Erin Barker

Erin Barker – Editor

Dedicated copy editor and proofreader with more than 15 years of experience in romance and mystery/thriller

Overview

I’m a copy editor and proofreader with over 15 years of experience working in a variety of genres but particularly romance, mystery/thriller, and nonfiction. I love making sure every manuscript is clear, consistent, and error-free, whether it’s a novel, an essay, or a research-based piece. I know my way around AP and Chicago style, but more than that, I care about delivering a smooth, polished read that lets your story shine.

I have a special love for mysteries and romances, having worked on more than 100 manuscripts in these genres. During my MFA in Creative Writing, where I focused on popular fiction, I studied their trends and conventions in depth—knowledge I bring to every project to ensure your story meets genre expectations while standing out.

One of my favorite moments as an editor was getting a thank-you note from a romance author after I caught a major mix-up—she’d accidentally given the hero the heroine’s brother’s name in a very steamy scene! That attention to detail is exactly what I bring to every project. Whether you need a deep polish or a final proofread, my goal is to make your writing the best version of itself while keeping your voice intact.

"As a copyeditor, Ms. Barker is highly motivated and deeply invested in the quality of her work. She is very careful to maintain the proper timbre and tone of all writing in her stead, letting the voice of the author ring true without exception."

-Production Editor, Kensington Books

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Historical Mysteries Historical Romance Paranormal Romance Romantic Fantasy Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Entertainment Political Science & Current Affairs
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Macmillan

Jul, 2023 — Present
Proofread and fact-check nonfiction book manuscripts for clarity and consistency as well as house style.

Light Reading

Jun, 2023 — Present
Copyedit articles targeted toward telecommunications industry.

Story Collider

Mar, 2011 — Present
I coach scientists, journalists, and other STEM professionals in storytelling, helping them craft accessible narratives about their complex work to connect with a range of audiences, and I lead workshops to train scientists and graduate students in storytelling and communication skills. I also produce Story Collider’s weekly science storytelling podcast, which The Washington Post has called "devastating, delightful, and endlessly listenable" and which was honored by the Anthem Awards in 2022.

Kensington Books

Nov, 2008 — Mar, 2016 (over 7 years)
Copy-edited fiction manuscripts according to house and Chicago style. Worked on several New York Times bestsellers.

Portfolio

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
In the Barrister's Bed

Gabrielle, Tina

Zebra Books

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Girl of His Dreams (Mcpherson High)

Abrams, Amir

Kensington -Teen/Dafina

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Time to Shine (Fab Life Book 5)

Carter, Nikki

Kensington Teen

Copy Editing
On The Flip Side (Fab Life)

Carter, Nikki

Kensington -Teen/Dafina

Copy Editing
Get Over It (Fab Life)

Carter, Nikki

Kensington -Teen/Dafina

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Rumor Central

Tate Billingsley, ReShonda

Kensington

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Torn Apart

Gericke, Shane

Pinnacle Books

Copy Editing
Eternity's Mark - A Fantasy Romance

Greyson, Maeve

Author Maeve Greyson LLC

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Lady Lost (Lost Heiresses Book 3)

Goodger, Jane

Lyrical Press

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Feel the Burn (Dragon Kin Book 8)

Aiken, G.A.

Zebra Books

Copy Editing
Broken (Deep Ops Book 3)

Zanetti, Rebecca

Zebra Books

Copy Editing
It Might Be You (The Harrisons Book 5)

Gracen, Jennifer

Zebra Books

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Reality Check: Charly's Epic Fiascos

London, Kelli

Kensington Teen

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
The Witch's Orchard: A Novel

Sullivan, Archer

Minotaur Books

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Vicious

O'Brien, Kevin

Pinnacle Books

Copy Editing

Erin has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Gill C.

Gill C.

Dec, 2025

I am so pleased that not only Erin agreed to work with me but her feedback was both invaluable and humbling, pointing me in the right direction in polishing my debut manuscript. Initially, after a couple of friends had kindly read the text as 'proofreaders,' I knew in my heart that there were s...
Read more

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