Alyssa Durst

Alyssa Durst – Editor

Book editor focused on Christian works, with experience at a traditional press and an MFA. Here to elevate your prose and honor your voice.

Overview

I'm here to polish your prose, elevate what’s already working, and help your writing sound like the clearest, most confident version of you! I specialize in copyediting and proofreading for Christian fiction and memoir, helping you refine content to ensure nothing distracts readers from the story you’re telling.

I bring seven years of experience editing at a traditional press, along with an MFA in Creative Writing and a genuine love for beautifully crafted sentences. I know how much care goes into writing a book, and I approach every project with the same attention I’d want for my own work.

My editing style is thoughtful, collaborative, and detail-oriented—with your voice always front and center. I use comments to flag patterns, ask clarifying questions, and suggest small shifts that improve clarity and readability. Then, using track changes, I carefully edit for grammar, consistency, rhythm, and accuracy. One of my favorite parts of the job (and a bit of a superpower) is organizing content so it reads smoothly and effortlessly.

I especially enjoy working on Christian fiction and memoir, as well as faith-based projects where tone, clarity, and trust matter. If you’re looking for an editor who will communicate clearly, treat your work with care, and help your manuscript feel clean, confident, and ready for readers, I’d love to hear about your project!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Inspirational Parenting & Families
Fiction
Christian Fiction Middle Grade
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Tyndale House Publishers

May, 2019 — Present
Freelance editor and proofreader specializing in memoir and fiction.

Self-employed

May, 2024 — Present
Freelance developmental editor, copyeditor, and proofreader specializing in fiction, memoir, and Christian works.

Portfolio

SuperChef Family Cookbook

Ferguson, Darnell SuperChef

Tyndale House Publishers

Proofreading
He Is There (Shine God's Light)

Haney, Audra

Tyndale Kids

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Jones & Parker Case Files: The Nemesis

Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family

Proofreading
Proofreading
Squirreled Away (The Dead Sea Squirrels)

Nawrocki, Mike

Tyndale Kids

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain

Chole, Dr. Alicia Britt

Tyndale Refresh

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Bible Promises for Families

Smartt, Jessica

Tyndale Momentum

Copy Editing
Copy Editing

Alyssa has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kaitie G.

Kaitie G.

Jun, 2026

Working with Alyssa was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Her feedback was always thoughtful and thorough. She answered my questions in a timely manner, which was nice for a debut author having someone who made the process feel less daunting. She delivered the edits in batches, making ...
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Catherine H.

Catherine H.

May, 2026

Alyssa was wonderful to work with on the proofreading for my book. She caught many important places when I could no longer see the forest for the trees. Not only did she read with her pinpoint focus, she also read my memoir with her heart. I am so glad I chose Alyssa! Thank you for your professio...
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Traci S.

Traci S.

Apr, 2026

I had a great experience working with Alyssa as my editor. From the beginning, she was an excellent communicator, clear, responsive, and easy to work with. One thing I really appreciated was her willingness to connect beyond email. She offered phone calls and even video meetings, which made the p...
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Dominic J.

Dominic J.

Mar, 2026

Alyssa is the type of editor every writer dreams of working with. She is incredibly detail oriented, and noticed many small issues that other editors (and myself) missed. Though at the same time, her focus never lost the big picture of the story I was trying to tell. She was professional, respons...
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