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 competitive 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, my 15+ years of publishing experience, including working with industry powerhouses like Harlequin and Carina Press, has granted me the knowledge and skill to turn your creative vision into an accomplished piece of work you can be truly proud of. I know what agents, editors, and readers are looking for, and there's no substitute for a manuscript or query that's expertly tailored to wow your target audience. With every project I take on, from indies and debuts to bestselling authors, I place great emphasis on open communication and true collaboration. This isn't about me intruding on your creation, it's about elevating your writing to stand strong. It's YOUR voice; I'm only here to help it be heard. And hopefully, we'll have some fun along the way!


“Kate S fell from the editorial heavens. I was searching for an editor with a strong voice that would have the insight and perspective to pinpoint the areas that needed improvement in my storyline. Kate provided me with vital and helpful feedback that allowed me to strengthen the most critical parts of my story. I feel that not only did my novel improve, but also my writing. Thanks, Kate!!”

—Elizabeth Conran, querying author


“Kate is seriously the BEST. Not only is she incredibly supportive, but she has truly helped to make me a better writer. Fair, honest, and constructive, Kate will make your book shine. She has a deep understanding of the publishing landscape, and her advice is on point every time…I feel so lucky to be able to work together.”

—Isabella Kamal, author of The Temple of Persephone


“I’d been debating on a developmental editor, trying to decide if it was worth the cost. After working with Kate, I can't imagine not having one. Actually, I can't imagine not having Kate! …Bottom line, if you're wondering if you should hire a developmental editor, the answer is yes. If you're wondering if you should hire Kate, the answer is yes.”

—Nicola Tyche, author of the Crowns series


Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Dystopian Epic Fantasy LGBTQ Fiction Paranormal Romance Romantic Fantasy 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 126 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Gina O.

Gina O.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
As this was my first time hiring a developmental editor, I didn't have much knowledge of what I needed or what to expect. But I felt fully supported from Kate's first email and knew she'd be someone who wouldn't bulldoze over my writing, but would give me honest and constructive feedback allowing me to see where I could improve what I already had. Her editorial memo was so thorough and detailed...
Read more
Kate S.
Aww, thank you so much, Gina! And thank you for trusting me with your wonderful story. It's been a pleasure working with you on it!
Nicola T.

Nicola T.

Oct, 2022

Pinned
Kate is incredible. I booked her to help me with a developmental edit on a fantasy trilogy that I plan to release early 2023. This is a complex story that I've had countless beta readers go over and give feedback, and have read over myself hundreds of times, but there were a couple things that weren't sitting quite right and I couldn't figure out why. Kate read through and quickly picked up on ...
Read more
Kate S.
Oh Nicola, thank you so much for the incredibly kind words! It was an absolute pleasure to help you with this fantastic series. You make my job deeply gratifying with your wonderful writing, and I'...
Read more
Isabella K.

Isabella K.

May, 2021

Pinned
Kate is seriously the BEST. Not only is she incredibly supportive, but she has truly helped to make me a better writer. Fair, honest, and constructive, Kate will make your book shine. She has a deep understanding of the publishing landscape, and her advice is on point every time. No matter where I go with my writing, I know for a fact that I will be returning to Kate again and again, for both h...
Read more
Kate S.
Aww, thank you so much! You are incredibly sweet and such a joy to work with each and every time. It's an absolute honor to work with you on your wonderful books. Thank you for trusting me with you...
Read more
Lauren M.

Lauren M.

Sep, 2024

Always prompt, professional and delightful to talk to.
Kate S.
Thank you so much, Lauren! It's always a pleasure to work with you too!
Jeffrey G.

Jeffrey G.

Sep, 2024

Kate has been incredibly kind, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable about both her craft, and the story I want to tell. Her insight and grasp of storytelling has been wonderfully helpful, and I would recommend her in heartbeat.
Kate S.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jeff! It was a pleasure getting to help you out with your wonderful story!

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Kate and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Kate

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Jessica Verdi

Jessica V.

I've edited well over 200 romance, YA, and MG novels, and spent six years as Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster/Crimson Romance.

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Jim Barker

Jim B.

Drawing on more than 20 years of editorial experience, I offer proofreading and copyediting services. Let's work together.

Basingstoke, United Kingdom

100% reply rate

View profile
Caroline Knecht

Caroline K.

Developmental editor specializing in romance, thrillers, and mysteries. My clients have been published by Kensington, Skyhorse, and more.

Cleveland, OH, USA

100% reply rate

View profile