Dakota Reed

Dakota Reed - Editor

Atlanta, GA, USA

Published and Experienced Editor with a passion for literature, especially poetry and children's books

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Overview

I'm a developmental editor, designer, and distribution coordinator for Atmosphere Press. I work as our sole children's book editor, but have recently expanded my clientele to include writers of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. I've spent the past two years proofreading, copyediting, and designing books published and distributed at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Target, and Amazon.

I hold an MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in poetry from the College of Charleston, and a BA in English from the University of Georgia. My work has been published in Hayden's Ferry Review, The Shore, Blood Orange Review, and NELLE.

I absolutely love helping writers edit and revise their manuscripts to their most polished, refined version while ensuring the autonomy and voice of the author remain fully intact. My services range from proofreading to copyediting to extensive developmental editing. I'm happy to operate on any level of involvement and guidance to best help you hone your book into a beautiful and publishable piece of work. Reach out if you're looking for an experienced editor to work with you!

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"Working with Dakota was a wonderful and smooth process for our very first children’s picture book. Dakota gave us her honest feedback and suggestions and even uncovered a meaning of our story that was hidden in plain sight. She was always available when we needed her, to guide and direct our novice steps. We would definitely work with her again and absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for deeper insight and perspective for their book. She’s a 'sonic delight'!" -Devon Nunnally & Biaina Alexanian
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Art
Fiction
Picture Books

Certifications

  • University of Georgia: BA in English
  • College of Charleston: MFA in Creative Writing

Awards

  • Poetry Society of South Carolina: Nancy Walton Pringle Memorial Prize
  • College of Charleston: Creative Writing Prize
  • AWP Intro Journals Prize: Honorable Mention

Work experience

Developmental Editor

Atmosphere Press
August, 2020 – Present (over 2 years)

I exclusively edit all of our children's books at Atmosphere Press and work directly with illustrators to design them. I put each children's book together in InDesign and work with authors until they're 100% happy with the final product. I have recently expanded my clientele to include poetry, fiction, and non-fiction authors.

Poetry Instructor

University of Bahrain
January, 2019 – May, 2019 (4 months)

Senior Editorial Assistant

Crazyhorse Magazine
August, 2018 – May, 2020 (over 1 year)

Editorial Intern

The Georgia Review
May, 2017 – May, 2018 (about 1 year)

Portfolio (53 selected works)

There's a Spider In My Bed

Nunnally, Devon, Alexanian, Biaina

My Sister Is Sick, What About Me?

Olson, Mary Kay, Olson, Eli, Wosick, Becky

Santa on a Surfboard

Sharp, Laura

When I Look In The Mirror What Do I See?

Arnold, Barbara, Arnold, Ali

Winston’s Big Wind

Reyelts, Barbara Macpherson, Gledhill, Sarah

Allie the Albino Squirrel

McCoy, E. K., Qadri, Ghazal

Logan and Lexi Meditate

Rodgers, Denesia D, Mustapha, Baba Aminu

The ‘Tail’ of a Trio

Scott, Katherine

Yikes, I Saw a Barracuda!

Anderson, Tamara, Moss, Rachel

Helping Howard

Schloss, Sally

My Place in the Spiral

Beardsall, Rebecca

All or Nothing

Malach, Miriam

Stronghold

Bakunin, Kesha

Just Be Honest

Yates, Cindy

Love Against the Law

Klavon, Justine

Twisted Silver Spoons

Wicks, Karen, M.

The Journey: A Novel

Poonawala, K

Controlling Chaos

Estabrook, Michael

Loved By Fire

Rose, Natalie

MALL

Palmer-Baker, Pattie

Hart Street and Main

Sprunger, Tabitha

Homecoming Heist

Collin, Tyson

Phoebe and Fred

Johnson, Nathaniel S.

Little Town Blues

Gonthier, David

Found

Cooper, Irene

Addition Problems

Laakko, Janice

Late In the Day

Shapiro, Brett

A Trip From God

Grubb, David E.

Balsamic Moon

Gartenhaus, Alan

Amaranth

Davenport, Samantha

Society, Suspicious

Smith, Freeman

Where Destiny Decides

McDonald, Jessie

What Moves Through Time

Werner, Judith

Crossroads

Hill, Dre

Alley: I Have Albinism

Allen, Alethea, Papoon, Amanda

Dakota has 11 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Kimberly Adams
Dakota's editorial assessment of my book was exactly what I needed to take the manuscript from good to great. She really understood my head and my heart for the work and incorporated recommended edits that reflected my voice and beautifully enhanced the book. I highly recommend Dakota and would definitely work with her again!

Kimberly Adams, March 2023

Dakota Reed
Thank you, Kimberly! I'm so grateful to have worked together!

Reply from Dakota Reed


Mwihaki Kiiru
Dakota was awesome! She made sure to check in with me, when she thought something could/ needed to be changed. She provided me with options/ let me make the stylistic decisions. Dakota was efficient and made sure I received the project the way I wanted. Thank you!

Mwihaki Kiiru, March 2023

Dakota Reed
Thank you so much, Haki! It was lovely working with you.

Reply from Dakota Reed


Lief Morin
Dakota's work was professional and prompt. Highly recommended.

Lief Morin, March 2023

Dakota Reed
Thank you, Lief! It was a pleasure working with you!

Reply from Dakota Reed


Clara McCabe
I had the pleasure of working with Dakota on my children's book and I was very happy with the results! This was my first book, so I really appreciated how encouraging and attentive she was throughout the whole process. She responded quickly to any questions I had, and her edits and feedback definitely improved the flow and comprehension of the story. She made sure to get my input on every sugge...
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Clara McCabe, March 2023

Dakota Reed
Thank you so much, Clara! I really appreciate your kind words. I absolutely loved working together and hope to work together again. Can't wait to see your book in print!

Reply from Dakota Reed


JUNE BAPTISTA
Dakota was the quintessential professional. Her input was knowledgeable and hence, very valuable.

JUNE BAPTISTA, March 2023

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