Caryn Rivadeneira

Caryn Rivadeneira – Editor

An award-winning editor helping writers craft stories of faith (and doubt!) that move readers toward hope and action.

Overview

After nearly thirty years in the publishing industry as both an editor and a writer, I'm in the perfect position to approach projects with the mind of a developmental editor and the heart of an author. I know how vulnerable it feels to share your work with others—but I also know how to structure and sharpen your book to make it the best it can be. As I edit your work, I never edit simply for edits’ sake. I encourage as much as I point to ways to improve the work. As author and editor, we share the same goal: to create a project that audiences want to gobble up!


Though I have written and edited for both adults (fiction and non-) and children (Picture Books, Chapter Books, and Middle Grade) and am able to offer feedback and guidance in any number of genres, my editorial "sweet spot" is helping authors craft books that inspire or spur action through story. Much of my professional has been in the faith-based realm so I'm also able to speak into what various religious publishers are looking for--and what might trip them up.


Speaking of my professional roles: I spent the first fifteen years of my career as a magazine and website editor before moving into freelance editing and writing roles. In that time, I've edited books, websites, and newsletters for select clients. When not editing, I also continue to write in a variety of capacities.

A proud member of INK: A Creative Collective and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, I hold a BA in English from Calvin College (now University) and an MA in Worship from Northern Seminary. I live in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with my husband, three kids, and beloved rescue pit bulls.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Inspirational
Fiction
Christian Fiction Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Independent Press Award
  • Moonbeam Award
  • Evangelical Press Association Award

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2002 — Present

For over twenty years, I've provided select clients with expert editorial guidance ranging from idea development to editorial guidance to full collaborative writing.

Christianity Today

Aug, 1998 — Mar, 2009 (over 10 years)

During my tenure at Christianity Today, I edited several of the company's national magazines and websites developed products in the Resources Department.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Why So Mad?: controlling anger in a world that thrives on it

DOUGHERTY, SAMUEL E

Independently published

Right Where They Belong: Sutton Series Book 1

DeYoe, Chantal

Living Out Our Christian Faith Publishing LLC

Developmental Editing
Human Eyes

Molin, Emelie Ingrid Laila

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Lime Green

Roese, Dr. Jackie

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Caryn has 63 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Demetria W.

Demetria W.

Aug, 2023

Pinned
Caryn is a Godsend! I had the opportunity to work with her twice and I cannot say enough about how wonderful the experience was. She is extremely professional and wonderfully encouraging. She took the time to understand my vision and support me in creating what I had in mind. I look forward to working with her again on future projects.
James C.

James C.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
I can't speak highly enough of Caryn. She was incredibly thorough, responsive, and, most of all, caring. She has a unique ability to review and edit a manuscript thoroughly, but she also encouraged and highlighted the areas she thought were well done and stood out. Instead of feeling like I had a mountain of changes ahead of me, her thoughtful critiques were more like the wind at my back pushin...
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Caryn R.
It was such a pleasure working with you on this project! Caryn
Tuomas M.

Tuomas M.

Mar, 2023

Pinned
Really, I would give Caryn six stars if I could. This collaboration completely exceeded my expectations. Caryn is extremely personable, encouraging, and nice, but she's also an experienced professional who is not afraid to give her honest opinion. She's very punctual and responsive, and in fact finished the project a week early! Couldn't have hoped for a better copy editor for my debut memoir.
John L.

John L.

Nov, 2024

This is my second time working with Caryn, and I cannot say enough good things. She is so accommodating, welcoming, and professional. I cannot recommend working with Caryn enough.
Kenneth W.

Kenneth W.

Nov, 2024

Caryn is exactly the type of editor I was looking for on my project. She is professional and on point with her suggestions in taking a good manuscript and making it better. She stayed in touch with me through her work period, completed the work on schedule, and has made herself available to me for any questions as I make her suggested changes. She has a strong grasp of issues, subject matter, a...
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