Overview
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 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.”
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
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
Services
Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction
Romance
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
- RWA RITA-nominated editor
Work experience
Samhain Publishing
Dec, 2011 —
Mar, 2016
(about 4 years)
Acquired and edited three to four titles per month for Samhain’s main romance line (digital/print). Partnered in developing cover art, jacket copy, promotional efforts for over 30 authors. Worked with agents and authors in building author brands and developing new material.
Self-employed
Dec, 2011 —
Present
Freelance development and copy editor whose clients include St. Martin’s Press, Sourcebooks Publishing, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, and various self-published indie authors. Worked on NYT and USA Today bestselling novels, and was nominated for a RITA for development editing in 2018.
Portfolio
When three friends impulsively buy a lottery ticket, they never suspect the many ways their lives will change—or that for each of them, love will be the biggest win of all. Kit Averin is anything but a gambler. A scientist with a quiet, steady job at a univers... read more
A *MUST-READ BOOK* for US WEEKLY, OPRAHMAG.COM, POPSUGAR, BUSTLE, BUZZFEED, and more! What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalen... read more
With passion at full throttle, there's no turning back..."Sexy men, sassy women, hilarious dialogue, page turning suspense, panty melting passion, and heart melting emotion." - iScream Books Blog, 5 starsWhen private investigator Lana Parker follows a dangerou... read more
Bonny Reed is beautiful, inside and out. A loyal friend and loving daughter, she’s newly engaged to her small town’s most eligible bachelor. She’s happy for herself—but mostly for her family, who need the security her marriage will bring. An old enemy shatters... read more
A game of pretend with the highest stakes of all in the latest novel of breathtaking romance from USA Today bestselling author Caitlin CrewsTy Everett ran off to the rodeo when he turned eighteen and has been riding bulls ever since…until his last fall causes ... read more
Heartwood Box is a dark, romantic YA suspense novel with an SF edge from New York Times bestselling author Ann Aguirre…In this tiny, terrifying town, the lost are never found.When Araceli Flores Harper is sent to stay with her great-aunt Ottilie in her ramshac... read more
As the bombs fall on Europe, their love affair must survive a deadly war… Vivian Lambert wants to do her part. When she wins a coveted overseas post with the Red Cross, she focuses on her war service. Falling hard for a sexy pilot wasn't part of her plan. Jack... read more
Love’s a wave. And they’re about to get slammed.San Amaro Singles Book 3Brooke Lowry has a mission: fly to Tahiti, pluck PR nightmare Dylan Schell out of whatever party he’s in, bring him home and clean up his image. It was her idea for Jackson Cole clothing c... read more
"A shattering adventure." — Jacquelyn Mitchard, bestselling author of The Deep End of the OceanA mother's chance decision leads to a twist of fate that is every parent's worst nightmareIt is the wrong time to get sick. Speeding down the highway on the way to w... read more
When friends lose the benefits, can the friendship be saved?Love Me Like A RockWith the right art tools, there’s almost nothing Austin can’t make real. Except an official relationship with his best friend, rowing teammate and occasional hookup, Vinnie.Emotiona... read more
Welcome to the Snow and Ice Games where competition is not the only thing that is heating up! The fourth book in bestselling Tamsen Parker's romance series continues with two female skaters from opposite sides of the rink.Blaze Bellamy is the bad girl of the s... read more
In America, Mother = WhiteThat's what Nefertiti, a single African American woman, discovered when she decided she wanted to adopt a Black baby boy out of the foster care system. Eager to finally join the motherhood ranks, Nefertiti was shocked when people star... read more
Four Women. Four Confessions. One Murder.Something has gone terribly wrong at the Banks wedding. A man is dead. Four different women rush to offer confessions, each insisting that they committed the crime — alone. Ginger is holding her family together by a thr... read more
May McGoldrick's Sweet Home Highland Christmas is a 2018 RITA® finalist for Romance Novellas! Freya Sutherland is a desperate aunt trying to keep custody of her precocious young niece, Ella. After the death of her father, Freya is willing to do anything to pro... read more
For fans of Adam Silvera and Nina LaCour comes a timely novel about a teen's struggle when academic success and happiness pull him in opposite directions.Senior Ariel Stone is the perfect college applicant: first chair violinist, dedicated volunteer, active sy... read more
Matchmaking? Check. Surfing? Check. Falling in love? As if.Sunny, striking, and satisfied with her life in paradise, Theodosia Sullivan sees no need for marriage. She does, however, relish serving as matchmaker for everyone who crosses her path. As the manager... read more
Emma Monroe has returned to River Rock, Colorado, after the death of her grandmother. Now she's inherited a farm full of abused animals and she's working as a waitress at the local hotspot, Kinky Spurs. The last thing Emma wants in her life is a man, as she's ... read more
"A vital addition to the YA race relations canon."―Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear MartinLena and Campbell aren't friends.Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she's going to make it big. Campbell, on the ... read more
The Playful Brides novels are:“Wholly satisfying.”—USA Today“Smart and sensual.”—RT Book Reviews“Delicious.” —Kirkus ReviewsA lady with a love potion. A Duke who takes it by mistake. Romance and mischief ensues when plans go awry in No Other Duke But You by Va... read more
*AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER*From New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi comes The Gilded Wolves, a novel set in Paris during a time of extraordinary change--one that is full of mystery, decadence, and dangerous desires...No one believes i... read more
Scottish pride, persuasion, and passion—this is Highland romance at its breathtaking best. From USA Today bestselling author May McGoldrick comes Highland Crown, the first book in the Royal Highlander series. Inverness, 1820Perched on the North Sea, this port ... read more
From one of the most followed booktubers today, comes Again, but Better, a story about second chances, discovering yourself, and being brave enough to try again.Shane has been doing college all wrong. Pre-med, stellar grades, and happy parents…sounds ideal -- ... read more
Christa has 7 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
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Marina M.
Jan, 2020
Renee M.
Jan, 2020
Anne Marie B.
Aug, 2019
Nova F.
Jul, 2019
Jules H.
Jul, 2019
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