Christy Callahan

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.

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.


My master's degree in Intercultural Studies is from 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. I'm bilingual French-English and fluent in German and Spanish.


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."


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.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Christian Fiction Historical Fiction Romantic Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Most Intellectual Female (Campbell High School)
  • Ludwig Schaeffer Award (History Department)
  • Phi Beta Kappa graduate (Carnegie Mellon)
  • "19 Top Freelance Christian Book Editors" (Writing Tips Oasis, 2018)
Certifications
  • Christian Fiction & Non-Fiction Editing (Christian Editor Connection)
  • Gold Member of The Christian PEN (Proofreaders and Editors Network)
  • BA Social History with minors in French and Second Language Acquisition
  • Member of American Mensa (2021)

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2014 — Present

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Expired Flight (Last Chance County)

Phillips, Lisa

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 t... read more
Copy Editing
*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-wrenchi... read more
Copy Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 w... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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, ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 ... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
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... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
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 bre... read more
Copy Editing
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 d... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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.... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
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 a... read more
Copy Editing
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 ... read more
Proofreading

Christy has 25 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jeffrey S.

Jeffrey S.

Dec, 2020

Pinned
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...
Read more
JASON P.

JASON P.

Aug, 2020

Pinned
Christy is fun, professional, and a creative genius. : )
Christy C.
Aww, thanks! I’ve never been called a creative genius before (blush). 😊 Here’s the review I left for you: “Jason is a gifted writer with a vivid imagination, a wicked sense of humor, and a kind ❤️.”
Nicholas D.

Nicholas D.

Jul, 2020

Pinned
Been working with Christy for duration of my book for different aspects of editing. Christy is great to work with and acts more in a partnership in developing your book with you. Editing a book should be a personal experience and with Christy, it is just that. Christy is non-judgmental and supportive of your work. An editor can also be your advocate, especially for any first time writers.
Folasomi O.

Folasomi O.

Sep, 2024

A job well done- it pays to have someone else read your work and Christy did that quite well. I appreciate her editing and leaving the story true to its plot still
Christy C.
Thank you for your kind words. Many blessings to you! C.📚
Paul W.

Paul W.

Apr, 2024

As a first time author, I needed an experienced editor for many reasons. Christy was very responsive to my questions and concerns and gave great feedback on how I could improve the manuscript and my writing as a whole. As a first time author, I was unsure as to what I should expect from her editing my work. I can attest to the fact that simply working with her has empowered and improved my writ...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Christy and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Christy

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Jennie Cohen

Jennie C.

Proofreader and copy editor specializing in fiction and literary nonfiction. Fifteen years' experience with premier New York publishers.

Wilmington, VT, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Lisa Howard

Lisa H.

Every sentence matters! My passion is helping your words shine, whether you're at the beginning of your project or you need a final polish.

Berkley, MI, United States

100% reply rate

View profile
Laura Wilkinson

Laura W.

If you're a writer of romance, women's fiction, historical or psychological thrillers, I'll ensure your work is the best it can be.

Brighton, United Kingdom

100% reply rate

View profile