Kat Nics

Kat Nics - Editor

New York, NY, USA

Experienced + enthusiastic editor of romance, mystery, YA and women's fiction. 8 years experience at Penguin including NY Times bestsellers.

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Overview

Romance and genre fiction expert passionate about ensuring writer success! Whether this is your first book or your tenth, I will work closely with you to optimize your manuscript for the marketplace.

I spent eight years in the editorial department of Berkley (Penguin Random House), working primarily with romance, mystery, women's fiction and historical fiction. In my current position I produce and edit original romance for a mobile platform.

I view editing as a true collaboration, and I enjoy working with a writer to make their manuscript the best and most salable product.

My knowledge of the market (especially in romance) is just as valuable as my editing skills--I know what agents, editors and publishers are looking for and will review your work with its commercial viability in mind.

I provide a variety of editorial services and am looking forward to working with you on your manuscript!

Preferred genres include romance, YA, paranormal, mystery/thriller, women's fiction and historical fiction. Please scroll down to view a sampling of published books I have edited in these genres.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Chick Lit
Contemporary Fiction
Contemporary Romance
Cozy Mysteries
Historical Fiction
New Adult
Romantic Comedy
Thriller & Suspense

Work experience

Story Lead

Radish
July, 2017 – Present (over 5 years)

Produce the app's top-performing story, generating over six figures monthly!

Associate Editor

Penguin Random House
June, 2009 – July, 2017 (about 8 years)

Editor of romance, mystery, women’s fiction, and historical fiction.

Portfolio (40 selected works)

They're Gone: A Novel

Barres, E. A.

Secrets of the Beast

Allen, Natalie R

Everything for Us

Allen, Natalie R

Hooverville

Joy, Kayla

Texas Tall (Berkley Sensation)

Kaki Warner

Award-winning author Kaki Warner brings her trademark blend of humor, romance, and Western charm to the tale of a Texas Ranger troubled by past deeds and a strong-willed woman with a history of her own... Seeking vengeance for a tragic past, Tyree Benton joined the Rangers and became a different man—but his brutal actions still twist his conscience. Now he’s found a woman he could love, but sh... read more

Award-winning author Kaki Warner brings her trademark blend of humor, romance, and Western charm to the tale of a Texas Ranger troubled by past deeds and a strong-willed woman with a history of her own... Seeking vengeance for a tragic past, Tyree Benton joined the Rangers and became a different man—but his brutal actions still twist his conscience. Now he’s found a woman he could love, but sh... read more

Naughty Bits

Joey W. Hill

THE COMPLETE NOVELTo better serve the customers of her lingerie shop, Madison must explore the pleasures of giving up control... After inheriting her sister’s North Carolina lingerie shop, Naughty Bits, Madison jumps at the chance to dump her boring finance career and try her luck down South. But even before Madison can settle in, she catches the attention of the owner of the neighboring hardw... read more

THE COMPLETE NOVELTo better serve the customers of her lingerie shop, Madison must explore the pleasures of giving up control... After inheriting her sister’s North Carolina lingerie shop, Naughty Bits, Madison jumps at the chance to dump her boring finance career and try her luck down South. But even before Madison can settle in, she catches the attention of the owner of the neighboring hardw... read more

Lies and Other Acts of Love

Kristy Woodson Harvey

Dear Carolina was praised as “Southern fiction at its best.”* Now author Kristy Woodson Harvey presents a new novel about what it really means to tell the truth . . . After sixty years of marriage and five daughters, Lynn “Lovey” White knows that all of us, from time to time, need to use our little white lies. Her granddaughter, Annabelle, on the other hand, is as truthful as they come. She al... read more

Dear Carolina was praised as “Southern fiction at its best.”* Now author Kristy Woodson Harvey presents a new novel about what it really means to tell the truth . . . After sixty years of marriage and five daughters, Lynn “Lovey” White knows that all of us, from time to time, need to use our little white lies. Her granddaughter, Annabelle, on the other hand, is as truthful as they come. She al... read more

Can I See You Again?

Allison Morgan

From the author of The Someday Jar comes a witty and warm novel about a matchmaker who’s an expert at matters of the heart—except when it comes to her own... Matchmaker Bree Caxton has a 98% success rate, a book about to hit the stands, and an amazing boyfriend. Until, that is, he gets cold feet about their future and runs from their relationship. Afraid no one will buy a book on love from a w... read more

From the author of The Someday Jar comes a witty and warm novel about a matchmaker who’s an expert at matters of the heart—except when it comes to her own... Matchmaker Bree Caxton has a 98% success rate, a book about to hit the stands, and an amazing boyfriend. Until, that is, he gets cold feet about their future and runs from their relationship. Afraid no one will buy a book on love from a w... read more

Loving a Lawman (A Cattle Creek Novel)

Amy Lillard

As cowboys, the Langston brothers of Cattle Creek, Texas, know it can hurt like hell to fall off a horse. But it can hurt even more to fall in love. . . . Sheriff Seth Langston is head over heels for local wild child Jessie McAllen and has been for years. The trouble is she has eyes only for Seth’s rodeo star brother, Chase. Even though he considers Jessie his girl, Chase is an incorrigible la... read more

As cowboys, the Langston brothers of Cattle Creek, Texas, know it can hurt like hell to fall off a horse. But it can hurt even more to fall in love. . . . Sheriff Seth Langston is head over heels for local wild child Jessie McAllen and has been for years. The trouble is she has eyes only for Seth’s rodeo star brother, Chase. Even though he considers Jessie his girl, Chase is an incorrigible la... read more

Unexpected (A Silver Creek Romance Book 1)

Maisey Yates

After spending another family wedding fielding questions about her non-existent love life, Kelsey Noble decides she’s tired of waiting around for things she could go out and get herself. What Kelsey wants is a baby, and she doesn’t see any point waiting for a husband she’s not even sure she wants. But a mix-up at the fertility clinic lands her with a hassle she didn’t count on. A big, muscular... read more

After spending another family wedding fielding questions about her non-existent love life, Kelsey Noble decides she’s tired of waiting around for things she could go out and get herself. What Kelsey wants is a baby, and she doesn’t see any point waiting for a husband she’s not even sure she wants. But a mix-up at the fertility clinic lands her with a hassle she didn’t count on. A big, muscular... read more

Untouched: (InterMix) (A Silver Creek Romance Book 2)

Maisey Yates

In the Silver Creek romance Unexpected, Cole Mitchell found love in the last place he ever thought to look. Now, in USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’ newest novel, Cole’s little sister Lark is determined to have her turn… Having never left the family ranch, Lark Mitchell needs a little adventure—or at least a romance that isn’t confined to the internet. Her older brothers Cole and Cad... read more

In the Silver Creek romance Unexpected, Cole Mitchell found love in the last place he ever thought to look. Now, in USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’ newest novel, Cole’s little sister Lark is determined to have her turn… Having never left the family ranch, Lark Mitchell needs a little adventure—or at least a romance that isn’t confined to the internet. Her older brothers Cole and Cad... read more

Unbroken (A Silver Creek Romance Book 3)

Maisey Yates

"Steamy....complete with secrets, anger, intrigue, and love."—Publisher's WeeklyIn the latest Silver Creek romance from USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates, former rodeo star Cade Mitchell may never ride again, but there are still a few things he can do—like care for the woman he loves.Amber Jameson has always thought of her best friend Cade as an older brother. A really hot older brothe... read more

"Steamy....complete with secrets, anger, intrigue, and love."—Publisher's WeeklyIn the latest Silver Creek romance from USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates, former rodeo star Cade Mitchell may never ride again, but there are still a few things he can do—like care for the woman he loves.Amber Jameson has always thought of her best friend Cade as an older brother. A really hot older brothe... read more

Dressed to Confess (A Costume Shop Mystery)

Diane Vallere

Costume shop owner Margo Tamblyn faces a deadly conspiracy when a small-town festival turns into big-time trouble.It’s no secret around Proper City, Nevada, that the Sagebrush Festival, the town’s annual family-friendly event, is the place to be. This year’s theme of board games has everything from Conspiracy to Clue. Margo Tamblyn’s costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, has been tasked with providi... read more

Costume shop owner Margo Tamblyn faces a deadly conspiracy when a small-town festival turns into big-time trouble.It’s no secret around Proper City, Nevada, that the Sagebrush Festival, the town’s annual family-friendly event, is the place to be. This year’s theme of board games has everything from Conspiracy to Clue. Margo Tamblyn’s costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, has been tasked with providi... read more

Masking for Trouble (A Costume Shop Mystery)

Diane Vallere

Halloween brings more tricks than treats for costume shop owner Margo Tamblyn in the second in a new cozy series from the national bestselling author of the Material Witness Mysteries. Halloween conjures up big business for Margo Tamblyn’s costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, but this year, the holiday comes knocking with serious trouble. Venture capitalist Paul Haverford plans to rezone historic d... read more

Halloween brings more tricks than treats for costume shop owner Margo Tamblyn in the second in a new cozy series from the national bestselling author of the Material Witness Mysteries. Halloween conjures up big business for Margo Tamblyn’s costume shop, Disguise DeLimit, but this year, the holiday comes knocking with serious trouble. Venture capitalist Paul Haverford plans to rezone historic d... read more

Assault and Buttery (A Popcorn Shop Mystery)

Kristi Abbott

With her poodle, Sprocket, popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson must bag a killer in the latest Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Pop Goes the Murder.Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s hist... read more

With her poodle, Sprocket, popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson must bag a killer in the latest Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Pop Goes the Murder.Repairs are under way at Rebecca Anderson’s gourmet popcorn shop. With production of her tasty treats on hold, Rebecca has plenty of time to read the old diary she discovered hidden in the shop’s walls. It’s a fun peek into her town’s hist... read more

Pop Goes the Murder (A Popcorn Shop Mystery)

Kristi Abbott

Gourmet popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson and her poodle, Sprocket, are back on the case, in the second Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Kernel of Truth.Despite Rebecca Anderson’s best efforts to distance herself from her ex-husband, the guy keeps popping up. When Antoine offers to feature her breakfast bars and popcorn fudge on his popular cooking show, she suspects he’s once again... read more

Gourmet popcorn entrepreneur Rebecca Anderson and her poodle, Sprocket, are back on the case, in the second Popcorn Shop Mystery from the author of Kernel of Truth.Despite Rebecca Anderson’s best efforts to distance herself from her ex-husband, the guy keeps popping up. When Antoine offers to feature her breakfast bars and popcorn fudge on his popular cooking show, she suspects he’s once again... read more

Romancing the Rival (Calypso Falls)

Kris Fletcher

In the small town of Calypso Falls, New York, one strait-laced woman is about to learn how to let loose--with the help of the last man she expects.Oldest Elias sister Bree has always been the pragmatic one, putting academics and family responsibilities before fun. Now in the final year of her doctoral program, she’s this close to achieving everything that she’s worked so hard for. There’s only... read more

In the small town of Calypso Falls, New York, one strait-laced woman is about to learn how to let loose--with the help of the last man she expects.Oldest Elias sister Bree has always been the pragmatic one, putting academics and family responsibilities before fun. Now in the final year of her doctoral program, she’s this close to achieving everything that she’s worked so hard for. There’s only... read more

Paint the Town Dead (A Silver Six Mystery)

Nancy Haddock

From the national bestselling author of Basket Case comes the second mystery starring the crafty and cantankerous Silver Six. Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciti... read more

From the national bestselling author of Basket Case comes the second mystery starring the crafty and cantankerous Silver Six. Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciti... read more

Dangerously Divine (A Broken Riders Novel)

Deborah Blake

The author of the “wonderful” (Tamora Pierce) Baba Yaga novels and Dangerously Charming is back with a magically mesmerizing new tale about the dashing and daring Broken Riders... The Riders: Three immortal brothers who kept the Baba Yagas safe, now stripped of their summons to protect. But fate is not finished with them—and their new callings are even more powerful... Though his physical woun... read more

The author of the “wonderful” (Tamora Pierce) Baba Yaga novels and Dangerously Charming is back with a magically mesmerizing new tale about the dashing and daring Broken Riders... The Riders: Three immortal brothers who kept the Baba Yagas safe, now stripped of their summons to protect. But fate is not finished with them—and their new callings are even more powerful... Though his physical woun... read more

Wickedly Spirited (A Baba Yaga Novel)

Deborah Blake

Jazz, the powerfully magical teen first introduced in Wickedly Powerful, is now being trained as a Baba Yaga—and she’s determined to free the Broken Riders herself.Jazz had a rough life before meeting her guardian, and she knows she’s lucky that Bella is training her to be a Baba Yaga. But the gifted young witch is frustrated by the slow pace of her lessons. Jazz knows she’s capable of even gr... read more

Jazz, the powerfully magical teen first introduced in Wickedly Powerful, is now being trained as a Baba Yaga—and she’s determined to free the Broken Riders herself.Jazz had a rough life before meeting her guardian, and she knows she’s lucky that Bella is training her to be a Baba Yaga. But the gifted young witch is frustrated by the slow pace of her lessons. Jazz knows she’s capable of even gr... read more

Veiled Menace (Veiled Magic)

Deborah Blake

From the author of Veiled Magic and the Baba Yaga novels comes an exciting new paranormal romance…Since Witches came out of the broom closet in the early twenty-first century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world…Witch and police officer Donata Santori is no stranger to magical mayhem, ... read more

From the author of Veiled Magic and the Baba Yaga novels comes an exciting new paranormal romance…Since Witches came out of the broom closet in the early twenty-first century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world…Witch and police officer Donata Santori is no stranger to magical mayhem, ... read more

Kingdom Come (Elizabeth Harris Novel, An)

Jane Jensen

Amish country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has always been a place of quiet beauty—until a shocking murder shatters the peace, and leaves a troubled detective picking up the pieces…After her husband is murdered, Detective Elizabeth Harris turns in her NYPD badge and moves back home, hoping that a quiet life in remote Pennsylvania Dutch country will help her overcome the dark memories of ... read more

Amish country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has always been a place of quiet beauty—until a shocking murder shatters the peace, and leaves a troubled detective picking up the pieces…After her husband is murdered, Detective Elizabeth Harris turns in her NYPD badge and moves back home, hoping that a quiet life in remote Pennsylvania Dutch country will help her overcome the dark memories of ... read more

In the Land of Milk and Honey (Elizabeth Harris Novel, An)

Jane Jensen

With its peaceful, hardworking Amish population, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a rural paradise. But former NYPD homicide detective Elizabeth Harris knows that evil lurks there—it’s just easier to hide... By solving the murders of two local girls, Elizabeth has gained some trust in the Amish community. So, she’s the first person its members turn to when a fast and fatal illness takes hold... read more

With its peaceful, hardworking Amish population, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a rural paradise. But former NYPD homicide detective Elizabeth Harris knows that evil lurks there—it’s just easier to hide... By solving the murders of two local girls, Elizabeth has gained some trust in the Amish community. So, she’s the first person its members turn to when a fast and fatal illness takes hold... read more

Love, Alice

Barbara Davis

A sweeping southern women’s fiction novel about forgiving the past one letter at a time—from the author of When Never Comes.A year ago, Dovie Larkin’s life was shattered when her fiancé committed suicide just weeks before their wedding. Now, plagued by guilt, she has become a fixture at the cemetery where William is buried, visiting his grave daily, waiting for answers she knows will never com... read more

A sweeping southern women’s fiction novel about forgiving the past one letter at a time—from the author of When Never Comes.A year ago, Dovie Larkin’s life was shattered when her fiancé committed suicide just weeks before their wedding. Now, plagued by guilt, she has become a fixture at the cemetery where William is buried, visiting his grave daily, waiting for answers she knows will never com... read more

The Accidental Courtesan (A School For Brides Romance Book 2)

Cheryl Ann Smith

To save a "bride-in-training" from arrest, Lady Noelle Seymour sneaks into a stranger's bedroom to replace a stolen necklace-only to lock eyes with the handsome Gavin Blackwell, cousin of the Earl of Seabrook. To explain her presence in his private chamber, she gives the first excuse she can think of: she is there as his new courtesan. Mystified by the beautiful woman who offered her services ... read more

To save a "bride-in-training" from arrest, Lady Noelle Seymour sneaks into a stranger's bedroom to replace a stolen necklace-only to lock eyes with the handsome Gavin Blackwell, cousin of the Earl of Seabrook. To explain her presence in his private chamber, she gives the first excuse she can think of: she is there as his new courtesan. Mystified by the beautiful woman who offered her services ... read more

The Scarlet Bride (A School For Brides Romance Book 3)

Cheryl Ann Smith

Notorious bad boy Simon Harrington, third in line for his uncle’s title, has finally conceded to settling down and finding a noble wife. Then he stumbles across a courtesan in peril on a dark London street, and his life takes an unexpected turn. Fearing for her safety, he brings the mysterious beauty to his cousin’s School for Brides, where compromised women are taught how to be suitable wives... read more

Notorious bad boy Simon Harrington, third in line for his uncle’s title, has finally conceded to settling down and finding a noble wife. Then he stumbles across a courtesan in peril on a dark London street, and his life takes an unexpected turn. Fearing for her safety, he brings the mysterious beauty to his cousin’s School for Brides, where compromised women are taught how to be suitable wives... read more

The Wife He Always Wanted (A School For Brides Romance Book 5)

Cheryl Ann Smith

The next irresistible romance in the School for Brides series from the author of A Convenient Bride...Sarah Palmer is impoverished, desperate, and alone. Her father was murdered years ago, and her only sibling is now dead. When an unkempt man turns up on her doorstep, he claims a friendship with her late brother, and the desire to fulfill her brother’s dying wish that they marry. Sarah sees no... read more

The next irresistible romance in the School for Brides series from the author of A Convenient Bride...Sarah Palmer is impoverished, desperate, and alone. Her father was murdered years ago, and her only sibling is now dead. When an unkempt man turns up on her doorstep, he claims a friendship with her late brother, and the desire to fulfill her brother’s dying wish that they marry. Sarah sees no... read more

Somewhere to Dream (The MacDonnell Series)

Genevieve Graham

From Genevieve Graham, author of Sound of the Heart, comes the tale of two strangers living with the Cherokee—one with a warrior’s heart; the other with deadly dreams… The Cherokee call her Shadow Girl. A white woman adopted by Indians, Adelaide is haunted by the dark dreams she hides—of her murdered family, of the men she fears, and most of all, of the ones that foretell the future. After her... read more

From Genevieve Graham, author of Sound of the Heart, comes the tale of two strangers living with the Cherokee—one with a warrior’s heart; the other with deadly dreams… The Cherokee call her Shadow Girl. A white woman adopted by Indians, Adelaide is haunted by the dark dreams she hides—of her murdered family, of the men she fears, and most of all, of the ones that foretell the future. After her... read more

Life of the Party (Calypso Falls)

Kris Fletcher

Returning to Calypso Falls gives Jenna Elias a second chance at the life she's always wanted and the love she's never had--if only the past doesn't get in the way...Jenna Elias was always the life of the party, coasting on her charm and beauty, hiding the shame of the scandal surrounding her absentee father, a corrupt politician. But the party ended all too soon with an injury that left her pa... read more

Returning to Calypso Falls gives Jenna Elias a second chance at the life she's always wanted and the love she's never had--if only the past doesn't get in the way...Jenna Elias was always the life of the party, coasting on her charm and beauty, hiding the shame of the scandal surrounding her absentee father, a corrupt politician. But the party ended all too soon with an injury that left her pa... read more

Swimming Between Worlds

Elaine Neil Orr

From the critically acclaimed writer of A Different Sun, a Southern coming-of-age novel that sets three very different young people against the tumultuous years of the American civil rights movement...Tacker Hart left his home in North Carolina as a local high school football hero, but returns in disgrace after being fired from a prestigious architectural assignment in West Africa. Yet the cul... read more

From the critically acclaimed writer of A Different Sun, a Southern coming-of-age novel that sets three very different young people against the tumultuous years of the American civil rights movement...Tacker Hart left his home in North Carolina as a local high school football hero, but returns in disgrace after being fired from a prestigious architectural assignment in West Africa. Yet the cul... read more

A Touch of Frost

Jo Goodman

USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman presents a "sprawling, lusty recreation of life, love, and slowly uncovered secrets*" as a rancher rescues a mysterious young woman with trouble of her trail.RESCUE MEAfter his train is robbed at gunpoint, Remington Frost awakens from a blow to find the bandits gone…along with the woman he was shadowing for protection. No stranger to risk, Remington will... read more

USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman presents a "sprawling, lusty recreation of life, love, and slowly uncovered secrets*" as a rancher rescues a mysterious young woman with trouble of her trail.RESCUE MEAfter his train is robbed at gunpoint, Remington Frost awakens from a blow to find the bandits gone…along with the woman he was shadowing for protection. No stranger to risk, Remington will... read more

Hey Girl

Allen, Natalie R

The Life of Pearl

Girauld, Portia

Weeping Willow Lane

Tyler, Stacy I

Kat has 36 reviews

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

Tiffany Chacon
I'm so grateful I found Kat! She has been a God-send. She is thorough, quick, and within my budget. The ultimate trifecta.

Tiffany Chacon, February 2023


Tiffany Chacon
I loved working with Kat. This was my first time hiring an editor and she made it a wonderful experience. Her feedback and clarity was invaluable. She worked with me on my timeline (which was tight) and truly made the manuscript better while protecting my voice as the writer. I feel much more confident self-publishing my book now. I’m so grateful I found her! Will definitely use again. Highly r...
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Tiffany Chacon, February 2023


Jess Porto
I had a great experience working with Kat on my debut novel. She was thoughtful and meticulous, and I now feel much more confident to move ahead with self-publishing. I hope to work with her again!

Jess Porto, November 2022


Rochelle Mello
I loved working with Kat and will definitely be reaching out again for books 2 and 3 of my first series. She completely got what I was shooting for in terms of tone and audience and gave extremely helpful feedback on a couple of sections that needed more work. Most importantly, based on Kat's feedback, I have the confidence to go forth and self-publish.

Rochelle Mello, November 2022


Kirk Donlan
Kat was amazing! Thorough and detailed, yet quick and on-time. I hired Kat to proofread a final draft of a manuscript. She did a fantastic job of proofreading and cleaning up my draft. I'm so grateful for her eagle-eyed spotting of mistakes that, although easy to overlook when you're the writer and you've been working with the same manuscript for so long, would've been embarrassing if they en...
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Kirk Donlan, August 2022

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