Kelli Fillingim – Editor

Having worked in the publishing industry for 18+ years with several critically acclaimed authors, I have gained the editorial skills to create a well-polished and publishable manuscript. I have edited a wide variety of romance, women’s fiction and literary suspense authors, including Edgar-nominated author, Frank Tallis. On the nonfiction side of the aisle, I have developed, edited, and managed heavily illustrated art, music, pop culture, and international history titles.

I have a strong passion for every author's unique storytelling process and a great admiration for this important talent. I understand the value of writing for the audience you are marketing to and how best to reach that specific audience. I have also seen my fair share of query letters over the years and I know what works and what doesn’t!

Essentially, I want every author I work with to feel a strong sense of collaboration and be confident in what we have achieved as an editor/writer team. Below is a list of the services that I provide.

EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT

This includes a comprehensive analysis of your manuscript, reviewing its strengths and weaknesses across key elements like plot, character development, pacing, structure and overall writing style. I will provide a detailed editorial letter addressing these main elements and will recommend next steps for revision based on identified issues.

DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT

This includes all of the services involved with an editorial assessment in addition to a meticulous line-by-line edit applied directly to the manuscript via track changes.

QUERY LETTER REVIEW

This involves making sure your opening paragraph hooks the agent’s attention with relevant comp tiles and that the subsequent plot synopsis is compelling and concise. I will asses the clarity and effectiveness of the summary, ensuring it highlights the core conflict and characters. Additionally, I will be reviewing your author bio to make sure it accentuates the key elements of your experience and background.

TESTIMONIAL

"Kelli worked with me on my new novel The Black Bookends. Her work was thorough and insightful at both the structural and line levels, as she used her expertise from her years in the publishing industry to help me get it ready for publication. Thanks, Kelli!"

- James Knisely, author, Chance: An Existential Horse Opera and the anthology A Beacon Amidst Shadows