Kate Studer

Kate Studer – Editor

With 15+ years of experience in Romance and a passion for YA, this former Harlequin editor knows what elevates stories into page-turners.

Overview

Publishing can be overwhelming, especially in a crowded market that leaves most authors feeling overlooked and lost. Every writer needs someone in their corner; someone who can help them hone their craft—and answer any questions they might have, thoughtfully and considerately. That's where I come in.

Whether you're looking to develop your story, polish a final draft, or fine-tune your query, the time I've spent working with industry powerhouses like Harlequin and Carina Press, on everything from debuts to bestsellers, has granted me the knowledge and the know-how to turn your creative vision into an accomplished piece of work you can truly be proud of. With every project I take on, I place great emphasis on open communication and true collaboration. This isn't about me intruding on your creation, it's about making your writing the very best it can be. It's YOUR voice; I'm just here to help it be heard. And hopefully, we'll have some fun along the way!

With well over a decade of experience in the publishing industry, I know what agents, editors, and readers are looking for. And in today's highly competitive market, there's no substitute for a primed and refined manuscript or query that's expertly tailored to your target audience. Don't let your hard work slip by unnoticed; I offer a variety of editorial services that will bring out the very best in your novel or query, giving it the strength it needs to stand tall.

“Kate has a keen eye and an ability to pick up on small details that make a big difference. Her notes are always great and make me think about things from a different perspective, which is really helpful...I always enjoy working with her.” –Kira Sinclair, author of the Sweetheart, South Carolina series

“Kate has done several line edits of my books, and I’ve been very pleased with her work. Her attention to detail and continuity were great, and she always respected the tone of the book and my voice.” -Debbi Rawlins, author of the Made in Montana series
Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Dystopian Epic Fantasy LGBTQ Fiction Magical Realism Paranormal Romance Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Bachelor of Arts, Honours English-Rhetoric and Professional Writing, The University of Waterloo
  • The Keys to Effective Editing (Professional Development Course), The University of Waterloo

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2015 — Present

Halequin

Jan, 2014 — Jun, 2015 (over 1 year)

Harlequin

May, 2010 — Jan, 2014 (over 3 years)

Harlequin

Mar, 2008 — May, 2010 (about 2 years)

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
The Unbroken Disciple

Desjarlais, Shelly

Made with Reedsy
The Pull: River Pack Saga

Morten, Mary

Made with Reedsy
The Challenge: River Pack Saga: Book 2

Morten, Mary

Made with Reedsy
War Queen (Crowns Book 3)

Tyche, Nicola

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
North Queen (Crowns Book 1)

Tyche, Nicola

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Shadow Queen (Crowns Book 2)

Tyche, Nicola

Developmental Editing
One Little Spark

Banks, Ellie

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The Comeback Cowboy

Ashenden, Jackie

Copy Editing
In this contemporary romcom retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma by USA TODAY bestselling author Jillian Cantor, there’s nothing more complex—or unpredictable—than love.When math genius Emma and her coding club co-president, George, are tasked with brainstorming a ... read more
It’s summer 1977 and closeted lesbian Tammy Larson can’t be herself anywhere. Not at her strict Christian high school, not at her conservative Orange County church and certainly not at home, where her ultrareligious aunt relentlessly organizes antigay politica... read more
These Vengeful Hearts

Katherine Laurin

A thrilling novel about a secret society and the dangers that lie in wait for anyone brave enough to join—perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus, Kara Thomas, and Maureen Johnson.Whenever something scandalous happens at Heller High, the Red Court is the name on ... read more
Gudenkauf proves herself the master of the smart, suspenseful small-town thriller that gets right under your skin.” —Gilly Macmillan, New York Times bestselling author of The NannyEveryone has a secret they’ll do anything to hide…Twenty-five years ago, the bod... read more
Made with Reedsy
Never Give All the Heart

Jardine, Dawn

Made with Reedsy
Always Cora

Desjarlais, Shelly

Made with Reedsy
The Way We Are

Desjarlais, Shelly

Scoring for LoveSizzling-hot basketball star Kevin Koucky plans to end his career with a bang by posing au naturel in a magazine feature. When photographer Jasmin Hook agrees to take the assignment, she never expects the risqué photo shoot to end with a sensua... read more
He’s the last bachelor standing among the men of Hell’s Eight, and he’ll settle for nothing less than passion…Unencumbered by wife or family, Luke Bellen is the obvious member of Hell’s Eight to lead a treacherous trek across Comanche territory. But Luke suspe... read more
There are some forces you can’t outrun…Forensic psychologist Claire Markwood has experienced her share of disaster. But nothing could prepare her for her sister, Darcy, going missing. Claire rushes to the butterfly sanctuary where Darcy has been working, prepa... read more
Cooper's Charm

Lori Foster

One summer, two sisters and a chance to start over…Before the burglary that shattered her confidence, Phoenix Rose had a fiancé, a successful store and a busy, happy existence. After months spent adrift, she takes a job at the lakeside resort of Cooper’s Charm... read more
Lizzie & Darcy

Alyxandra Harvey

Lizzie Bennet loves all things British—Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Afternoon tea.Until she meets William Darcy.*Lizzie Bennet would love Pride and Prejudice—if she weren’t busy living a modern version of it.It’s bad enough that her mother is obsessed with tulle ... read more
HER CHRISTMAS WISHWhen Kyra Reed discovers that Luke O’Connor is in LA, the Bare Sophistication manager vows to make him pay for breaking her heart. Her revenge goes south when the real-estate mogul entices her into his bed and reawakens her desire. But Luke i... read more
Mystery and desire cloak the Scottish HighlandsUnruly. Unmarried. Unapologetic. Catriona Mackenzie’s reputation precedes her everywhere she goes. Her beloved late aunt Zelda taught Cat to live out loud and speak her mind, and that’s exactly what she does when ... read more
He’s come back to Copper Ridge, Oregon, to keep a promise—even if it means losing his heart…Putting down roots in Copper Ridge was never Alex Donnelly’s intention. But if there’s one thing the ex-military man knows, it’s that life rarely unfolds as expected. I... read more
The clock is ticking…When Charlie Dodge gets a phone call from a frantic woman stating her daughter has been kidnapped by her ex-husband and taken into a cult called Fourth Dimension, he takes the case without hesitation. The cult’s rumored purpose is to gathe... read more
In Gold Valley, Oregon, forbidden love just might be the sweetest…Dane Parker traded in his trailer-park roots for glory as a bull rider. But when a serious injury sidelines him for months, it’s the first time he can’t just pull himself up by his bootstraps. T... read more
SWEET LOVESurgical nurse Alisha Hunter lives for her children and her career. At a party, she meets a man who vows to broaden her horizons. Former military officer Jabari Sutton is ready to settle into civilian life—with Alisha. And she can’t deny the desire t... read more
Look for the second book in Jennifer Snow’s Wild River series, coming soon from HQN Books!
This Hideous Heart

Pawson Studer, Kate

It Falls Apart

Pawson Studer, Kate

The Cowboy's Christmas Bride by Patricia Johns released on Nov 01, 2016 is available now for purchase.
Her Secret ChildJosie Gallagher has plenty of reasons to be wary of Jacob Weatherly—considering he’s working for the hotel chain that’s forcing her restaurant to close. But when he shows up there with a little girl by his side—her little girl—she’s dismayed. H... read more
Good Design is Good Feng ShuiIn Creating Change, Laura Morris unites modern interior designand creativity with ancient Feng Shui principles to create aneasy-to-use handbook for bringing more energy into your homeand life. Intentional design is about mindfully ... read more
Do you wish you could live abroad? Where would you go? What would you do once you got there? Whether your dream is to escape your current life, become a globetrotter, explore new career paths or just enjoy life elsewhere, this book is for you. In this book, yo... read more
A legendary family estate. A mutual longing. A bargain struck. Carmen Shelby wants what's been left to her—the valuable estate that she once called home. Rex Carruthers is the heir to Burlington Manor, a ruthless playboy who enjoys playing games, and all he wa... read more
This could be her toughest assignment yet Having witnessed her father's death in a race-car crash, Joanna Dace can't imagine getting close to anyone who risks his life for sport. But she can write about them. Keeping her professional distance lets her get insi... read more
This couldn't be happening…not to him! For Charlie Wainwright, the only way to live is according to plan. But a corporate layoff and one hot night with Meg Carmichael has thrown him off course. He doesn't know how to handle the pretty goat farmer, much less th... read more
This is the home he never expected… With a terrifying ordeal behind him, former navy SEAL Jubal Pierce was supposed to stay in Covenant Falls, Colorado, for only a day or two. That's it. He's not prepared to put down roots here—no matter how intriguing the tow... read more
What would you do for your family?When Carolina Castillo’s once vivacious mother becomes ill, she gives up her singing dreams and comes home to Savannah. She’d do anything for her Mamá, even work at Fitzgerald House for the family she should have been part of.... read more
She's driving him wild! Aspiring director Erin Murphy has sunk everything (including her food budget) into an independent Western movie. And she has the perfect location for the final scene—if she can get stubborn rancher Spencer Hunt to agree. With her future... read more
Subject: K-9 Handler Ty Colson Mission: Deliver an injured war dog to the woman of his very naughty dreams Savannah "Van" Cantrell is the girl Ty Colson could never have. She's also the sister of his best friend—and blames Ty for his death in Afghanistan. The ... read more

Kate has 117 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Brigitte M.

Brigitte M.

Dec, 2023

I asked for an editorial assessment for my first novel and Kate immediately understood my worries and treated my story with respect. Her questions were well prepared and on point. Her replies were quick and thoughtful. I immediately felt safe. Her assessment was very good, pointing out valid flaws and giving praise when due. She found a theme in my book that I hadn't even seen myself and encou...
Read more
Kate S.
Thank you, Brigitte, for your incredibly kind words! It's been such a pleasure working with you on your wonderful story!
M.J. O.

M.J. O.

Nov, 2023

Once again Kate delivers with specific and constructive feedback for our query letter.
Kate S.
Thank you so much! Always a pleasure working with you!
na G.

na G.

Nov, 2023

Editor is okay, unfortunately I was searching for something else.
Kate S.
Thank you, Na! I hope you were able to find what you were looking for in an editor!
Angelea K.

Angelea K.

Oct, 2023

Kate has been fantastic to work with. She delivered the developmental edit on time, providing exactly what she said she would, and it's been tremendously helpful. I look forward to the opportunity to work with her again. Thank you much!
Kate S.
Thank you so much, Angelea! It was a joy to work with you on this project and I'd be honored to work with you again anytime!
Julie K.

Julie K.

Sep, 2023

Kate is incredible. She elevated my work to an entirely new level, and I couldn't be happier with the edits she made to my book. I plan to use her services for every piece I write moving forward!
Kate S.
Thank you so much, Julie! Wonderful to work with you on this project and it would be my pleasure to help you out again anytime :)

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