Christy Callahan - Editor
A cerebral yet down-to-earth editor since 2014, I do each project right the first time—on time—for traditional publishers and indie authors.
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Overview
I’ve been known to “catch what others miss." Maybe this is because of my high professional standards (my goal is for the self-published books I work on to have the same look and feel as their traditionally published equivalents) and my proven academic track record.
At Carnegie Mellon University, I graduated Phi Beta Kappa with University Honors with a major in social history and minors in French and Second Language Acquisition. (I am fluent in German and bilingual French-English.) I then earned my MA in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Seminary, where I chaired the Women's Concerns Committee and organized a student research colloquium as part of the annual Women’s Lectureship Series. At Santa Barbara Graduate Institute I studied clinical psychology at the doctoral level for two years. My writing has been published in academic journals, The Christian Childbirth Handbook, and online.
Since 2014, I've worked on hundreds of books, including seventy projects for BroadStreet Publishing Group. For another traditional publisher, Chosen Books, I edited Encountering Our Wild God by Kim Meeder, Walking the Path of Prayer by Jack Hayford, and others. I've presented at professional conferences, including two workshops at PENCON 2019 in Nashville, TN: "Crazy Spelling: How to Catch What Others Miss" and "Order in the Book: How to Prepare a Manuscript for Publication." I became a member of Mensa in February 2021.
What is it like to work with me? Most likely, you’ll either think of me as an editorial superhero ... or your worst nightmare. Why is that? I won’t accept plagiarism (I expect intellectual integrity of my clients and myself), hateful speech (the internet is better suited to ax-grinding), and blame. Everything I say will be honest (not flattery) and constructive (words that build you up). And I’m the hands-off type. My attitude is that your project is your “baby,” and I’m more like the midwife to your creative process, not an expert who manages the outcome.
TESTIMONIALS
One of my best finds [in 2014] was Christy Callahan. I'm always looking for someone who can find mistakes that somehow sneak through multiple edits, know how to fix them while maintaining the voice of the author, and do it all with a positive, can-do attitude. I've found all of these characteristics and more in Christy. She works hard and turns projects quickly. Her communication is clear and professional. The heart and talent she brings to each project has been a huge blessing to me and to the authors we serve. I highly commend her editorial services to anyone who has a message to share with the world.
David Sluka, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Chosen Books
Former Editorial Director and Acquisitions Editor at BroadStreet Publishing Group
NON-FICTION CLIENTS
Thank you for being so patient with a new writer. You made the process much easier. As I went over and over the stories, the feelings often came back. I am glad that the book will be out soon to help others who are grieving.
Rebecca Carpenter, author of Ambushed by Glory in My Grief
I appreciated working with Christy as she edited my women’s Bible study Choices of the Heart. She was sensitive to my 'voice' and the ideas I wanted to share. Yet she gently asked me pertinent questions to make sure I communicated clearly. Plus she makes it appear I know grammar and punctuation! I’m so glad my publisher asked her to edit my material.
Kathy Collard Miller, author of 50+ books, including Never Ever Be the Same
FICTION CLIENTS
Thanks again for all your AWESOME work!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)
Priscilla J. Krahn, author of Mission of a Lifetime
Christy Callahan's edit gave my manuscript an extra polish prior to publication. Her professionalism and skills are exactly what I look for in an editor. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking to fine-tune their work.
Laura Hodges Poole, blogger and author of Silent Stars of Bethlehem
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Christian Non-Fiction
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Historical Fiction
Certifications
- Christian Fiction & Non-Fiction Editing (Christian Editor Connection)
- Gold Member of The Christian PEN (Proofreaders and Editors Network)
Awards
- Named one of the "19 Top Freelance Christian Book Editors" (Writing Tips Oasis, 2018)
Work experience
Owner, Professional Publishing Services
Self-employed
August, 2014
–
Present
(almost 7 years)
Portfolio (33 selected works)
Where is God when my suffering seems never-ending? Can I really find joy in this fallen world? This powerful book confronts these questions with stories of the author's near-death experience, a daughter's suicide attempt, mental illness, and numerous other gripping stories that demonstrate not only that God is present when we need him, but that through our trials we can find true intimacy with... read more
Journey into the Mystery of God's PresenceWho our God is and how he works cannot be captured or contained. Our God is extreme. Our God is unstoppable, unfathomable, and untamable. Our God is wild. And he is beckoning us to pursue him beyond our circumstances, beyond our emotions, and beyond our logic into the glorious mystery that is him.Offering miraculous, inspiring stories of lives and circ... read more
Revival happens when passion for God breaks through human restraint and ignites one heart after another with his unquenchable love. Speaking with enthusiasm and vibrancy, Kim Meeder encourages readers to seek transformation of heart, soul, mind, and strength by engaging the holy fire of God's presence. Within this place, fear and pride melt away and the desire burns brightly to reach all who a... read more
*CONTENT WARNING: If you are disturbed by intense violence, or dislike fantasy fiction, this book is NOT for you.* A fantasy novel that retells the story of Cain and Abel, giving heart-wrenching depth to the world's first family. The world's first murder was just the beginning. . . Inflamed by jealousy and on the brink of madness, Cain--firstborn among men--brutally beats his twin brother, Abe... read more
The Origin Story of the Book of RevelationWhat in the world was going on when John had his visions of apocalypse?Ancient Rome, A.D. 64. Alexander, a Jewish doctor loyal to Rome, has his life turned upside down when the evil emperor Nero Caesar launches a horrific persecution of Christians.When Nero discovers that an apostle has written a secret apocalypse about the end of the world, he orders ... read more
Wrecked for God
Leman
Kelly Tough
Erin Kelly, Jill Kelly
Do not let the title Kelly Tough fool you. This is not a “be all you can be, no pain–no gain” story. Toughness is overrated. And being Kelly Tough, well, you are about to find out what that really means and why it just might matter to you.Kelly Tough is a story of love and hope: a love between a father and a daughter—Buffalo Bill’s former quarterback, Jim Kelly, and his oldest daughter Erin. E... read more
God's Not Dead 2: Stand With God A 40-Day Devotional
Robert Noland
Throughout history, Christianity has come under fire for holding to a standard the culture abandons. Today’s headlines increasingly reflect the pressure that comes as warning shots across the bow before the full-on attack of persecution begins. The movie God’s Not Dead gave us a front row seat to the one-on-one debate regarding the existence of God between atheist Professor Radisson and Christ... read more
Josiah's Fire: Autism Stole His Words, God Gave Him a Voice
Tahni Cullen, Cheryl Ricker
Where is hope when there is no hope? First-time parents Joe and Tahni Cullen were thrust into the confusing world of autism when their toddler, Josiah, suddenly lost his ability to speak, play, and socialize. The diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder. In their attempts to see Josiah recover and regain speech, the Cullens underwent overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial struggles. While ... read more
Walking the Path of Prayer
Jack Hayford
Prayer is an essential of the Christian life. Yet confusion abounds, and we have a tendency to make it more complicated than Jesus ever intended. Going back to the basics, bestselling author and pastor Jack Hayford shows that prayer is person-to-Person communication--a combination of worship, fellowship, and intercession.He shows that the Bible's call to prayer is neither mystical nor theoreti... read more
Faith: Believing in the God Who Works on Your Behalf
Yonggi Cho, Wayde Goodall
What can we learn from the Scriptures about how to trust God no matter what, and believe in something that is not yet seen? As a young man with only weeks to live, Yonggi Cho was healed of terminal illness, saw the resurrected Jesus, and quickly began sharing God’s hope with others. Those listeners became the world’s largest church. In Faith, Pastor Cho and Dr. Wayde Goodall share how toUnders... read more
Celebrate Your Marriage: 365 Daily Devotions for Busy Couples
Jay Laffoon, Laura Laffoon
Stay happily married for life! Whether it has been twenty years or twenty minutes, every marriage needs encouragement. This daily devotional is for married couples who want to strengthen their relationship and center it on God. Designed with busy couples in mind, each reading is short enough to enjoy together over that first cup of coffee or right before bed. Every day includes • practical tip... read more
Amazing You: 365 Daily Devotions for Dreamers
Philippa Hanna
Dreamers change the world. Some believe dreams are a distraction. But lets be realdreamers change the world, and you were custom-made by God to answer a unique calling.Amazing You offers a year of uplifting, two-minute devotions to remind you of your identity, potential, and value in God. Each day includes a Scripture, inspirational reading, moment of reflection, and prayer. Be encouraged to: ... read more
Call Me Vivian: A True Love Story
Katie Scheller
Experience the power of God's transforming love.Call Me Vivian is a true story about a woman caught in adultery. On the fast track in Corporate America, Katie became involved in an illicit love affair with her boss that newspapers reported as “sordid.” Not everyone’s extramarital affair makes front page news or results in a civil lawsuit and criminal charges that land a person in federal priso... read more
31 Decrees of Blessing for Your Life
Patricia King
The words we speak have power for life. When you proclaim God’s Word in faith, it is activated to bring about His purpose for your life. Isaiah 55:11 declares that God’s Word does not return empty but accomplishes everything it is sent to do. If God said it, He will make it good!31 Decrees of Blessing for Your Life contains thirty-one days of inspirational readings that will turn your attentio... read more
A few years ago, Ocieanna Fleiss—wife and work-at-home mother of four young children—would have described herself as overwhelmed, stressed, and focused on finishing her to-do list. But when at age forty-two, a sudden cardiac arrest stopped her heart, everything changed. During those quiet months of recovery, as she reflected on her life, a pattern arose. Like a loving father, Christ had always... read more
Struggling with her identity while living a life of unfulfilled dreams and hidden secrets, Shari Rigby takes you on the adventure known as life. From wild teenager dealing with pregnancy, marriage, adultery, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, to career woman desperately searching for love but finding it in the wrong places, Shari’s journey is an inspiring story that teaches us our painful pasts can ope... read more
Financial matters are mentioned in the Bible more often than prayer, healing, or mercy. With so many people living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to build their credit and worried they will be in debt the rest of their lives, we need the Bible's words of financial wisdom more than ever.Certified Financial Planner Steve Repak reveals what the Bible has to say about spending, saving, and givin... read more
When God Shows Up: 40 Day Devotional
Robert Noland
In the early 1970s, America was in great turmoil. As the “sexual revolution” took hold, thousands of young people, desperately searching for truth, began following Christ, launching what became known as “The Jesus Movement.” In 1973, Woodlawn High in Birmingham, Alabama was forcibly integrated with 500 students bussed into the school. Hatred and racism ruled the day. But a spiritual awakening ... read more
Every emotion of the heart is reflected in the Psalms with words that express our deepest and strongest feelings. They provide comfort and joy, leading us to the place where worship flows. This poetry on fire is divided into five books, mirroring the five books of Moses that form the first books of the Old Testament. Together they convey the depth of our longing and fears, joys and celebration... read more
Romans: Grace and Glory (The Passion Translation)
Brian Simmons
The love of God is so rich it leaves our hearts full of heaven. When we believe in Jesus Christ, he pours his Holy Spirit into our hearts until every sense of abandonment leaves. We become children of God, sons and daughters of glory, who follow the Lamb of God. Do you want to be enriched and discover the heavenly treasures of faith, grace, true righteousness, and power? Plug into the book of ... read more
Jesus. He is admired and ridiculed, embraced and rejected. If you want to provoke controversy and emotional discussion, just mention His name.Jesus was inclusive when He welcomed all the weary and burdened to come to Him and experience the love of His Father. But He was not open-minded when it came to the truth. He stated that He was the truth. And this flies in the face of current politically... read more
A Call to Courage: Overcoming Fear and Becoming Strong in Faith (Women On The Frontlines)
James W. Goll, Michal Ann Goll
Women throughout history have changed the world by their sacrifices, passion, and fire. A Call to Courage tells the inspiring stories of nine such women:Joan of Arc, teenage peasant who led France’s army against EnglandVibia Perpetua, a martyr for her faith in the early churchSojourner Truth, a leader in the anti-slavery movementHarriet Tubman, a dedicated pioneer of the Underground Railroad d... read more
21 Days of Grace is the first book in the Fiction Lover's Devotional series--collections of shortfictional stories followed by brief Life Applications, each chapterwritten by a different author.Love fiction? Looking for a devotional? This book is for you!Don't you just love reading fictional stories about characters you can relate to, who experience situations similar to your own, and learn fr... read more
21 Days of Joy: Stories that Celebrate Mom, book four in the Fiction Lover's Devotional series, honors mothers of all varieties. Biological moms. Adoptive moms. Stepmothers. Grandmothers. Godmothers. "Second moms." Even men who "mother" children when circumstances put them in that position. Whether you are a mother, have one, or know one, these heartwarming fictional stories will touch your so... read more
21 Days of Love: Stories That Celebrate Treasured Relationships (A Fiction Lover's Devotional)
Kathy Ide, Rachel Landis
21 Days of Love is book 3 in the Fiction Lover's Devotional series--collections of short fictional stories followed by brief Life Applications, each chapter written by a different author.Love can be found in many treasured relationships: boyfriend-girlfriend, husband-wife, parent-child ... with a special friend, teacher, or pet ... in the kindness of a stranger. We even have a national holiday... read more
21 Days of Christmas is book 2 in the Fiction Lover's Devotional series--collections of short fictional stories followed by brief Life Applications, each chapter written by a different author.Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is a time to recapture the joy and wonder of God s greatest gift: His Son, Jesus. This book offers engaging, inspirationalshort fiction stories written by new, in... read more
Breaker Anointing
Barbara J Yoder
Landmark Text Now Revised and Expanded for a New GenerationWe all face hard times and obstacles in life--whether physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, creatively, or relationally. Yet we have a God who is with us and for us. A God who, as Micah 2:13 says, is a "Breaker" who goes before us.Now revised and expanded, this new edition of Barbara Yoder's best-selling book will help you... read more
Glory Carriers
Jennifer Eivaz
We were created to reflect something or Someone. What we behold, we reflect. The more we behold the Lord, the more we look like him--and the more we see his glory released into our lives and the lives of those around us.The glory of God is irresistible. Yet seeking to sense his presence or experience his glory for its own sake misses the point. His glory is the natural outpouring of a deep rel... read more
Prophetic Secrets: Learning the Language of Heaven
Jennifer Eivaz
In her powerful, prophetic teaching style, bestselling author Jennifer Eivaz helps readers to continually sharpen their gifting in order to minister healing, breakthrough, and a supernatural display of God's glory. Helping those with this unique and powerful anointing, she teaches how to· learn the value of spending time in the secret place with God· distinguish the extraordinary voice of God ... read more
Tatiana and the Russian Wolves
Stephen Evans Jordan
Alexander adored his mother, Tatiana, an exotic and magical woman. Tatiana's imagination kept her past at bay until insanity--the Russian wolves-- took her and unleashed Alexander's mental breakdown. Although Alexander inherited many of Tatiana's gifts, he wonders if Tatiana's bequest includes insanity. Alexander sees himself as fragile; confronting Tatiana's past is a daunting task. Ignoring ... read more
Chronicles of the Second Realm
Reid Edgett
Owen, a high school senior, is introduced to the art of demon slaying. When his world collides with a secret organization that monitors all supernatural activities, a whole new world is opened up to him. Everyone has demons surrounding them every day trying to coax them into doing evil. He begins to see how people s lives are meddled with and destroyed by these creatures. Along the way he meet... read more
The Kantz Journal
Douglas Christie
When sixteen year old Connor Finney discovers his father, Robert, has died of a sudden heart attack, he becomes consumed with reading a mysterious old journal that he hopes will contain clues to his father’s death. During WWII, a Nazi physician identified a heart attack gene that killed every male inheriting it, a finding that remained hidden for over seventy years until it re-emerged in the r... read more
Christy has 14 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Working with Reedsy has been a disappointment and I would not do it again. I will list my expectations beside what I received, and leave the reader to discern if my expectations were out of line and the possible cause of discontent.
I purchased an editorial assessment and developmental edit of my book. I expected a developmental edit to be a hands-on manipulating of my work, with better word a...
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Valerie Diefenbacher, May 2021
As a first-time author, publishing is a strange world to me. Christy did a great job of explaining each level of the process to me. She did what she said she would do and on time for the editorial assessment and developmental. I plan to use her for copy editing and proof reading as well in the coming weeks.
Greg Ford, May 2021
She was great to work with, I'd be happy to work with her again.
Barbara James, March 2021
I have never had a development edit done for any of my books. I was pleasantly surprised with the interactive nature of the process, taking direction from Christy to work on the ms and massage it into shape so it reads better and fits industry standards. I would highly recommend Christy!
Steve Husting, February 2021
If you want your manuscript taken to the next level, Christy is your editor. After pouring 18 months into my 95,000 word manuscript, I thought that it was close to having a finished product--how wrong I was. From the get-go with the sample edit provided prior to conducting business, it was clear that she was going to treat my manuscript as if it were her own. That is, with great care.
As a fir...
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Jeffrey Sauers, December 2020
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Jonathan Wright
An obsessive copy editor with thirty years of hard-hitting, results-driven copy editing for numerous publishers and individual authors.
Lewisburg, West Virginia, USA
Geoffrey Stone
20 years experience editing nonfiction books for publishers (Thomas Nelson and Running Press). I love helping authors tell their story.
D.C., DC, United States
