Katrina Diaz Arnold

Katrina Diaz Arnold – Editor

Experienced developmental and line editor, formerly of a Big Five publisher, who loves helping authors refine their work into its best self.

Overview

Hello! I am an experienced developmental and line editor with more than ten years of professional publishing experience, who loves nothing more than helping an aspiring author refine their work into the best, most vibrant version of itself.


I was previously part of the editorial team at Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, where I worked with numerous New York Times bestselling authors, before deciding to become a freelance editor. I now own and run my own editorial services company, bringing quality editing straight to aspiring and established authors alike.


My ideals as an editor are that quality comes above all, passion is a necessary ingredient, and fostering real partnerships with writers is essential for any work to succeed. I'm wholly devoted to any project I take on and deeply committed to helping manuscripts reach their highest potential.


I have a soft spot for brave new worlds, fresh plot twists, and strong, complex protagonists. I specialize in Fantasy, Romance (all subgenres), Romantic Fantasy, Thriller (especially Espionage), Suspense, Dystopian Fiction, Post-apocalyptic Fiction, Speculative Fiction, YA/NA Fantasy, and YA/NA Dystopian/Post-apocalyptic Fiction.


Passionate about books my entire life, I have a BA in Creative Writing from Northwestern University and a MA in Shakespeare from University College London.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Dystopian Historical Romance New Adult Paranormal Romance Romantic Fantasy Thriller & Suspense Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Northwestern University: BA in English in Creative Writing
  • University College London: MA in Shakespeare

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2013 — Present

- Manages a team of independent contractors to complete various edits on manuscripts prior to publication
- Personally specializes in developmental and line editing, editing manuscripts for big picture concerns like plot arc, character development, structure, pacing, believability, clarity, and writing style
- Refines and strengthens manuscripts through extensive editorial assessments and in-depth line edits
- Oversees copy edits and proofreads on manuscripts
- Edits query letters, synopses, jacket copy, book descriptions, and more
- Coaches writers through every step of the editorial process and on overall
submission strategy or book publication
- Runs all company business strategy and administration, including master scheduling

Scribner, Simon and Schuster

Jun, 2013 — Sep, 2015 (over 2 years)

- Edited New York Times bestselling and award-winning nonfiction and fiction books for structure, voice, and use of language by completing developmental, line, and copy edits
- Wrote promotional copy, book copy, sales tip sheets, editorial letters, and more
- Evaluated submissions for publication potential and researches competitive titles
- Communicated with writers and agents on a daily basis as the first response to all requests
- Managed projects from the onset through to publication, organized publication master schedules, monitored deadlines, payments, and contracts
- Strategically solved urgent issues for an average of 20+ projects at any given time
- Created original, promotional and/or shareable content for Twitter and Instagram
- Supervised minute-taking for editorial meetings and trained all new editorial assistants

Self Employed

Jan, 2013 — Jun, 2013 (5 months)

- Consulted collegiate and postgraduate applicants on personal statements and essays
- Wrote marketing copy, brochure copy, and website content for small businesses
- Edited manuscripts through developmental edits

Thomson Reuters

Jul, 2012 — Sep, 2012 (2 months)

- Proofread, copyedited, and completed multiple proof checks using BSI Proofing Symbols for legal loose-leaf and book manuscripts from initial copy to the final press proof
- Wrote filing instructions, edited checklists, and prepped texts for e-book transitioning

Chalke Authors/Endeavour Press

Nov, 2011 — Jul, 2012 (8 months)

- Copyedited, proofread, and formatted novellas and nonfiction essays for e-book publication
- Wrote press releases, inquiry letters, and interview questions
- Brainstormed, researched, and implemented two to four publicity campaigns per month

Browne and Miller Literary Associates

Mar, 2011 — Jun, 2011 (3 months)

- Reviewed several manuscripts per week and wrote reader's reports
- Managed and responded to all office email and letter queries
- Assembled potential proposals for evaluation every two weeks

Portfolio

"Sensual, sophisticated and sinfully addictive!" ~InD'tale Magazine A seductive spy. An alpha vampire. A deadly conspiracy...Research scientist Cerissa Patel has only one desire: to feel her l... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
The Immundus

Christina Enquist

Would you sacrifice your humanity to save mankind?IT’S THE YEAR 2828, and Domus is the last remaining country. Divided into twelve walled cities known as genuses, Domus spans what’s known as t... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Ez Ozel: Prologue to Perdition

Dave Oliver

After losing everything to a growing threat, the northman Fierd travels south looking for a new life. With the unknown ahead and certain doom behind, he takes on a young travel companion who m... read more
Developmental Editing
When a Middleton causes a scandal, it's never by half measures . . .This was certainly the case with Willow Middleton, who had thrown every bit of care to the mid-May breeze and . . . married ... read more
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Until I Met Her (Emma Fern Book 1)

Natalie Barelli

She should never have said ‘yes’…When Beatrice said she wanted to publish her next novel under Emma’s name, Emma couldn’t believe it. Why on earth would Beatrice Johnson Greene, the famous cri... read more
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
The buried contents of a Nazi train. An aging SS killer—with a final sting in his tail. And the World War II secrets of a US presidential hopeful’s Jewish family, hidden in London for 70 years... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Between the Shade and the Shadow

Coleman Alexander

In the deep heart of the forest, there are places where no light ever shines, where darkness is folded by pale hands and jewel-bright eyes, where the world is ruled by the wicked and kept by t... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Crimson River (Civilands Book 1)

N.B. Austin

A new fight for power and control begins now in the Murrieta Territory. Whose side will you take?** 2016-2017 BooksGoSocial Daily Book of the Year Award Finalist **Jeannie Morrell is on the ru... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Night Bloom (Night Bloom Saga Book 1)

Hunsaker, R.G.

Developmental Editing
From the author of Multiple Exposure, the second “intriguing…compelling” (Publishers Weekly) novel in the thrilling Sophie Medina mystery series that features a photojournalist as she races to... read more
Editorial Assessment
HE WAS EVERYTHING SHE’D SWORN TO AVOIDLady Belle Middleton has never followed the dictates of society. She designs scandalous gowns, refuses to marry, wears inappropriate undergarments and ans... read more
Developmental Editing
Dr. Cerissa Patel is a scientist, not a secret agent. But when the Lux order her to spy on the vampires she's trying to help, she has no choice, not with the fate of humanity on the line.Her c... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Editorial Assessment
The gripping action thriller with a shocking twistWhat price would you pay to know the truth?Kaden Baker, an elite hacker and covert ops specialist, finds her life turned upside down when she ... read more
Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Kraken

David Arrowood

A U-boat that can change the course of the war. Otto Speer is a commander who knows which rules to break and which rules to bend. He is ordered into a battle that change history. He and his cr... read more
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Mata Hari Squad

Erin L. Jungdahl

Nothing can stop a spy on a mission, except maybe one of her partners.Miranda Watson wants two things in life: a good bottle of wine and a promotion. Not at her day job, her real job: espionag... read more
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Once in a Blood Moon

Hubble Bonneau, Dorothea L

Editorial Assessment
Things are looking up for Lacey Becnel. A new job on the beautiful Central Coast of California and a budding relationship are the perfect escape from her tumultuous summer in New Orleans. She ... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Caitlin Beck is a complicated twenty-one-year-old college student with a dark past. A past made elusive to Caitlin herself, after a traumatic event at the age of five had induced a highly comp... read more
Developmental Editing
The explosive fallout from a top CIA man’s corruption and a US political leader’s aggression. The hunt for a mystery war killer. And a gripping British twist after a death on a ruined iconic b... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
How does a spirited lady bring nine overprotective brothers to heel? Rescue a dangerous looking gypsy, tend to his injury most ardently, and when he swoops in to steal a kiss, kiss him right b... read more
Developmental Editing
The Ulterior Motive

Jack Coleston

The fate of the United States hangs in the balance and only a select few can prevent the impending disaster. Stanley Carmichael is an intelligent and hard-working member of the Central Intelli... read more
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Crewmember

Marsha Volgyi

When twenty-four-year-old Lana Kramer accepts a six-month crewmember contract to perform as a dancer on a cruise ship, the experience is far from anything she could have imagined. The surreal ... read more
Developmental Editing

Katrina has 27 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jaysea W.

Jaysea W.

Jul, 2024

Katrina has been amazing to work with! As I am a first time author, she was beyond patient in helping me understand various options for editing, as well as wonderfully supportive throughout it all. She has a real passion for what she does, and provided thorough critiques and suggestions to help take my work to the next level. She responded quickly to my messages, and always provided clear commu...
Read more
J.S. M.

J.S. M.

Jan, 2022

Katrina was willing to make adjustments to her delivery schedule as a result of changes in my travel schedule.
Michelle S.

Michelle S.

Oct, 2021

Katrina is a gifted editor. She gave me the needed content edit for my novel to help me see the big picture and she pointed out (with suggestions) plot, character and voice problems I have been struggling with for a long time. Her edits will guide me to the next stage in the process of completing my novel.
Kate E.

Kate E.

Dec, 2020

Katrina was really great! She gave me the feedback I needed to hear so that I could improve my style and help me strengthen my writing for the future. She's given me a lot to think about so that I can take action in my book.
Rohn F.

Rohn F.

Aug, 2020

I received your assessment. Harsh as reality presents itself, don’t discount the information you have afforded me. Since I can count on your honest assessment, would you be willing to likewise edit the next novel in this series called “The Bus Orphan?” If so, please send me an identical contract to the last one. This novel has less than 40k words, but needs the same viewpoint you can give me.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Katrina and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Katrina

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Jenny Sims

Jenny S.

Providing quick, concise line and copy edits to self-published authors in romance and PNR/fantasy genres since 2013. Nothing is too spicy!

Little Rock, AR, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Philip Athans

Philip A.

Former managing editor at Wizards of the Coast, working extensively in fantasy, SF, horror, thriller, literary, and narrative non-fiction.

Seattle, WA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Jonathan Wright

Jonathan W.

An obsessive copy editor with thirty years of hard-hitting, results-driven copy editing for numerous publishers and individual authors.

Lewisburg, West Virginia, USA

99% reply rate

View profile