Overview
I’ve been a professional freelance editor for over 15 years, working with NYT and Indie Bestselling authors such as Brandon Sanderson, Dan Wells, Sara B. Larson, Liesl Shurtliff, Tricia Levenseller, Demi Winters, Arabella Federico, Tim Facciola, and others (I’m often mentioned in the acknowledgments). Because of my experience, I understand both the traditional and indie marketplace. I've consulted on plays and screenplays, including a few live productions, taught at writing conferences, and been a guest lecturer in college writing classes.
My job is to help you create the strongest story by finding the best solutions that feel organic to your story. I do this job because I love it, and I bring that same enthusiasm to your edit as I help you learn how to elevate your craft. I choose to work on projects that show potential and that I feel passionate about.
**SPECIALIZATION**
I have advanced experience in editing Fantasy, Science Fiction, Suspense, and all genres of Young Adult. I am personally passionate about all things historical, especially Ancient Rome (Republic and Empire).
FANTASY specialization includes epic fantasy, Gaming & LitRPG, magical realism, romantasy, urban fantasy, coming-of-age stories, and more. SCIENCE FICTION specialization includes dystopian, apocalyptic & post-apocalyptic, space opera, steampunk, time travel, and more. I also have experience working with Mystery, Crime, Thriller, and Suspense.
Please Note: I DO NOT offer copy editing or proofreading services at this time. I also prefer not to work with Christian fiction or Horror (though I do work with Dark Fantasy and Science Fiction).
**REVIEWS**
"Chersti has a deep understanding of story structure as well as a keen eye for detail. She knows how to take a writer's raw material and guide them through their process to create the best possible version of their story."
- Liesl Shurtliff, New York Times best-selling author
"I love working with Chersti! She has a fantastic editorial eye and delivers feedback in such a tactful and personable manner."
- Tricia Levenseller, author of DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING
"Since self-publishing last summer, my books have been picked up by a traditional publisher, and I cannot thank Chersti enough for her help in crafting the stories.
I did a full developmental edit with Chersti for my first manuscript and an outline consultation for the second, and can honestly say they have been the absolute best investments I've made in my writing. Chersti saw the potential in the stories, and helped me look at them in a completely different way. Whereas I knew there were 'issues' but couldn't pin point exactly what, she was able to make story structure suggestions that made a huge impact. From the books she recommended reading to the calls, I learned so much about crafting a better story. My experience with Chersti was not only about making the existing books so much better, but improving my own writing skills. In short, I would absolutely, 1000% recommend Chersti's developmental editor services!"
- Demi Winters, author of THE ROAD OF BONES
Services
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Minor in editing
Work experience
Cedar Fort
-Reviewed queries and sorted through the slush pile
-Prepared prospective projects for acquisitions meetings
-Handled copyedits and proofing
I decided to leave the company to focus on my freelance career.
Self-employed
I work with a team of Story Analysts who consult on film, television, books, and plays to help create the strongest stories.
Leading Edge
Editor at LEADING EDGE, a science fiction and fantasy magazine publisher. Once a manuscript was acquired, I oversaw the whole editing process, running editorial teams and doing all final edits myself, until the manuscript went to print.
- Reviewed queries and sorted through the slush pile
- Prepared prospective projects to pitch the head editor
- Worked developmentally with the manuscript
- Worked in all Science Fiction and Fantasy genres and sub-genres
- Ran trainings to educate on the nuances in the sub-genre fields
Portfolio
Chersti has 215 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Quain H.
Nov, 2024
Pinned
Arabella F.
Mar, 2024
Pinned
Joe H.
Mar, 2022
Pinned
Azza C.
Nov, 2024
Matthew B.
Nov, 2024
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