Fame has inducted 244 players to its hallowed halls -- recent inductees include Brett Hull, Brian Leetch, Luc Robitaille and Steve Yzerman. Here are just a ... read more
Crisis Communication in Canada
Duncan Koerber
Private companies that respond poorly to a crisis may go bankrupt, wiping out investments and jobs. Charities that respond poorly to a crisis may lose donations, ending support for the most vulnerable. Professional athletes, religious leaders, CEOs, and politicians who respond poorly to a crisis may lose their long-standing careers and the respect of their colleagues, supporters, fans, and cus... read more
European Union Governance and Policy Making introduces Canadian students to the politics of the EU. Divided into three parts, the collection examines its political system (history, theories, institutions), specific policies, and some of the challenges that the EU currently faces. Geared toward students who are learning about the EU in Canadian classrooms, the text integrates Canadian content a... read more
A Short History of the Ancient World
Nicholas K. Rauh, Heidi E. Kraus
A Short History of the Ancient World begins with the Bronze Age and ends with the collapse of the Roman Empire. Rather than restricting his analysis to the Greek and Roman experience, Rauh introduces students to ancient Africa, Israel, Egypt, Iran, China, and the Indian subcontinent.To aid students on their journey into the ancient world, Rauh has provided key terms and definitions, "What Have... read more
Costly Fix examines the post-1995 Alberta tar sands boom, detailing how the state inflated the profitability of the tar sands and turned a blind eye to environmental issues. It considers the position of First Nations, the character and strength of environmental critiques, and the difficulties that environmental groups and First Nations have had in establishing a countermovement to market funda... read more
Biology of Sex
Alex Mills
Biology of Sex is a lively and intellectually challenging textbook. Mills analyzes the biological basis of sex by considering genetic, physiological, and evolutionary principles. In order to explain the biological aspects of human sex, he uses direct and intriguing comparisons with the many variations in sexual systems among non-human organisms. Text boxes provide fascinating examples: non-hum... read more
Capitalism and Classical Social Theory, Second Edition
John Bratton, David Denham
Most texts on classical social theory offer exhaustive coverage of every possible theorist, making it difficult to use the book in one semester. Capitalism and Classical Social Theory, Second Edition represents a departure from this approach by offering solid coverage of the classical triumvirate (Marx, Durkheim, and Weber), but also extending the canon strategically to include Simmel, four ea... read more
Mentors Among Us: Cases in the Human Services
Melissa Rothwell, Kelly Mazerolle
Canadian Organized Crime
Stephen Schneider
Now in its second edition, Race and Racialization presents new scholarship focusing specifically on immigration and migration, policies of multiculturalism, whiteness, gender and race, and settler relations. Contributors explore the problem of institutional racism from historical, comparative, and international perspectives, providing readers with tools to recognize the forces that contribute ... read more
The First Nations of Ontario: Social and Historical Transitions
Edward J. Hedican
Indigenous peoples are vastly overrepresented in the Canadian criminal justice system. The Canadian government has framed this disproportionate victimization and criminalization as being an "Indian problem."In The Colonial Problem, Lisa Monchalin challenges the myth of the "Indian problem" and encourages readers to view the crimes and injustices affecting Indigenous peoples from a more cultura... read more
This reflective collection examines anti-oppressive research methods and the effective implementation of those methods within social work settings. Comparing phenomenological, auto-ethnographic, survey-based, and arts-based research approaches, Reimagining Anti-Oppression Social Work Research outlines the challenges and advantages of conducting research with marginalized communities and within... read more
Through the Lens of Anthropology: An Introduction to Human Evolution and Culture
Robert J. Muckle, Laura Tubelle de González
Through the Lens of Anthropology is a concise but comprehensive introductory textbook that uses the twin themes of food and sustainability to illustrate the connected nature of anthropology's four major subfields: archaeology, and biological, cultural, and linguistic anthropology. By viewing the world through the lens of anthropology, students will learn not only about anthropological methods,... read more
Through the Lens of Anthropology: An Introduction to Human Evolution and Culture, Second Edition
Robert Muckle, Laura Tubelle de González
Through the Lens of Anthropology is a concise introduction to anthropology that uses the twin themes of food and sustainability to illustrate the connected nature of the discipline’s many subfields. Beautifully illustrated throughout, with over 150 full-color images, figures, feature boxes, and maps, this is an anthropology book with a fresh perspective, a lively narrative, and plenty of popul... read more
Through the Lens of Cultural Anthropology
Laura Tubelle de González
Addressing important and timely topics, including global climate change and the #MeToo movement, Through the Lens of Cultural Anthropology is a fresh and contemporary textbook designed to engage students in the world surrounding them. The book offers a sustained focus on language, food, and sustainability in an inclusive format that is sensitive to issues of gender, sexuality, and race. Integr... read more
Anthropology Matters, Third Edition
Shirley A. Fedorak
The third edition of this bestselling book introduces readers to anthropology, and the world around it, by connecting important concepts to current global issues. A question-based approach encourages readers to understand specific issues in a broader cross-cultural context while building an appreciation for anthropology’s role in developing global citizenship.This edition has been updated and ... read more
Building on the sensory ethnographic trend in contemporary sociocultural anthropology, this collection introduces the idea of a different kind of ethnography: an imaginative and creative approach to anthropological inquiry that is collaborative, open-ended, embodied, affective, and experimental. The authors treat ethnography as a methodology that includes the whole process of ethnography, from... read more
Drawn to See: Drawing as an Ethnographic Method
Andrew Causey
In this meditation/how-to guide on drawing as an ethnographic method, Andrew Causey offers insights, inspiration, practical techniques, and encouragement for social scientists interested in exploring drawing as a way of translating what they "see" during their research.
Charting the rise and fall of an experimental biomedical facility at a North American university, Culturing Bioscience offers a fascinating glimpse into scientific culture and the social and political context in which that culture operates. Krautwurst nests the discussion of scientific culture within a series of levels from the lab to the global political economy. In the process he explores a ... read more
Truth and Indignation offers the first close and critical assessment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission as it is unfolding. Niezen uses interviews with survivors and oblate priests and nuns, as well as testimonies, texts, and visual materials produced by the Commission to raise important questions: What makes Canada's TRC different from others around the world? What kinds of narratives a... read more
This short microhistory details the life and death of Eddie McKay, a varsity athlete at Western University, who flew with the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War. Graham Broad switches creatively from telling McKay's fascinating story to teaching valuable lessons on how to do history: why the past matters, why historians take different approaches, how to pose historical questions, how to... read more
The Trial of Tempel Anneke examines documents from an early modern European witchcraft trial with the pedagogical goal of allowing students to interact directly with primary sources. A brief historiographical essay has been added, along with eleven civic records, including regulations about sorcery, Tempel Anneke's marital agreement, and court salaries, which provide an even clearer picture of... read more
This Happened in My Presence reveals life in the small Spanish town of Deza during a period that was complex and tumultuous.The introduction explains the medieval origins of Deza's Christian, Muslim, and Jewish populations and the changing policies toward religious minorities under the Catholic Monarchs and the Hapsburgs. The workings of the Spanish Inquisition and of Deza's local religious an... read more
A History of Science in Society: From Philosophy to Utility, Third Edition
Andrew Ede, Lesley Cormack
A History of Science in Society is a concise overview that introduces complex ideas in a non-technical fashion. Ede and Cormack trace the history of the changing place of science in society and explore the link between the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to make that knowledge useful.New topics in this edition include astronomy and mathematics in ancient Mayan society, science and technolo... read more
In the second edition of this groundbreaking social history, M. Ann Hall begins with an important new chapter on Aboriginal women and early sport and ends with a new chapter tying today's trends and issues in Canadian women's sport to their origins in the past. Students will appreciate the more descriptive chapter titles and the restructuring of the book into easily digestible sections. Fifty-... read more
Death in the Peaceable Kingdom is an intelligent, innovative response to the incorrect assumption that Canadian history is dry and uninspiring. Using the "hooks" of murder, execution, assassination, and suicide, Dimitry Anastakis introduces readers to the full scope of post-Confederation Canadian history.Beginning with the assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Anastakis recounts the deaths of ... read more
To study the interactions between Muslims and Christians in the medieval period is to observe a history of conflict and co-existence encompassing warfare, piracy, and raiding as well as commerce, intellectual exchanges, and personal relationships that transcended religious differences. With particular focus on the Mediterranean world, this collection of more than 80 readings includes sources f... read more
Submerged (Something in the Water Book 2)
Cherry Pickett
Gabriel isn't stupid enough to think there won't be fallout after he sleeps with his teammate Reese Lockwood. He just didn't expect it to pan out like this.As winter semester gets underway , Gabriel quickly realizes he has a lot to learn: about relationships and most importantly about Reese himself. It seems being an omega wasn't the only secret Reese was keeping. Even if Gabriel's prepared to... read more
Going Under (Something in the Water)
Cherry Pickett
At nineteen, Gabriel Foss has four Olympic medals to his name. Now back at university, he’s already focusing on the next competition on his way to a second Olympic Games. Between swimming and studying, Gabriel doesn’t have time for romantic entanglements. Unfortunately for him, that won’t stop him from falling for his teammate and self-appointed best friend, Reese Lockwood. As the swim team pr... read more
It is said that if one can capture a mermaid, she will be bound to you, filled with love stronger than the tides of the sea, for the rest of her days.Archibald wants that. He wants that devotion and passion. He wants his life to have meaning, to be that man with something that no other man has. He wants to be special.But when its finally time, when he drops that net and all the stars align, wh... read more
Second Chance Rescue
J Marie
The plan was simple. The results are anything but... I’ve lost too much to even think about opening my heart to anyone again. Grief consumed my life, and all I wanted was to be left alone so I could drown my sorrows while trying to find a sliver of relief at the bottom of a bottle. But my father saw right through me, throwing me a curveball I never saw coming. Go back to working at our family’... read more
When a photo of Hollywood leading man, Joshua Hudson, hits the tabloids with his tongue down another man's throat Josh has no other option but to lay low for a while. The problem being of course that going home for the first time in eight years means facing all the skeletons in his closet. Particularly the one he's tried hardest to bury; Gabriel Alvarez.Gabriel was Josh's first love. His first... read more
Ashley has 9 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
As always, it is a wonderful experience working with Ashley and I will continue on any of my future projects.
Ava Williams, January 2022
It was wonderful working with Ashley again on my latest novel and I will continue to work with her on any future endeavors. Her feedback and suggestions while editing was very valuable to me and helped me to create a better novel and storyline. Thank you so much Ashley for working with me again.
Ava Williams, November 2021
Ashley was amazing. She took my manuscript of an LGBTQ+ romance that touched on some tough topics and helped me smooth things out, so I highlighted those tough topics the way I needed them to be. She helped me pick up some loose ends I forgot to do, add some details for foreshadowing I wouldn't have thought of, and she did my characters justice and strengthened their voices and likeability.
N...
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Jen Jennings, October 2021
Honesty, expertise, friendliness.
You've got a work that needs taking care of?
Nothing to fear, Ashley is here.
Your work is safe with Ashley, friends. Vulnerability abated, anxieties lessened. All is well.
Efficient and thorough, what more do you want?
Who’d you gonna call?
You guessed it.
Gabrielle Gagne-Cyr, July 2021
It was amazing working with Ashley. Her attention to detail and her feedback was truly valued by me. Her positivity is encouraging throughout her editing process, even while suggesting changes that she feels should be made. Her suggestions improved my book immensely. I look forward to working with her again on more projects.
Ava Williams, April 2021
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Kevin Hughes
An experienced copy-editor and proofreader of academic books and journals. I believe that having a good relationship with authors is vital.
Chichester, UK
Eve Hall
Recently Editorial Director for Hodder and Stoughton, previously at Penguin, I've worked with debuts, huge brands and unsigned writers
United Kingdom
