Katie Bucklein

Katie Bucklein – Editor

As both a Pitch Wars mentor and a freelance editor, I combine a knowledge of the publishing industry with expertise in the writing craft.

Overview

After working as a Pitch Wars mentor and earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in History, I shifted my focus to freelance editing to utilize my decade of experience in the publishing industry. My talents lie in characterization, worldbuilding, dialogue, plot beats, and romance, and I read, write, and edit across the genres in the New Adult and Adult categories. This allows me to stay up to date with current industry standards and overall reader trends. My top two genres are fantasy and romance—as well as their subgenres—though I've married my history degree with historical fiction, and love exploring new worlds in the past, present, and future, no matter which planet they're on. I'm also a writer represented by a literary agent, so I know how best to catch industry eyes.

I provide editorial assessments, copy editing, proofreading, and query letter reviews. Editorial assessments result in an in-depth edit letter, while copy editing and proofreading result in edits completed in Track Changes. For query letters, I provide two rounds: the first is an edit of what you’ve already written; the second is to fine-tune what you’ve revised. I'm also happy to help you refine your query list, providing names and advice. And no matter how long it's been, my inbox will always remain open to all past and present clients.

I've helped numerous authors go on to sell their books to the Big 5 or achieve their dreams of self-publication. I can't wait to help you do the same.

I do not use AI in my work.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Historical Fiction LGBTQ Fiction New Adult Post-Apocalyptic Romance
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2018 — Present

Pitch Wars

Aug, 2015 — Dec, 2016 (over 1 year)
Successfully mentored writers from idea to publication.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Scythe and Pen

Hobbs, A.C.

Made with Reedsy
The Spell

Shaw V. C.

Deletrea

Made with Reedsy
Mourlonet Rose

Rivara Fall

I found myself standing on the front porch of an elegant manor with a family friend and the echoes of hooves and screaming. Doesn’t sound like one of the best days of my life, but every sound, every anxious wave of uncertainty, all melted away when I looked in... read more
Made with Reedsy
Renewal and Razing: The Forged Flower Saga Book 2

Hope, Coriana

The Thing With Feathers Publishing

Made with Reedsy
Which Upon (Wicked Enchantment Book 1)

Bicker, Jayne

Made with Reedsy
The Keeper (The Keeper Trilogy)

Whytock, P. S.

Under a Starlit Sky

Castellan, EM

Reign of the Fallen

Glenn Marsh, Sarah

Katie has 46 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Leah L.

Leah L.

Mar, 2026

I hired Katie to copywrite and proofread the first book in my romantic fantasy series. I really enjoyed working with Katie! She helped make my writing better, constructively providing feedback and ways to improve both the writing itself, character interactions/development as well as specific scen...
Read more
Kendra D.

Kendra D.

Mar, 2026

Fantastic! Prompt, professional, and responsive.
Alicia Y.

Alicia Y.

Mar, 2026

Katie really helped me to add clarity to my query letter and turn it into something I'll be proud to send out.
Layne N.

Layne N.

Jan, 2026

Katie has been a joy to work with. She is very thorough, and her edits just make sense. I will be working with her again on future projects. Thanks, Katie!
Tara H.

Tara H.

Jan, 2026

This was Katie's second edit after I received solid constructive feedback from my ARC readers, and oh did Katie deliver! Not only did she accept my offer with short notice, she started editing a little early (my release date is a month away!). I will definitely reach out to her again, when I need...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to Katie

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

Sarah Kolb-Williams

Sarah K.

Meticulous copyeditor with 19 years of experience helping independent authors polish their sci-fi manuscripts.

Saint Paul, United States

95% reply rate

View profile
Sharon Rutland

Sharon R.

I work for indie authors and publishers. I provide thorough and sensitive editing, enhancing words to make your story the best it can be.

Derby, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
John Marr

John M.

Hello, I'm a professional copyeditor and proofreader with 10+ years of experience in academinc and fiction publishing.

Leeds, UK

100% reply rate

View profile