Cindy Elavsky

Cindy Elavsky – Editor

Editor/copyeditor/proofreader with 25 years of experience, specializing in memoirs, paranormal/fantasy, and cozy mysteries.

Overview

"I've worked with Cindy for well over a decade, and her sharp-eyed copyediting professionalism, ability to deliver on time, and thorough vetting of every manuscript I submit her way truly sets her apart. She's a rung above — definitely next-level — and it's my sincerest pleasure to recommend her to anyone needing a copyediting/proofreading partner." —NYT bestselling author Victoria Laurie

"As a traditionally published author (St. Martin’s Press — MacMillan, NY), I was extremely impressed by Cindy’s professionalism, accuracy, and timeliness as an editor. Her editorial skills compare to and may even exceed the skills of top-flight editors I’ve worked with at the major New York publishing houses. She has my highest recommendation. —J. Joaquin Fraxedas

I have been in love with language for as long as I can remember. My 25-year career has always been in publishing — as a copyeditor/proofreader and as a supervisor of editors. I love to work one-on-one with authors to help bring their words to life, ensuring that their work is as clean and understandable as possible, which allows them to concentrate on story and creativity. I am an author's ultimate safety net, yet I am also flexible and accommodating of the author's voice.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Travel
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Cozy Mysteries Epic Fantasy Middle Grade Fantasy Paranormal Romance Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2010 — Present
Freelance book copy editor and proofreader for Penguin Publishing and independent authors, including Victoria Laurie, J. Joaquin Fraxedas, Guy Harvey, Stephen Baxter, Livia J. Washburn, H.B. Bolton, and Barbara Brooke, among many others.

Bonnier Corp. / Firecrown Media

Mar, 2008 — Jul, 2025 (over 17 years)
Sole copy editor for four Bonnier Corp. monthly publications, using AP Style, Chicago Style, InCopy/InDesign, Microsoft Office and the Adobe suite, as well as creating and maintaining companywide stylebook. Managed a team of up to five copy editors, publishing up to 35 magazine titles, including Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Popular Science, Saveur, Salt Water Fisherman, Boating, Garden Design, Scuba Diving, Cruising World and Yachting, among many others.

Portfolio

A Spell to Unbind: Spellbound Book One

Laurie, Victoria

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
A Ghoul's Gotta Do: A Ghost Hunter Mystery

Laurie, Victoria

LAURIE PRESS

Copy Editing Proofreading
Guy Harvey's Underwater World

Harvey, Guy

Stackpole Books

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Destroying Christianity-Restoring Christ

Russell, David

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Ultima (Proxima Book 2)

Baxter, Stephen

Ace

Copy Editing
The Third Apprentice

Axe, Lana

AxeLord Publications

Copy Editing Proofreading
War of the Wildlands

Axe, Lana

AxeLord Publications

Copy Editing Proofreading
Glimmers

Brooke, Barbara

Copy Editing Proofreading
The Serpent's Ring (Relics of Mysticus Book 1)

Bolton, H.B.

Amazon Digital Services

Copy Editing Proofreading

Cindy has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Linda L.

Linda L.

Dec, 2025

Cindy was wonderful to work with! I thought I had a polished manuscript; however, she found so many words, punctuation, and suggestions to bring my manuscript to a higher level. I just published my book with the confidence that it is as close as possible to error-free. She discovered words that I...
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Cindy E.
It was my pleasure, Linda. I loved reading your memoir and am honored that you entrusted it to me. Good luck with your book!!
Valerie W.

Valerie W.

Nov, 2025

I am so happy that I was able to work with Cindy. She was terrific! Everything went exactly as she promised and I couldn't have asked for anything better. I now have a very professionally edited and proofread manuscript!
Cindy E.
Thank you so much, Valerie. I loved helping you craft your memoir, and I really hope we can work together again!
Linda L.

Linda L.

Nov, 2025

Cindy was helpful, timely, and thorough. I made some errors in miscommunication and she dealt with it with grace, understanding, and flexibility. She gave me positive and honest feedback on my manuscript and went beyond my expectations!
Cindy E.
Thank you so much, Linda. It’s been a pleasure and I can’t wait to work with you again!
Greg T.

Greg T.

Oct, 2025

Cindy was professional, responsive, and great to work with. I’ll definitely work with her again.
Cindy E.
Thank you, Greg! It definitely was a pleasure to work with you; I absolutely loved your manuscript. I hope to be able to professionally cross paths again.
Misty N.

Misty N.

Oct, 2025

Can’t say enough about Cindy. If you are a first time author or on book 12 you need Cindy. She walked me through every thing. My first book and I had no clue. She took care of it and told me what else I needed to add. 10 stars
Cindy E.
Thank you so much, Misty. It was such a pleasure working with you, and I can't wait to see your second book!

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