Katie Wall

Katie Wall - Editor

Vancouver, WA, USA

Book coach/developmental editor passionate about partnering with authors to shape compelling, character-driven stories. Honest yet kind.

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Overview

I am an editor and book coach with 10+ years of experience working with writers. I love stories, words, and grammar (yes, really!). As a certified book coach, I've been trained not only in how story works, but also how to give feedback constructively.

In my book coaching/editing practice, I am dedicated to:

*Giving honest and helpful feedback—I care deeply about you and your story.

*Building confidence in writers—I will help you grow as a writer in general while we work together to make your current manuscript stronger.

*Genuinely listening to you—I will reflect what I hear and help you dig deep to find the core of why you write and what the heart of your story is.

One of my core skills is seeing the potential in a story. I can read a messy draft and identify different paths the author could take, and how they can get there. And then I paint that picture for my clients, enabling them to see it too. I most enjoy working with contemporary fiction, romance, women's fiction, fantasy, soft sci-fi, and historical fiction. Why? Because those are the genres I love to read!

As a kid I devoured books. I remember going to the library a couple times a month and checking out stacks of books. In high school I began writing a novel, co-wrote a novella with a close friend, and began giving developmental-level and copy edit feedback to several friends who were also exploring storytelling.

In college, one of my first jobs was at my university's writing center, and it was there that I fell in love with supporting writers as they clarify their points, improve their craft, and revise their material to be the best it can be. I began my freelance editing career as a contractor with a publishing company while earning my BA in English: Creative Writing.

"Working with Katie is a MUST for anyone serious about getting their book, and their craft, to the next level. Her collaborative, solutions-oriented approach will completely revolutionize your story."

Nola S., Historical Fiction Writer

"Katie can zero in on everything that is holding back a book's potential. She stirred up my excitement to revise my book, which isn't an easy thing to do!!”

Alexis Jacobs, Science Fiction Writer

“Katie took a big picture look at the novel’s plot, structure, and characters, providing me with professional insights that I wouldn’t be able to get from critique partners alone. Recommended!"

P.E. Robinson, Speculative Fiction Writer

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Note: Many of the books listed on my profile are from the Christian segment of the publishing world; this is because of my experience as a contract editor for Christian publishers. While I still occasionally work with Christian authors, I am now much more attracted to stories with strong universal themes.

Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Women's Fiction
Young Adult

Certifications

  • BA of English with a Creative Writing Emphasis
  • Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach

Work experience

Book Coach and Editor, Fiction

Self-employed
November, 2020 – Present (over 2 years)

I love supporting authors as they shape their stories, so I decided to branch out from only providing copy editing and proofreading services. As a certified book coach I meet authors at any part of the writing process and help them hone their story idea, develop their draft, and polish their prose. I particularly love to coach the following genres: contemporary romance, historical romance, fantasy, science fiction, contemporary fiction, and historical fiction.

Contract Copy Editor and Proofreader

Revell and Baker Books
March, 2021 – Present (about 2 years)

Copy edit or proofread novels
Conform to publishing house style guide
Apply knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style
Meet deadlines and stay within project quotes

Contract Copy Editor and Proofreader

Baker Academic and Brazos Press
July, 2019 – Present (over 3 years)

Copy edit or proofread academic and other nonfiction manuscripts
Conform to publishing house style guide
Apply knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style
Meet deadlines and stay within project quotes

Freelance Copy Editor

WinePress Publishers
June, 2011 – July, 2013 (about 2 years)

Proofread manuscripts and covers
Copy edit manuscripts
Write back cover and catalog copies

Freelance Editor

Self-employed
September, 2009 – November, 2020 (about 11 years)

Copy edit or proofread documents for students (BA, MA, PhD, DMin) and/or aspiring authors
Set turnaround times and meet deadlines
Maintain confidentiality regarding clients’ work
Manage invoices

Writing Center Tutor

Azusa Pacific University
September, 2009 – August, 2010 (11 months)

Read student papers and gave conceptual feedback
Assisted ESL students with understanding English grammar
Answered phones, filed paperwork, and made copies
Created and edited various handouts on writing concepts and practices

Portfolio (13 selected works)

Beyond This Home

Lind, Vernal

To Comfort A King

Gilliland, Debbie

While the Lambs Slept

Johnson, Randy

The Dust Settles

Butterfield, Joanne

Katie has 5 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Rita Dornn
Working with Katie has been wonderful. Her feedback on my work was detailed and comprehensive. She showed me the way to the next step.

Rita Dornn, March 2023

Katie Wall
Thank you so much for your kind words, Rita! I really enjoyed working with you as well.

Reply from Katie Wall


Simon Hazelden
I hired Katie after completing a manuscript. Her input was transformative and far better than I could have dreamed of. Katie provided exactly what I needed for my book with her "FIRM up your novel" system. Katie is friendly, professional, patient and flexible always reminding you that it is your book and allowing your creativity to run free but at the same time doesn't hold back if things are n...
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Simon Hazelden, January 2023

Katie Wall
Thank you so much, Simon! It's been such a pleasure to work with you on your manuscript, and I look forward to working with you again someday!

Reply from Katie Wall


Lauren Perdan
Going into the developmental editing process, I was nervous about some of the major changes I would have to make in my story. However, Katie helped me process through major roadblocks of my manuscript in her developmental edit that was easily understandable and actionable. With her feedback, I was able to see how my story and characters will improve and come to life in ways that exceeded my exp...
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Lauren Perdan, April 2022

Katie Wall
It was such a pleasure to work with you, Lauren! I really enjoyed your story and I can't wait to see it out in the world someday.

Reply from Katie Wall


Whitney Buckley
Katie is thoughtful and thorough in her editing. Her recommendations for revision are spot on and done with a kind spirit. I am continuing to work with her as I polish this manuscript as her knowledge and direction have been helpful for not only this WIP but also my other manuscripts (one of which was edited by someone else and had major romance plot issues).

Whitney Buckley, March 2022

Katie Wall
Thank you, Whitney! I am excited to continue working with you!

Reply from Katie Wall


George Sabol
I am a novice at fiction writing and Katie not only provided quality editorial review, but she also delivered remarkable coaching to me. I came away with to-the-point recommendations to improve the story and writing style, but more importantly, she invigorated me as how I could weave a better experience for the reader. I could not have asked for or received more.

George Sabol, July 2021

Katie Wall
Thank you, George! I am so glad that you found my feedback helpful!

Reply from Katie Wall

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