Elizabeth Thurmond

Elizabeth Thurmond - Editor

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Romance, fantasy, sci-fi and YA proofreader and copyeditor with experience at Disney/Hyperion, Hallmark Books and Dreamspinner Press.

Request a quote
Verified identity

Overview

I'm a proofreader and copyeditor with twelve years' experience in fantasy, science fiction, mystery and romance for adults, YA and Middle Grade fantasy, sci-fi and thrillers. My experience includes work with private clients, small publishers like Dreamspinner Press, and well-known brands like Hallmark and Disney. I also worked as a corporate proofreader for over a decade before fully transitioning into the publishing world. A great deal of my work on Reedsy has been with YA and fantasy authors, and I would love to receive more inquiries about mystery/suspense and sweet romance!

When working on a project, I first receive instructions and information about special needs or concerns from the client, such as whether the manuscript is being published or is being sent out to agents. I then provide a comprehensive markup with attention to typos, spelling, grammar, syntax, and any continuity errors that might jump out at me (such as whether a character's name changes halfway through the manuscript), using Microsoft Word with tracked changes. If I see anything that I think may need the author's attention -- an erroneous word choice, a confusing paragraph, etc. -- I flag it in a comment at the margins. Any queries I insert are for the author to consider, and I don't require an answer!

I have received some requests that I've had to turn down because the manuscript was not ready for my services. The proofreading and copyediting I provide are most effectively used as the final review before a manuscript is self-published or submitted to agents and editors -- think of me as the last line of defense for putting your best foot forward.

Previous projects include the Kane Chronicles and other books by Rick Riordan, as well as books by other authors in the Rick Riordan Presents line (middle-grade and YA fantasy by multicultural authors); books in the Star Wars High Republic series, Quetzalli's Last Song by Desiree Calderon de Fawaz, The Christmas Company by Alys Murray, Shoot This One and Shoot That One by Javier Grillo-Marxuach.
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels
Middle Grade Fantasy
Mystery & Crime
Plays & Screenplays
Romance
Science Fiction
Urban Fantasy
Young Adult

Work experience

Interim eBook Editor

Disney Publishing Worldwide
September, 2021 – July, 2022 (10 months)

Proofread books for electronic release across all product lines, from children's book to Hyperion original YA to Star Wars to nonfiction for National Geographic. Marked up manuscripts for audiobook performances.

Copyeditor/Proofreader

Hallmark Books
August, 2018 – Present (over 4 years)

On-demand copyeditor and proofreader for sweet romance novels.

Proofreader/Editor

Self-employed
July, 2017 – Present (over 5 years)

Developmental edits, copyediting and proofreading for private clients.

Development Executive/Senior Creative Copywriter

Alpha Pictures
July, 2016 – June, 2017 (11 months)

Pitched adaptations of Chinese intellectual property to the head of development & production. Shepherded projects through the development process, including running and participating in writers'-room-style development meetings and writing story treatments. Evaluated potential writers in conjunction with head of development & production. Wrote and designed one-sheets and pitch decks showcasing IP potential for film franchises or TV series.

Copyeditor

Dreamspinner Press
February, 2015 – August, 2015 (6 months)

Copy and developmental editing and proofreading for romance and YA novels with LGBT themes.

Copy QA Associate and Content Writer

NBCUniversal, Inc.
August, 2014 – January, 2015 (5 months)

Proofread episode recaps and other text for. Wrote series descriptions for NBC Classic series website. Wrote, proofread and entered data for the Saturday Night Live 40th anniversary iPhone app.

Editorial Assistant

Disney Publishing Worldwide
April, 2013 – November, 2013 (7 months)

Compared and reconciled hardcopy and electronic versions of children's, middle-grade, young adult and graphic novels for major media/publishing company. Provided electronic markups and rechecked corrections, and queried inconsistencies in original materials. Created electronic versions of long-form graphic novels.

Assistant Editor

Luna Station Quarterly
January, 2013 – August, 2013 (7 months)

Evaluated and proofread short fiction manuscripts for online journal focused on genre fiction by women authors.

e-Book Assistant

Renaissance Literary & Talent
February, 2012 – December, 2012 (10 months)

Converted and proofread backlist titles by literary agent's clients for distribution on electronic platforms. Projects included fiction and nonfiction works by Joan Collins, Elia Kazan, Larry Collins & Dominique LaPierre.

Proofreader/Copyeditor

eLance
January, 2012 – November, 2015 (almost 4 years)

Provided proofreading and copyediting services on fiction manuscripts, academic documents and essays for private clients.

Script Reader

Freelance
January, 2009 – December, 2013 (almost 5 years)

Script and manuscript analyst for companies such as Lifetime Television, 1492 Pictures and Rat Entertainment as well as private clients.

Portfolio (21 selected works)

A Most Unusual Wedding (The Mage and the Leathersmith Book 1)

Nancy M. Griffis

The Mage and the Leathersmith: Book One Adventure brought unlikely lovers Lord Leonard “Leo” Harris and Master Leathersmith Gerald Smithson together. Now it threatens to tear them apart. Three weeks before their wedding, a plague strikes Victorian London—the worst to engulf the city in five hundred years. The symptoms are eerily reminiscent of the Black Death with boils, a horrific death, and ... read more

The Mage and the Leathersmith: Book One Adventure brought unlikely lovers Lord Leonard “Leo” Harris and Master Leathersmith Gerald Smithson together. Now it threatens to tear them apart. Three weeks before their wedding, a plague strikes Victorian London—the worst to engulf the city in five hundred years. The symptoms are eerily reminiscent of the Black Death with boils, a horrific death, and ... read more

Amoven: Prophecy (Volume 1)

Nancy M Griffis

Throughout history, the Amoven have survived by staying in the realm of legend, disbelief, and deliberate misdirection. But now, these werewolves have more to fear than hunters: nature and evolution are coming for them. Daniel McTavish's drive to rise in Amoven society pits him against Lauren Bishop whose grip on power has lasted nearly a hundred years. Now someone's trying to kill him, his br... read more

Throughout history, the Amoven have survived by staying in the realm of legend, disbelief, and deliberate misdirection. But now, these werewolves have more to fear than hunters: nature and evolution are coming for them. Daniel McTavish's drive to rise in Amoven society pits him against Lauren Bishop whose grip on power has lasted nearly a hundred years. Now someone's trying to kill him, his br... read more

Shoot This One: Essays by Javier Grillo-Marxuach

Javier Grillo-Marxuach

How do you become a television writer? What does it take to create your own show? Did the writers of Lost really have a plan, or were they making it all up as they went?In a career spanning far longer than he cares to admit, Javier Grillo-Marxuach has not only written for some of your favorite (and not-so-favorite) shows — from the Emmy Award-winning Lost, to Charmed, Medium, Law & Order: SVU,... read more

How do you become a television writer? What does it take to create your own show? Did the writers of Lost really have a plan, or were they making it all up as they went?In a career spanning far longer than he cares to admit, Javier Grillo-Marxuach has not only written for some of your favorite (and not-so-favorite) shows — from the Emmy Award-winning Lost, to Charmed, Medium, Law & Order: SVU,... read more

Past Imperfect

Joan Collins

Joan Collins is the internationally famous actress whose career has brought her to a new peak of stardom as Alexis Carrington Colby in "Dynasty" - a role which might have been created for the tempestuous, strong-willed and passionate woman that she is herself.As might be expected, she tells the truth - from her romantic adventures, sometimes desirable, sometimes disastrous, with some of the mo... read more

Joan Collins is the internationally famous actress whose career has brought her to a new peak of stardom as Alexis Carrington Colby in "Dynasty" - a role which might have been created for the tempestuous, strong-willed and passionate woman that she is herself.As might be expected, she tells the truth - from her romantic adventures, sometimes desirable, sometimes disastrous, with some of the mo... read more

Prime Time

Joan Collins

Five alluring actresses all covet the leading role of the scheming enchantress Miranda on television's hottest new nighttime soap, "Saga." All five are driven, powerful and ambitious enough to make certain they win by any means. But the choice has already been made by a man also driven by desperate motives.From Publishers Weekly“…Collins's experiences enhance the various Hollywood settings wit... read more

Five alluring actresses all covet the leading role of the scheming enchantress Miranda on television's hottest new nighttime soap, "Saga." All five are driven, powerful and ambitious enough to make certain they win by any means. But the choice has already been made by a man also driven by desperate motives.From Publishers Weekly“…Collins's experiences enhance the various Hollywood settings wit... read more

Love & Desire & Hate

Joan Collins

In 1955 a glittering array of Hollywood talent assembles in Mexico to film an extravaganza on Cortez. They include Nick Stone, the young Greek director; Julian 'Looks' Brook, the English matinee idol and his beautiful fiancee, Ines; sexy French starlet Dominique du Frey with her strange, white-haired chaperone Agathe; and imperious producer Herbert Croft. Under the blazing sun, old vendettas a... read more

In 1955 a glittering array of Hollywood talent assembles in Mexico to film an extravaganza on Cortez. They include Nick Stone, the young Greek director; Julian 'Looks' Brook, the English matinee idol and his beautiful fiancee, Ines; sexy French starlet Dominique du Frey with her strange, white-haired chaperone Agathe; and imperious producer Herbert Croft. Under the blazing sun, old vendettas a... read more

Or I'll Dress You In Mourning

Larry Collins, Dominique Lapierre

From the City of Light to the Suit of Lights with the authors of Is Paris Burning? as they trace the rise of matador El Cordobes from anonymous, impoverished boyhood to fame and multi-millionaire. Collins and Lapierre have again chosen a magnetic subject but this less complex story is less appropriate to their multi-view method which stretches to represent the suffering and glory of Spain. In ... read more

From the City of Light to the Suit of Lights with the authors of Is Paris Burning? as they trace the rise of matador El Cordobes from anonymous, impoverished boyhood to fame and multi-millionaire. Collins and Lapierre have again chosen a magnetic subject but this less complex story is less appropriate to their multi-view method which stretches to represent the suffering and glory of Spain. In ... read more

Is Paris Burning?

Larry Collins, Dominique Lapierre

"'Is Paris burning?' was a question that Hitler persistently put to his commander in the French capitol during August 1944. Thus begins the absorbing account of the liberation of Paris. You will be moved by the descriptions and want to see Paris to witness what history allowed to survive. Is Paris Burning? is researched with meticulous and riveting detail, well narrated and certain to keep you... read more

"'Is Paris burning?' was a question that Hitler persistently put to his commander in the French capitol during August 1944. Thus begins the absorbing account of the liberation of Paris. You will be moved by the descriptions and want to see Paris to witness what history allowed to survive. Is Paris Burning? is researched with meticulous and riveting detail, well narrated and certain to keep you... read more

America, America

Elia Kazan

Elia Kazan, ethnic Greek but Turkish by birth, tells the story of the struggles of his uncle, Stavros Topouzoglou, in emigrating to America. In the 1890's, the young, kind-hearted but naive Stavros lives in Anatolia, where the Greek and Armenian minorities are repressed by the Turks, often through violent means. Even Stavros being friends with an Armenian was frowned upon. As such, Stavros dre... read more

Elia Kazan, ethnic Greek but Turkish by birth, tells the story of the struggles of his uncle, Stavros Topouzoglou, in emigrating to America. In the 1890's, the young, kind-hearted but naive Stavros lives in Anatolia, where the Greek and Armenian minorities are repressed by the Turks, often through violent means. Even Stavros being friends with an Armenian was frowned upon. As such, Stavros dre... read more

Second Love (The LoveMakers Trilogy)

Judith Gould

As Dorothy Anne Hale-Cantwell tries to cope with the devastating loss of the man who was her friend, her lover and her whole life, a mysterious group of powerful businessmen plot a ruthless takeover of her hard-won international empire. With dizzying speed, her world spins wildly out of control, plunging her into a nightmare of scandal, deception and cold-blooded murder.Then she meets charisma... read more

As Dorothy Anne Hale-Cantwell tries to cope with the devastating loss of the man who was her friend, her lover and her whole life, a mysterious group of powerful businessmen plot a ruthless takeover of her hard-won international empire. With dizzying speed, her world spins wildly out of control, plunging her into a nightmare of scandal, deception and cold-blooded murder.Then she meets charisma... read more

The Complete Kane Chronicles (Kane Chronicles. The)

Rick Riordan

A collection fit for the (Egyptian) gods! All three books in the blockbuster Kane Chronicles trilogy are together at last! This series will be treasured by readers of all ages, whether they're experiencing Sadie and Carter's amazing adventures for the first time or are faithful fans eager to devour the saga all over again.

A collection fit for the (Egyptian) gods! All three books in the blockbuster Kane Chronicles trilogy are together at last! This series will be treasured by readers of all ages, whether they're experiencing Sadie and Carter's amazing adventures for the first time or are faithful fans eager to devour the saga all over again.

Sunrise Cabin

Stacey Donovan

"...a warm-hearted, tender story about characters you will love to meet and a setting you won’t want to leave. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Sunrise Cabin!" --RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling authorTwo very different people… One very special place. Dylan’s an overworked investment banker. Paige is a free-spirited first-grade teacher. From the first time they meet, these two opposi... read more

"...a warm-hearted, tender story about characters you will love to meet and a setting you won’t want to leave. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Sunrise Cabin!" --RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling authorTwo very different people… One very special place. Dylan’s an overworked investment banker. Paige is a free-spirited first-grade teacher. From the first time they meet, these two opposi... read more

Sacrifice, The

Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel

Melissa de la Cruz, Robert Venditti

For this elite group of teenagers, New York is all about parties, fashion...AND BLOOD. Schuyler Van Alen is a loner, and happy that way. But when she turns fifteen, her life dramatically changes. A mosaic of blue veins appears on her arms, and she begins to have memories of another time and place. When a classmate is found dead at a night club, the mystery deepens. Most surprising of all, Jack... read more

For this elite group of teenagers, New York is all about parties, fashion...AND BLOOD. Schuyler Van Alen is a loner, and happy that way. But when she turns fifteen, her life dramatically changes. A mosaic of blue veins appears on her arms, and she begins to have memories of another time and place. When a classmate is found dead at a night club, the mystery deepens. Most surprising of all, Jack... read more

The Amulet of Samarkand: A Bartimaeus Novel, Book 1

Jonathan Stroud

Nathaniel is a magician's apprentice, taking his first lessons in the arts of magic. But when a devious hot-shot wizard named Simon Lovelace ruthlessly humiliates Nathaniel in front of his elders, Nathaniel decides to kick up his education a few notches and show Lovelace who's boss. With revenge on his mind, he summons the powerful djinni, Bartimaeus. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling h... read more

Nathaniel is a magician's apprentice, taking his first lessons in the arts of magic. But when a devious hot-shot wizard named Simon Lovelace ruthlessly humiliates Nathaniel in front of his elders, Nathaniel decides to kick up his education a few notches and show Lovelace who's boss. With revenge on his mind, he summons the powerful djinni, Bartimaeus. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling h... read more

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident Graphic Novel (Artemis Fowl (Graphic Novels))

Eoin Colfer

Since the release of Artemis Fowl in 2001, Eoin Colfer''''s blockbuster series has sold more than eight million copies in the United States alone. Now, in this second graphic novel installment of the series, fans can follow along as the world''''s youngest criminal mastermind rushes to save a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya: his own father. Eoin Colfer has once again teamed up... read more

Since the release of Artemis Fowl in 2001, Eoin Colfer''''s blockbuster series has sold more than eight million copies in the United States alone. Now, in this second graphic novel installment of the series, fans can follow along as the world''''s youngest criminal mastermind rushes to save a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya: his own father. Eoin Colfer has once again teamed up... read more

Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1)

Eoin Colfer

Twelve-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous--and extremely high-tech--fairies. He kidnaps one of them, Holly Short, and holds her for ransom in an effort to restore his family's fortune. But he may have underestimated the fairies' powers. Is he about to trigger a cross-species war?

Twelve-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous--and extremely high-tech--fairies. He kidnaps one of them, Holly Short, and holds her for ransom in an effort to restore his family's fortune. But he may have underestimated the fairies' powers. Is he about to trigger a cross-species war?

Gallagher Girls (6 Book Series)

Ally Carter

From Book 1: Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a scho... read more

From Book 1: Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a scho... read more

Mad About the Hatter

Dakota Chase

This isn’t his sister’s Wonderland….Henry never believed his older sister, Alice’s, fantastic tales about the world down the rabbit hole. When he’s whisked away to the bizarre land, his best chance for escape is to ally himself with the person called the Mad Hatter. Hatter—an odd but strangely attractive fellow—just wants to avoid execution. If that means delivering “Boy Alice” to the Queen of... read more

This isn’t his sister’s Wonderland….Henry never believed his older sister, Alice’s, fantastic tales about the world down the rabbit hole. When he’s whisked away to the bizarre land, his best chance for escape is to ally himself with the person called the Mad Hatter. Hatter—an odd but strangely attractive fellow—just wants to avoid execution. If that means delivering “Boy Alice” to the Queen of... read more

The Christmas Company

Alys Murray

She's out to save her town from a real-life Scrooge... The small town of Miller’s Point is known across the country for their annual Dickensian Christmas festival. When the celebration is threatened by Clark Woodward, a miserly, big-city businessman, Kate Buckner steps up to save her hometown, their traditions, and her favorite holiday. But, along the way, she realizes that the man she’s tryin... read more

She's out to save her town from a real-life Scrooge... The small town of Miller’s Point is known across the country for their annual Dickensian Christmas festival. When the celebration is threatened by Clark Woodward, a miserly, big-city businessman, Kate Buckner steps up to save her hometown, their traditions, and her favorite holiday. But, along the way, she realizes that the man she’s tryin... read more

Wrapped Up In Christmas: An uplifting small-town romance from Hallmark Publishing

Janice Lynn

A gift of warmth to heal two hearts… Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects—like making a quilt for a wounded warrior. Bodie Lewis is lost. All he’s ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a... read more

A gift of warmth to heal two hearts… Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects—like making a quilt for a wounded warrior. Bodie Lewis is lost. All he’s ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a... read more

Elizabeth has 12 reviews

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

Gabriel Saint Cyr
Elizabeth was wonderful to work with! Her feedback was insightful, she was kind and professional, and I would fully recommend her to any author looking for edits on their work.

Gabriel Saint Cyr, September 2021


Peter Klausner
I've worked with Elizabeth twice. Both times she was very thorough, with a very swift turnaround time. I would definitely work with her again.

Peter Klausner, April 2021


Andrew Copeman
I am delighted with the results of Elizabeth's editing and proofreading of my manuscript, and would happily work with her again on a future project.

Andrew Copeman, March 2021


Peter Klausner
Elizabeth was very thorough, and complete her edits well within the time frame I needed.

Peter Klausner, September 2020


Shellie Ulrich
Liz was great to work with. Answered all my questions promptly. Will definitely work with again.

Shellie Ulrich, August 2020

Read more reviews

Explore the Reedsy Community

Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.

Nicole Ortiz

I'm a copy editor and proofreader with over eight years of experience for major book publishers, magazines, and digital publications.

New York, NY, USA

Holly McCulloch

Knowledgeable and supportive guide and writing coach / editorial guru to help everyone get their voice out there.

Oxford, UK

To view 1,000+ more profiles, Join Reedsy