Billie Smith-Haffener – Editor

With a master's degree in publishing and eleven years' experience copyediting and proofreading for indie publishers and university presses, I'm a versatile editor familiar with a variety of modes and genres, from literary fiction, genre fiction, and memoir to academic nonfiction and journal articles.

I specialize in work by queer people, women, and people of color, and I approach every text with its readers always in mind, editing not only to correct typos and grammatical errors but to ensure that the language is inclusive, accurate, and considered.

I edit with the philosophy that an author’s work is their own, suggesting revisions to help clarify their message, not to alter it or insert my own voice.

I'm now offering a select number of copyediting slots at a sliding scale rate for LGBTQ+ fiction and fiction by authors of color.

--Testimonials--

"I’ve been writing, editing, and publishing for nearly 30 years and have worked with a great many copyeditors. Billie is, by far, one of the best. They made great suggestions and made sure that my manuscript conformed to Chicago‘s often confusing guidelines. I hope they copyedit my next book too!” —Andy McPhee, retired publisher and author of Donora Death Fog: Clean Air and the Tragedy of a Pennsylvania Mill Town

"I have hired Billie for all three of my books that are either published or slated for publication, and I have no doubt that they have been an integral part of those sales. . . . I do not feel comfortable sending out a query, chapter, or even a short essay without having Billie take a look at it. They are perceptive, enthusiastic, always willing to listen, and their prices are exceptionally reasonable.” —Julia Bricklin, author of The Notorious Life of Ned Buntline