Emily Ayala

Emily Ayala – Editor

I have over twenty years of experience copy editing and proofreading for a book publisher of mostly nonfiction, some textbooks, some novels.

Overview

I've copyedited and proofread for the same book publisher for over twenty years. My experience includes work on various genres including: biography and autobiography, heavily annotated works on theology, classic and modern fiction, and Pew Missals which contain music, scores of Bible book and verse references, and dates. My editing work has been extremely varied in topic content and often includes translations of French and German books. As a self-employed mom of home-schooled graduates, I read a lot and am accustomed to working independently.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Philosophy
Fiction
Classics Contemporary Fiction
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2001 — Present
Freelance editor of nonfiction, modern fiction, reprints of classical works, Bible reprints, children's textbooks, and Church Pew Missals. Attention to detail, following editing style of Chicago Manual of Style and house proprietary rules; able to complete work by or before deadlines.

Breitbart News

Jan, 2022 — Apr, 2022 (3 months)
Part-time contract editor of online daily news, verifying transcripts of audio, fact- and source-checking, and rewriting as necessary. Responsible for photo selections and editing, headline writing, and optimal SEO practices.

Portfolio

In The Beginning: Reconciling Science and Scripture

Ryan, Thomas

TRyan Publishing, LLC

Copy Editing Proofreading
Just Plant Seeds: A Message of Hope for Religious Educators

Dees, Jared

Dees Media

Proofreading
The Angelus & Regina Caeli: Meditations for Everyday Life

Dees, Jared

Dees Media

Proofreading
Beyond the Illusion: How to Live Without Losing Yourself in the Process

Triemert, David B.

One Light Press

Proofreading
Unclenched: From Expectation to Surrender

Smith, Mamie

Axiom+Alchemy Works

Proofreading
Darkness in the Clouds: The art of spiritual warfare and demonic oppression.

Covin, Terrence

Proofreading
Barry Needs A Hug

Fournier, Sean

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Valid? the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI: The Case Against the Benepapists

O'Reilly, Steven

Copy Editing
The Sexual Revolution: History, Ideology, Power

Elliott, Bishop Peter J.

Proofreading
There and Back Again: A Somewhat Religious Odyssey

Longenecker, Fr. Dwight

Copy Editing
The Gospel According to Video Games

Dees, Jared

Dees Media

Proofreading
Goals to Gold: Track & Field Stories for Young Readers

Dees, Jared

Dees Media

Proofreading
Theoloji 101: Catholic Theology + Emojis

Dees, Jared

Dees Media

Proofreading
In Soft Garments: Classic Catholic Apologetics

Knox, Ronald

Proofreading
A Holy Life: The Writings of St. Bernadette of Lourdes

Patricia McEachern

My Brother, The Pope

Ratzinger, Georg

Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Wetta O.S.B., J. Augustine

Copy Editing
The Last Crusader: A Novel About Don Juan of Austria

de Wohl, Louis

The Fool of New York City: A Novel

O'Brien, Michael D.

Proofreading
Christ's New Homeland - Africa: Contribution to the Synod on the Family by African Pastors

African Cardinals and Bishops

Proofreading
The Heart of Newman

Pearce, Joseph

Lepanto

Chesterton, G. K.

Saint Giuseppe Moscati: Doctor of the Poor

Tripodoro S.J., Antonio

Proofreading
Padre Pio: Stories and Memories of My Mentor and Friend

Amorth, Fr. Gabriele

Proofreading
Elijah in Jerusalem: A Novel

O'Brien, Michael

Proofreading
Frankenstein: Ignatius Critical Editions

Shelley, Mary

Jesus, the Apostles, and the Early Church

Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus

The Ignatius Bible: Revised Standard Version - Second Catholic Edition

Ignatius Press

Proofreading

Emily has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Thomas R.

Thomas R.

Aug, 2026

Pinned
My first experience working with an editor. Emily was great. Everything suggested made sense. Very knowledgeable, detailed, and I was amazed that she was well ahead of schedule. Nothing but good things to say.
David T.

David T.

Feb, 2026

Pinned
Emily was awesome to work with. My manuscript came with very strict, non-negotiable guidelines—proofreading only, no editing—and she followed them perfectly. She delivered exactly what was asked for, ahead of schedule, with great attention to detail. She also flagged a few areas where clarity cou...
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Terrence C.

Terrence C.

Nov, 2022

Pinned
Emily did a fantastic job proofreading my book! I'm impressed with her attention to detail and overall thoroughness of her work. Emily was also very responsive and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her services.
Rich B.

Rich B.

Sep, 2026

Impressed and extremely grateful for Emily’s work. Emily helped scope her work on my unique book (prose, plus a songbook with sheet music), ensuring alignment on expectations. The timeline for deliverables on both sides were clearly communicated, both upfront and as we progressed. Emily’s ed...
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Mamie S.

Mamie S.

Jun, 2026

Emily did a fantastic job and, as a first-time author, her insight and suggestions were invaluable.

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