Ellen Leach – Editor

I have a working knowledge of the copyediting, production editing, and proofreading stages of the publishing process for print and onscreen media, with a proven track record of on-time delivery of projects to publishers and authors. My work spans fiction and nonfiction for adults, young adults, and children as well as academic journals, dissertations, and publicity materials. I work in Chicago, APA, AP, and MLA styles.

With a vast trove of romances, paranormal romances, and science fiction to my credit, I also specialize in the areas of travel, cookbooks, and humor, as evidenced by an extensive portfolio of published works. I've worked on everything from a novel by Michael Tucker to a biography of Kurt Cobain, a business guide for financial advisors, and a dissertation for a divinity student. I pride myself on providing (or following) a detailed style sheet on every project, while above all employing sensitivity and finesse to preserve the author's voice. I go above and beyond what is asked, providing many helpful suggestions regarding word usage, sentence structure, overall tone, plot, characterization, and continuity. HarperCollins regularly requests my affordable copyediting services for a number of their seasoned authors, and publishers love my style sheets.

In addition to Avon/HarperCollins and HarperCollins Children's Books, my client list includes Rodale; CamCat; Hyperion; Miramax; North-South; Overlook; Emons; Welcome; Stewart, Tabori and Chang; Duke University; Yeshiva University; New York and Cardozo Law Schools; Pubworks (for Glencoe, Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, SRA, Scholastic), and numerous individuals and businesses.

Previous work includes textbooks and skills correlations for an el-hi packager, compiling and editing specifications and contracts for the architectural field, and design proofreading highly detailed graphical material.

"As an Executive Managing Editor at Avon Books, I've worked closely with Ellen L. for almost two decades. She has proven to be an excellent copyeditor, whose skills I’ve relied upon to enhance a wide variety of books, including mysteries, romances, science fiction, and women’s fiction. I implicitly trust Ellen’s invaluable ability to enrich an author’s writing without intruding on style, and she’s been specifically requested by many authors to be the sole copyeditor on their books. Ellen is one of the best copyeditors working for Avon Books and I unreservedly recommend her services."

—Karen Davy, Executive Managing Editor, Avon Books

"Ellen is exemplary in her diligence, attention to detail, and willingness to go beyond adherence to the usual limits of her responsibility in pursuit of quality and integrity in her work. She often goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the quality of her work, and will spend whatever time is necessary to maintain this integrity."

—Martha Chapman, teacher and choreographer