Courtney Kae – Editor

"Working with Courtney on my book was an exceptional experience! I was nervous to entrust my new manuscript to a stranger, but any anxiety I had was quickly relieved when I began working with Courtney. She understands storytelling the way a surgeon understands the body. She deftly dissected my novel to reveal what needed improvement while also highlighting what existing strengths I could enhance. Courtney clearly communicated her feedback, provided actionable revision strategies, and delivered her critique in an encouraging, uplifting, and empowering way. As an accomplished novelist, Courtney has extensive knowledge of writing craft and the publishing industry. I can’t recommend her enough!"

-Thomas Matthews (mentee, signed with a top literary agent)

"You write books? I could do that if I had the time."

It's a famous comment reserved for us writers and here's why: Most folks can write and figure that stringing words into a story is no big deal. In fact, I bet they'll share all about the manuscript they've planned since the age of five!

You and I know the truth: Storytelling is a huge, hard thing that often leaves us lookin' like Charlie Day at the red string board.

Cinematic premise! Propulsion! Emotional wounds! Character flaws! Agency! Chemistry! Backstory (without info dumping)! Beats! Tropes! Sex scenes! External and internal plots! Subplots! Pacing! Arcs! Hooks! Themes! Filter words! Voice! Agents! Editors! Querying! The market! The Big 5--no, 4? Espresso, please!

Writing books takes grit, practice, and persistence. It takes sensitivity and care coupled with a tried and true bag of tools and coping skills for when the drafts and rejections get tough. It requires a mix of imagination, business skills, and delicious snacks.

The good news? You do not have to do it alone.

I'm a lifelong storyteller but it took me a TON of practice (and I mean word counts in the millions) to learn how to story craft. The painstaking drafts and mental blocks have taught me not only how to make it to The End but most importantly, how to enjoy the journey. 'Cause writing is FUN! It's playful! It's your inner child painting past the paper edges.

Wherever you are in the process, I'd love to meet you there and here's what you can expect:

My editing style is hands-on. We'll dig into your story through thoughtful questions, collaboration, and achievable planning.

We'll work from the bones up with a honed knowledge of genre conventions, structure, and character development, arranging every thread into a punchy row of Dominoes.

Something on the page feeling off? We'll identify it and address the issue through craft. I promise, there's always an answer.

We'll focus on your goals, both pie-in-the-sky, and those within your control today.

Together, we'll make the strongest story choices that interest you so you can boldly enjoy your unique creativity to the fullest.

​From story conception to drafting, editing, querying, and beyond, I’m ecstatic to be in your corner.

You write books? Damn, Girl.