Book coach/developmental editor passionate about partnering with authors to shape compelling, character-driven stories. Honest yet kind.
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.
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.
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
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
Proofread manuscripts and covers
Copy edit manuscripts
Write back cover and catalog copies
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
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
Perdan, L. B.
Amant
Lind, Vernal
Hughes, Hollis
Ivie, Edith
Zook Jr, Aaron M
Hettwer, Barbara
Gilliland, Debbie
Johnson, Randy
Butterfield, Joanne
Briggs, Suzanne Curtis
Rita Dornn, March 2023
Reply from Katie Wall
Simon Hazelden, January 2023
Reply from Katie Wall
Lauren Perdan, April 2022
Reply from Katie Wall
Whitney Buckley, March 2022
Reply from Katie Wall
George Sabol, July 2021
Reply from Katie Wall
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Expert developmental editor and literary consultant with over 15 years' experience in narrative non-fiction, fiction, and academic writing.
Seattle, WA, USA
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Victoria, B.C.