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.

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 40 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ryan M.

Ryan M.

Nov, 2025

As always working with Katie is a dream. Incredibly helpful, affordable, kind, but most importantly, a great editor who always tells you what you need to hear instead of what you want to hear.
Eleanor M.

Eleanor M.

Oct, 2025

As a first-time author dipping her feet into this whole thing, I've felt a lot of trepidation about the entire process. Katie's messages, feedback, suggestions, and overall copy-editing skill have more than overcome and anxiety I've felt about getting my book in front of an editor. Really just st...
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Addison M.

Addison M.

Oct, 2025

I cannot overstate what a pleasure it has been to have Katie in my corner while beginning the querying process. Katie is consistently encouraging and insightful, supportive and instructive. Her responses are quick, and her feedback is always enlightening, helping me see flaws in my pitch/story I ...
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Hanah-Joy N.

Hanah-Joy N.

Oct, 2025

Katie is truly amazing! Her responsiveness, quality of work, and overall helpfulness is everything I was looking for in an editor. Katie was able to take my very rough query letter and turn it into something that was polished, well-rounded, and perfectly described my story. I am beyond grateful f...
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Delia R.

Delia R.

Oct, 2025

Katie was an exceptional asset to my project. Her work as editor for my manuscript was outstanding, and I greatly value her contributions. Her communication skills are excellent, and she was consistently friendly, helpful, and punctual throughout our collaboration. I highly recommend her services.

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