Kelley Frodel

Kelley Frodel – Editor

Fiction editor, specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and young adult manuscripts, with experience in traditional and indie publishing.

Overview

I am an editor with a background in creative writing. Along with my experience as an editor, I have also attended numerous writing workshops and roundtable critiques, so I know what it is like to get feedback on my own stories. When I approach another writer's manuscript, I do it with this in mind, knowing that every writer has their own voice and intent, and my goal as an editor is to make sure both of those are coming through clearly.

Editing and writing have always been true passions for me, and I love working with a manuscript from the nitty-gritty details to the overall big picture. I have a particular fondness for science fiction and fantasy, as well as young adult and middle grade stories. My experience includes proofreading, copyediting, line editing, and substantive editing across all genres of fiction, for both traditional publishers and self-publishing authors.

While every manuscript will require its own approach to editing, I have provided an estimated range of my rates below:

Proofreading: $0.013 to $0.019 per word (this is specifically for manuscripts that already have a style sheet and have previously been copyedited)

Copyediting: $0.022 to $0.027 per word

Editorial Evaluation Letter: $500 to $1,000 total for manuscripts under 100,000 words

Generally, you could expect a copyedit to cost somewhere between $1,600 to $2,000 for a manuscript around 75,000 words.

I am also happy to perform editing on only the first fifty pages for any writer who is seeking traditional publishing and wants to polish up their sample to include in queries.
Services
Fiction
Fantasy LGBTQ Fiction Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy New Adult Paranormal Romance Science Fiction Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • University of Washington Certificate in Editing
  • University of Washington Bachelor's in English: Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2017 — Present

Copyedit and proofread adult science fiction and fantasy manuscripts for the Orbit imprint of Hachette Book Group.

Self-employed

May, 2018 — Present

Copyedit and proofread translated light novels for the Yen On imprint of Hachette Book Group.

Self-employed

Sep, 2015 — Present

Copyedit and proofread young adult and middle grade manuscripts for the Little, Brown Books for Young Readers imprint of Hachette Book Group.

Self-employed

Apr, 2015 — Present

Proofread young adult and middle grade fiction manuscripts for Macmillan Children's.

Self-employed

Apr, 2014 — Apr, 2017 (about 3 years)

Provided copyediting and substantive editing across all genres of fiction for independent authors using a self-publishing platform.
Provided editorial letters with concise and courteous feedback on plot, character, and style.

Self-employed

Apr, 2014 — Present

Perform proofreading, copyediting, and substantive editing for self-publishing authors and traditional publishing clients.

Portfolio

In this epic saga of magic and kungfu, four siblings battle rival clans for honor and power in an Asia-inspired fantasy metropolis.* World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, winner* Aurora Award for Best Novel, winner* Nebula Award for Best Novel, nominee* Locus Aw... read more
Little & Lion

Brandy Colbert

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Times} A Stonewall Book Award Winner! p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Times} "Little and Lion is beautifully insightful, honest, and compassionate. Brandy's ability to find larger meaning ... read more
Things seem to be going well for Liv Silver: she's adjusting to her new home (and her new family) in London; she has a burgeoning romance with Henry Harper, one of the cutest boys in school; and the girl who's been turning her dreams into nightmares, Anabel, i... read more
The course of dream travel never did run smooth—at least, not in Liv Silver's experience. Able to visit other people's dreams (whether they want her to or not), Liv has solved mysteries, unearthed difficult truths, fought madmen, and escaped life-threatening p... read more
Mia and Jake have known each other their whole lives. They’ve endured summer vacations, Sunday brunches, even dentist visits together. Their mothers, who are best friends, are convinced that Mia and Jake would be the perfect couple, even though they can’t stan... read more
Beautiful and brutally honest, Mary Lambert's poetry is a beacon to anyone who's ever been knocked down—and picked themselves up again. In verse that deals with sexual assault, mental illness, and body acceptance, Ms. Lambert's Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across ... read more
Seventeen-year-old Claire Collins has a plan: get into college and leave North Carolina behind. What she doesn’t have is an idea for how to get rid of the local football star and womanizer extraordinaire—Adam Meade, who she can’t even avoid (despite many effor... read more
The first book in the word-of-mouth phenomenon debut fantasy series about one man's dangerous journey through a labyrinthine world. "One of my favorite books of all time" - Mark LawrenceThe Tower of Babel is the greatest marvel in the world. Immense as a mount... read more
Senlin continues his ascent up the tower in the word-of-mouth phenomenon fantasy series about one man's dangerous journey through a labyrinthine world. "One of my favorite books of all time" - Mark Lawrence on Senlin AscendsThe Tower of Babel is proving to be ... read more
A nobleman's daughter with magic in her blood. An empire built on the dreams of enslaved gods. Empire of Sand is Tasha Suri's captivating, Mughal India-inspired debut fantasy.The Amrithi are outcasts; nomads descended of desert spirits, they are coveted and pe... read more
In this action-packed sequel to the New York Times bestselling Frostblood, Ruby must choose between her fiery homeland and the icy king who loves her.Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his powerful throne. But the bloodthi... read more
Wild Beauty: A Novel

Anna-Marie McLemore

"No one does magical realism quite like McLemore, and this third novel, laced with slow-burning suspense, folklore, romance, and spun together with exquisite, luxuriant prose, proves it.,,, Sheer magic: fierce, bright, and blazing with possibility."— Booklist ... read more
Finding You

Lydia Albano

Taken from home and family, all they have is each other: a young woman learns to rely on her inner strength in this suspenseful debut that celebrates the power of true love and never giving up.Isla is kidnapped from a train platform in broad daylight and thrus... read more
There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I've gotten what I came for. Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map—the key to a legendary treasure trove—seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captur... read more
The Ink of Time

Nadine M. Roth

An explosion sends roughneck Otto Daniel’s body into icy Prudhoe Bay where he has an unsettling vision. After weeks of recovery in the burn unit of Fairbanks Regional Hospital, he heads northwest and takes a job in a small town in the wilds of Alaska. When tra... read more
A new breed of soulmates…Lexi feels blocked. She has for most of her life. Unable to let out the art inside her for months at a time, she drifts away from her childhood home waiting for something or someone to inspire her. Damian has spent centuries stuck with... read more
Bad Luck (The Bad Books)

Pseudonymous Bosch

The plot thickens in this New York Times-bestselling sequel to Bad Magic--now in paperback!Some people have all the luck.Unfortunately, Clay isn't one of them: He's the only camper at Earth Ranch without a magical talent. As if feeling totally useless isn't en... read more
The greatest dangers hide the brightest treasures in this bold, planet-hopping science fiction adventure series.The crew of the legendary Capricious are rich enough to retire in comfort for the rest of their days, but none of it matters if the galaxy is still ... read more
The capable, confident, and occasionally ruthless heroine of Daughter of the Pirate King is back in this action-packed sequel that promises rousing high seas adventures and the perfect dash of magic.Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recover... read more
The explosive finale of the New York Times bestselling Frostblood Saga, perfect for fans of Three Dark Crowns, Red Queen, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.Ruby's world has changed more than she ever could have imagined. She's in love with a powerful Frost King.... read more
Thomas Senlin and his crew of outcasts have been separated, and now they must face the dangers of the labyrinthine tower on their own in this third book in the word-of-mouth phenomenon fantasy series."One of my favorite books of all time." - Mark Lawrence on S... read more

Kelley has 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Haley W.

Haley W.

Nov, 2023

Kelley read my work with thoroughness and care. It was so wonderful to receive comments from someone who took the time to deeply understand the world, the plot, and the characters, and then gave the kind of feedback that strengthened all of it. I think I incorporated every single one of her corrections and recommendations. I have two other books down the pipeline, and I can't wait to work with ...
Read more
Kelley F.
I’m so glad my feedback was helpful. I look forward to working with you again too!
Belinda H.

Belinda H.

May, 2021

I was delighted with the feedback provided by Kelley. Her review was exactly the feedback I needed to continue my project with very specific suggestions to improve the quality of my work. Thank you Kelley.
Kelley F.
My pleasure! It was wonderful to work with you.
Jessica G.

Jessica G.

May, 2021

Kelley was open and honest with me about what she believed my manuscript needed, and offered to approach it from an angle I hadn't considered. I appreciate her candor, and she did excellent work.
Alexia S.

Alexia S.

Nov, 2020

Kelley was very thorough and detailed with her revisions, offering specific suggestions on how to improve my manuscript. She handled my book with consideration and professionalism. I would definitely work with her again!
Kelley F.
Thanks, Alexia! It was a pleasure working with you, and I would love to collaborate again on future projects.
Sophia M.

Sophia M.

Jun, 2020

I love working with Kelley. She is an incredible editor and her work is always top-notch. I'm so grateful to work with her on my series and can't wait to work with her again in the future!

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