Elizabeth Copps

Elizabeth Copps – Editor

Literary Agent and Freelance Editor with over a decade of experience in traditional publishing, specializing in dev editing + query review.

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 YA & Adult:

· Contemporary

· 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
Fiction
Horror Literary Fiction Mashups Romance Women's Fiction Young Adult
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 partner at a Colorado-based literary agency and a freelance editor, I bring more than sixteen years of literary agenting experience to every project I take on. I remain deeply engaged with the ever-evolving publishing landscape, constantly tracking market trends, industry shifts, and what resonates with editors and readers alike. That insider knowledge informs my editorial work and allows me to provide authors with guidance that is both creative and market-aware. I especially love collaborating with writers during the early stages of a manuscript, when possibilities are wide open and transformative breakthroughs often happen. Few things are more rewarding than helping untangle a stubborn plot problem, strengthen a character arc, or uncover the emotional core of a story—and seeing an author's excitement when they realize just how powerful their work can become.

Self-employed

Jan, 2021 — Dec, 2025 (almost 5 years)

Self-employed

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

Sarafina

Fracassi, Philip

CLASH Books

Developmental Editing
The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre

Fracassi, Philip

Tor Nightfire

Developmental Editing
Camila Núñez's Year of Disasters

Pérez, Miriam Zoila

Page Street YA

Developmental Editing
The Third Rule of Time Travel

Fracassi, Philip

Orbit

Developmental Editing
A Storybook Wedding

Micciche, KJ

Sourcebooks Casablanca

Developmental Editing
Cast Away: A Novel

Johnstun, Kase

Torrey House Press

Developmental Editing
Dust Spells

Lynn, Andrea

CamCat Books

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Book Proposal

Micciche, KJ

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Boys in the Valley

Fracassi, Philip

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Officer Clemmons: A Memoir

Clemmons, François

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Sharp Edges (Fresh Ice Series)

North, Olivia

Bench Press

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Freedom's Game

Tolin, Rosanne

Reycraft Books

Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Falcon in the Dive

Angstman, Leah

Regal House Publishing

Editorial Assessment
Freddie the Flyer

Metcalfe-Chenail, Danielle

Editorial Assessment
Gothic

Fracassi, Philip

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Infinite: A Novel

Mainieri, Nicholas

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
The Throwaways

Hawker, LS

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing

Elizabeth has 52 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 ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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.
Ryan G.

Ryan G.

Jul, 2026

Ms. Copps provided a thorough review and redrafting of agent queries for two books of mine. Her evaluation included an "elevator pitch" for each manuscript, along with valuable critiques of the drafts I sent, and even some very useful suggestions regarding social media presence and identifying li...
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Kyle M.

Kyle M.

Jul, 2026

I’ve been querying literary agents for a while with no luck, and so I asked Elizabeth to critique my query letter. She came up with a completely different approach for pitching the novel, an approach I would never have thought to try, along with some new comp suggestions. I look forward to sendin...
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