Elizabeth Copps

Elizabeth Copps – Editor

Literary Agent and Freelance Editor with over a decade of experience in traditional publishing, specializing in manuscript development.

Overview

I would be honored to help you on your path to publication!


Whether you are seeking a polished manuscript for independent publishing, an expert eye before submitting to agents, or feedback on why your project isn't getting the “yes”, I'm here to assist.


I specialize in providing big picture developmental edits + crafting punchy & succinct query letters and/or synopses. Wherever you are in the process, my goal is to help you succeed.


In fiction, I specialize in MG, YA & Adult:

· Contemporary

· Historical

· Horror

· Literary/Upmarket

· Mystery/Thriller/Suspense/Crime

· Romance & Women's Fiction


Client Testimonials:


"Elizabeth believed that a wonderful book could be fashioned from my humble yet challenging life experiences. There would be no publishing contract if it were not for her boundless, ever-positive, deeply centered, creative, faithful, and pointed encouragement of my work." -Dr. Francois Clemmons, acclaimed actor, singer and author of OFFICER CLEMMONS: A MEMOIR (Catapult)


"Elizabeth is an absolute professional when it comes to editing. Her feedback is always insightful, honest, and positive, and her knowledge of current trends in publishing is invaluable. She is a pleasure to work with and I love having her in my corner! Highly recommend!" -USA Today bestselling author, Nan Rossiter


"Elizabeth knows what makes good fiction. Her insights are transformative, her patience immeasurable. Her editorial talents have been invaluable to my writing career." -Andy Davidson, author of IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN (Skyhorse) and THE BOATMAN'S DAUGHTER (MCD x FSG Originals)


"Elizabeth is a gifted editor. She has earned my trust over several projects & my trust doesn’t come easy. The last thing you want on the road to publication is a flat footed editor. Elizabeth's much more than a line editor. She sees the whole work and pushes you to get where you want to go. Nothing gets by her." -Corabel Shofner, author of ALMOST PARADISE (Farrar, Strauss & Giroux Children's)


"Elizabeth has been editing my work since 2013, and I cannot recommend her keen eye enough! Her feedback has been consistently thoughtful, respectful, and constructive. I honestly can't envision a manuscript edit without her input." -Elizabeth Green, author of CONFESSIONS OF A CURIOUS BOOKSELLER (Lake Union)


"Elizabeth's eye is not only sharp and incisive but also enthusiastic and conscientious. She understands what I've wanted my projects to be and has helped me see how they can best get there. I've valued every conversation we've had. She's one of the best around." -Nicholas Mainieri, author of THE INFINITE (Harper Perennial)


"Elizabeth embodies the three E’s of an excellent agent and editor: experience, energy, and enthusiasm. Thanks to her keen eye and guidance, she helps take my manuscripts to the next level with grace and kindness—taking stress out of the process. Elizabeth is the publishing professional you want in your corner, whether you’re stuck on one scene, or need a big picture evaluation and revision!" -Rosanne Tolin, author of MORE THAN MARMALADE (Chicago Review Press)

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Historical Fiction Horror Literary Fiction Middle Grade Romance Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • BA in English Literature and Communications
  • Member of the Editorial Freelancers Association
  • Member of the Association of Authors' Representatives

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present

As a literary agent, I'm required to have a finger on the pulse of the publishing industry. To maintain a firm understanding of the current market—what is salable and why. I carry that knowledge and experience to Copps Editorial, and I absolutely love working with authors to bring their manuscripts to the next level. One of my favorite parts of the job is the back and forth on an early draft of a project. Nothing makes me happier than solving a niggling plot issue or problematic character arc and seeing an author light up when they realize just how powerful their writing can be.

Self-employed

Jan, 2021 — Present

For the past decade, I've dedicated myself to the care and management of author careers. My business philosophy is simple: to foster relationships across the industry that are equitable, transparent, and long-lasting.

I'm drawn to fresh takes on timeless plots; stories that are thought provoking and discussion spurring. I love complex characters who are brimming with personality and burst off the page. Who are irreverent and dark. Smart and sarcastic. Creative and wise.

Maria Carvainis Agency

Jun, 2010 — Jan, 2021 (over 10 years)

I started my publishing journey in 2010 as an intern with Maria Carvainis Agency and spent the summer reading and analyzing hundreds of query letters and manuscripts alongside the acquiring agents.

This turned out to be my “lightbulb” moment, and in 2011, I was thrilled to join the agency full-time as an assistant. Two years later, I moved into an associate role where I built my own list of extraordinary authors and managed their publishing careers.

Portfolio

The Third Rule of Time Travel

Fracassi, Philip

Orbit

A Storybook Wedding

Micciche, KJ

Sourcebooks Casablanca

Cast Away: A Novel

Johnstun, Kase

Torrey House Press

Dust Spells

Lynn, Andrea

CamCat Books

The Book Proposal

Micciche, KJ

Boys in the Valley

Fracassi, Philip

Officer Clemmons: A Memoir

Clemmons, François

Developmental Editing
Freedom's Game

Tolin, Rosanne

Reycraft Books

Falcon in the Dive

Angstman, Leah

Regal House Publishing

Freddie the Flyer

Metcalfe-Chenail, Danielle

Gothic

Fracassi, Philip

The Infinite: A Novel

Mainieri, Nicholas

The Throwaways

Hawker, LS

Elizabeth has 43 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Justine L.

Justine L.

May, 2023

Pinned
Elizabeth gave me clear and actionable feedback on my query package. I appreciate her pointing out areas in my writing that could use refinement while maintaining a positive vibe in her communications. She also helped me understand how to add additional clarity to my query letter and synopsis. I received exceptional knowledge and help from her. Thanks to her guidance, I now feel more confident ...
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Elizabeth C.
I'm so happy this was helpful, Justine, thank you. It's a great project, and I look forward to seeing where it lands!
Joseph L.

Joseph L.

Nov, 2022

Pinned
Elizabeth provided a thorough evaluation of my manuscript, of which I knew had structure issues, but I wanted professional help in diagnosing them. She is healthily critical while upbeat and positive, which is great when pointing out strengths and weaknesses. Elizabeth’s effort went beyond what I expected in regards to the length of the returned edit, and her understanding of the storyline prov...
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Elizabeth C.
Thank you so much, Joe! I can't wait to see where your novel lands.
Gordon A.

Gordon A.

Jul, 2022

Pinned
Elizabeth is the second editor I have hired through Reedsy; the first one was for a children’s book. While my first experience was positive, it can’t compare to the comprehensive feedback I received from Elizabeth. Before even addressing her suggested edits, Elizabeth was able to express her own connection to my broader storyline. To me, it showed that she is more than just a clinical editor; r...
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Elizabeth C.
Thank you for your incredibly kind and thoughtful feedback, Gordon! I had such a great time getting to know your characters and their story.
Andreas M.

Andreas M.

Dec, 2024

Elizabeth Copps was amazingly helpful. Her editing, feedback, and general advice about the literary market and strategies to succeed, was exceptionally valuable. I can not recommend Elizabeth enough as a potential editor for your next project!
J Louis M.

J Louis M.

Nov, 2024

Being a three-time award winning short story writer, I'm trying to find my first break out novel. I found Elizabeth supportive, friendly, and I appreciated someone with a sense of humor. Her insights were spot on, and we hashed out what was best for the novel. We both liked to write out our thinking process with questions and answers to get to the right direction. She was very complimentary to ...
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