Katie Wall

Katie Wall – Editor

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

Overview

***IMPORTANT!***

1. As of Nov 11, 2024, my earliest opening for full manuscript projects is July 2025. If you're looking for book coaching, I may be able to fit you in sooner.


2. I charge competitive rates. Before you contact me, please calibrate your expectations: https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/editing/cost/

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I'm an editor and book coach with 15+ 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'm 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'll 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 few 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.


My first job was at my university's writing center, and it was there 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 due to my experience as a contract editor for Christian publishers. While I occasionally work with Christian authors, I am now more attracted to stories with strong universal themes.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Epic Fantasy Historical Fiction Historical Romance New Adult Post-Apocalyptic Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • BA of English with a Creative Writing Emphasis
  • Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2020 — Present

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.

Revell and Baker Books

Mar, 2021 — Present

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

Baker Academic and Brazos Press

Jul, 2019 — Present

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

WinePress Publishers

Jun, 2011 — Jul, 2013 (about 2 years)

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

Self-employed

Sep, 2009 — Nov, 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

Azusa Pacific University

Sep, 2009 — Aug, 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

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Proofreading
Fitzgerald

Day, Sarita

Independently published

Editorial Assessment
Bartimaeus, the Blind Beggar of Jericho

Sabol, George V

Covenant Books

Editorial Assessment
Six Coins

Johnson, Ashley

Independently published

Editorial Assessment
Aether Crest: Wish Hunters 1

Eastley, L

L.Eastley

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Communications expert Quentin Schultze offers an engaging and practical guide to help Christians interact effectively at home, work, church, school, and beyond. Based on solid biblical princip... read more
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
The Dust Settles

Butterfield, Joanne

Copy Editing
Proofreading
To Comfort A King

Gilliland, Debbie

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Beyond This Home

Lind, Vernal

Copy Editing

Katie has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Daniel S.

Daniel S.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Katie was an absolute star. She was very enthusiastic about my book and seemed to love the concept. I am a difficult person to work with, but she took me in stride and helped fix all my requests and mistakes, and I'm proud of the result. I would 1100% recommend Katie for any project that catches her interest. You'll not find many as hardworking and dedicated to making your book the best it can ...
Read more
Sorina N.

Sorina N.

May, 2023

Pinned
Katie is a great professional, super organised, methodical and knowledgeable. She is very good at "reading between the lines" and we connected right away. The help I got gave me a lot of confidence for continuing with my writing project, together with a renewed sense of direction and focus. Thank you, Katie!
Katie W.
Thank you, Sorina! I really enjoyed working with you on this project. :)
Whitney B.

Whitney B.

Mar, 2022

Pinned
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).
Katie W.
Thank you, Whitney! I am excited to continue working with you!
Sally H.

Sally H.

Jun, 2023

Katie was great! She really helped me understand where I am in the process and put me at ease about my project. I highly recommend her.
Katie W.
Thanks, Sally! I'm so happy we connected!
Rita D.

Rita D.

Mar, 2023

Working with Katie has been wonderful. Her feedback on my work was detailed and comprehensive. She showed me the way to the next step.
Katie W.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Rita! I really enjoyed working with you as well.

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