Chelsea Beam

Chelsea Beam – Editor

I specialize in science fiction, fantasy, romance, and Black/African American lived experiences. I am also a master of humor and dialogue.

Overview

Hello, and thanks for checking me out! My name is Chelsea (she/her), and I’d love to work with you.



Prior to joining Reedsy, I ran my own editing business while also working as an editorial intern at The Bent Agency. I have a BA in English from Stanford University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Kingston University (in London, England), meaning that I know how to make words work!



When I edit, I never want to trample over the heart of your vision, which means that I will always offer suggestions and my rationale about potential changes—but you always get the final say. I do my best to ask questions when I’m confused and notate the places where I laugh out loud or get teary. Do be aware that I will spend more time on things that didn’t work for me rather than positive things.



Genre-wise, I love fantasy, science fiction, romance, and all things young adult, but I’d love to dip my toe into other arenas as well! Also, if you're writing outside of your own culture/experience and are looking for an African American sensitivity reader, I'm your gal. I'll review your manuscript for internalized bias and negatively charged language. I'm here to help you be as inoffensive as possible (but keep in mind that I can only do my best and speak from my own experiences).



When I’m not editing, I’m writing my own books, watching anime, or playing video games (Genshin Impact, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Final Fantasy XIV are my current loves), and I spend many of my evenings listening to actual-play Dungeons and Dragons podcasts. This means that if your book is nerdy, I am your person.




Reach out today, and let's get to work*!


*I do request that you've—at least—run a spell and grammar check on your document, please!

Services
Fiction
Children's Fantasy Romance Science Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2016 — Present

Scours manuscripts, essays, college applications, etc. for line, content, and overall structural issues. Focuses on editing grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and other elements that negatively affect a piece’s fluidity. Schedules follow-up sessions with clients to answer questions and explain any points of confusion.

The Bent Agency

Feb, 2018 — Jan, 2021 (almost 3 years)

Assessed query letters and submission materials. Provided readers’ reports and second reads on manuscripts. Obeyed strict confidentiality clauses regarding submission materials and client information.

Portfolio

Fall's Thorns (The Briar Sisters Book 2)

Mannon, Carly H.

Valley Bloom Books LLC

Copy Editing
Inheritance of Scars

Seitz, Crystal

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
The Hunting Society

Stahl, Ashley

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
How to Fix a Flubbed Summon

Clarke, L. N.

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Letters of Lily and Moons

Sage, S.M.

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Quest for Qieta

Wu, Dr. T.

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

Brown, Roseanne A.

Developmental Editing
The Tiger at Midnight

Teerdhala, Swati

Developmental Editing

Chelsea has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Maurice D.

Maurice D.

Nov, 2024

This is my first time writing a children's book and my first time using Reedsy to find someone to edit my manuscript. I am glad I found Chelsea. I think she understood what I was trying to convey and suggested edits to improve the story. I recommend Chelsea to anyone serious about their writing.
Chelsea B.
Maurice was a wonderful client, and he is truly doing some great work for young readers. I would love to work with him in the future on any upcoming projects he may have!
Elizabeth J.

Elizabeth J.

Oct, 2024

Chelsea was great to work with she provided a very comprehensive letter and edits within the book. She was able to help me add the holes in my writing that are necessary for an adult romantasy, but I had missed due to it being a new to me genre. Would definitely recommend. She was also very prompt with sending the file on time.
Chelsea B.
Elizabeth was a great client! Lovely manuscript, extremely responsive, and very receptive to suggestions. Thanks so much for choosing me to work on your book! :)
Kai C.

Kai C.

Aug, 2024

Chelsea did an excellent job editing my short story. Would recommend :)
Chelsea B.
Thanks, Kai! I would love to work with you again in the future! Please hit me up for any future edits. :)
Carly H.

Carly H.

Mar, 2024

Chelsea was incredible to work with! Her copyedits significantly helped as well as her comments for clarification. She answered all of my questions quickly and with grace. I highly recommend her to anyone who requires an editor!
Elex D.

Elex D.

Feb, 2024

Chelsea was very thorough, and gave meaningful commentary.

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