Katie Reed

Katie Reed – Editor

Literary agent with 12+ years editing fiction for bestselling and debut authors. Specializing in women's fiction, romance, and fantasy.

Overview

I'm a literary agent and developmental editor with extensive experience working with bestselling and award winning authors, seasoned writers looking to elevate their manuscripts, and debut authors who seek to learn more about the art of storytelling while obtaining insight into their work.


**Now accepting requests for screenplay editing! I have edited screenplays for award winning Indie films. (No shooting scripts, please.)


I have a BA in English Literature from California State University, Sacramento. For the last 12 years I have worked as a freelance developmental editor, publishing consultant, book coach, and executive literary agent for Andrea Hurst and Associates, helping my clients polish their manuscripts for pitching and publication. I am a regular speaker and instructor at writers conferences and have taught master classes across the country. With over 25 years in the industry, our agency represents bestselling, award winning, and debut authors and partners with major U.S. and international publishers to bring outstanding books into the hands of readers everywhere.


My experience as a literary agent allows me to also review a manuscript from a submissions perspective as I know what agents want (and what they don't want). I'm passionate about providing insightful, comprehensive edits delivered in a positive and constructive manner, while preserving the author's voice and vision. I want authors to walk away from a collaboration feeling encouraged and inspired to begin revisions, confident that, with my edits as a guide, they have a clear direction for their project. Most importantly, my goal is to ensure that authors feel like the story they want to tell shines on the page to captivate readers from the first line.


Testimonials:


"In an editor, I look for someone well-read, skilled, and talented, but even more than that, someone whose suggestions and vision I can trust. Katie ticks all the boxes and more, and I'm a lucky guy to have her leveling up my books."


— Boo Walker, bestselling author of An Echo in Time


“Katie combines a deep understanding of story with a seasoned editor’s knowledge and insight to provide invaluable feedback for your work. She excels in the areas of overall structure, characterization, pacing, and achieving a page turning plot. With her positive and encouraging attitude, knowledge of the publishing market, and professional expertise, I highly recommend her at any stage of your editorial journey.”


-Andrea Hurst, Literary Agent and Author of The Guestbook



Katie is a detailed editor with deep, underlying insights that help take the story to the next level. Katie truly cares about her clients; her responsiveness and availability prove that time and time again. I hope this is the first year of many we have on this journey together."


- Cherisa "C. I." Jerez, author of At the Island's Edge (Lake Union, coming 2025)



Services
Fiction
Plays & Screenplays Romance Women's Fiction Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • BA English Literature-California State University, Sacramento

Work experience

Andrea Hurst and Associates, LLC

Jan, 2019 — Present

Executive agent at Andrea Hurst and Associates, an agency with 25+ years in the industry selling to major publishers and Amazon imprints. I represent women's fiction, romance, fantasy, and suspense. I work closely with my clients on preparing their manuscripts for pitching and publication, often doing multiple rounds of revisions before going on submission. I have reviewed, crafted, and edited hundreds of query letters in my years with the agency. I teach workshops at writers conferences across the country.

Hurst and Reed Editorial

Jan, 2021 — Present

Freelance developmental editor for the editorial division of Andrea Hurst and Associates. Specializing in developmental editing, editorial assessments, light manuscript evaluations, query letter reviews, and submissions packages. Consulting about the publishing industry and querying process.

Self-employed

Jan, 2012 — Present

Longtime freelance developmental editor with experience working with a wide range of genres and skill levels. Extensive training under Andrea Hurst, a highly qualified and experienced literary agent, developmental editor, and published author. Specializing in developmental editing, editorial assessments, light manuscript evaluations, query letter reviews, and submissions packages. Consulting about the publishing industry and querying process.

Portfolio

At the Island's Edge: A Novel

Jerez, C. I.

Lake Union Publishing

The Stars Don't Lie: A Novel

Walker, Boo

Lake Union Publishing

Developmental Editing
An Echo in Time: A Novel

Walker, Boo

Lake Union Publishing

Developmental Editing
The Merciful

Robert Schumacher

Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Summer of Second Chances

Hurst, Andrea

Independently published

Developmental Editing
Query Letter Review
Finding Imogene

Case, Teri

BZCE Publishing

Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
House of Dreams

Hurst, Andrea

Hurst Publishing

Developmental Editing
Jacked Up

Sage, Erica

Sky Pony

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
See

Ward, Lee Ann

Evernight Teen

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Glimpses of Wilderness (The Glimpses Series Book 1)

Ward, Lee Ann

Inkspell Publishing, LLC

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Savage Wild Hearts (The Savage Wilds Book 1)

Fletcher, Sean

Epic Worlds Publishing

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Secrets of The Tally

Fewkes, Halie

Tally Ink Publishing

Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review

Katie has 5 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lauren Z.

Lauren Z.

Dec, 2024

Katie brought a lot to this collaboration. She helped on a granular level with the writing and also from a high level to understand the concepts and market issues. Highly recommended.
Katie R.
Thank you, Lauren! You've been a pleasure to work with. I hope to see more from you and can't wait to follow your career.
Patrick W.

Patrick W.

Dec, 2024

Katie was absolutely wonderful to work with. She answered all my questions and provided valuable insight regarding my venture into authorship. As a newbie, speaking with someone with her experience, and knowledge gave me take-aways to think about. She realized quickly that what I thought I needed versus what I actually needed was conflicting and she guided me through the process, educating me ...
Read more
Katie R.
Thank you so much for this lovely review! It was wonderful to chat with you and get to know you and your publishing goals. Best of luck on your writing journey!
Cathy K.

Cathy K.

Dec, 2024

Wow! Katie's lengthy literary assessment focuses on frank and transparent observations that need tweaking or even eliminating and detailed encouragement for the memorable nuggets that give a writer a renewed sense of direction and dedication to the book. I marveled over her attention to the smallest of details. She is extraordinary!
Katie R.
Thank you so much, Cathy! I know you will do great things with your manuscript!
Beth T.

Beth T.

Dec, 2024

Katie was a delight to work with. From our first messages, I found her to be responsive and open; she returned the materials ahead of our established deadline. There is a certain generosity and thoughtfulness woven into her communication and her work, which adds value and is very much appreciated in this difficult business. I heartily recommend Katie and would work with her again in a heartbeat!
Katie R.
Thank you so much for your review! Best of luck with the project!
Christina W.

Christina W.

Sep, 2024

Katie reviewed my query letter and did an excellent job. She delivered ahead of schedule and was easy to work with. She generously offered to review a re-written paragraph and provide additional feedback. Highly recommend.

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