I began my career as an acquiring development editor for Samhain Publishing's main romance line where I worked for five years. When that publisher closed, I started working with St. Martin's Press as a freelance development editor, as well as Sourcebooks and Macmillan Children's Group as a copy editor. I have edited over 200 books in YA, romance, and kid lit. I also recently established an editing mentorship with young POC whom I often work with if an author is looking for specific sensitivity feedback.
My philosophy with authors is to be a partner to them in perfecting the story they want to tell. We discuss what they feel their promise to the reader is, and I edit with an eye toward always keeping that promise in mind, and making sure that every scene and choice fulfills that promise. I love brainstorming with authors, and feel my strength is seeing the heart of a story and bringing it out so the author feels they've put their best work into the world.
Testimonials from past clients:
“Christa is a dream to work with. She approaches our stories with grace, passion, honesty, and humor. She respects our ideas and style, and yet still treats the work as her own. Her innate understanding of characters and story and the messages we try to convey is a precious gift. We trust her instincts and her insights completely, and we know that her feedback makes us better writers. Very simply, she’s the best.”
Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick, w/a May McGoldrick
USA Today bestselling author of Highland Crown
“Every author needs Christa in their life.
Your stories will thank you for it!”
Stacey Kennedy, USA Today bestselling author
“Christa is the most thorough, collaborative, and compassionate editor I've had the pleasure to work with. I adore her and can't recommend her services highly enough.” Tamsen Parker, USA Today bestselling author
“There are not enough kind words to describe working with Christa! She is thorough and spot on. Even when I want to groan, I know she is right! She has been in the editing world for so long that she really knows every aspect of the industry, and it shows in her work. She is also hilarious and amazingly fun to work with. She does not disappoint.”
Becca Jameson, author of the FIGHT CLUB and EMERGENCE series
“Christa's ability to make a book shine is second to none. Her editing is insightful, on-point, and my stories always come out of the editing process much stronger. She's very timely with her edits and a total professional to work with. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Jackie Ashenden, award-winning author of the LIES WE TELL and LIVING IN series