Kelly Lydick - Editor
I am passionate about the written word! I have 15+ years in editing in all genres, with special attention to business and travel.
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Overview
I have worked for seventeen years to edit nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. During that time, I have worked as an Editor for Avalon Travel, specifically for the Rick Steves series. I've also worked at Northern Arizona University's Thin Air literary magazine, and at Western Art Collector magazine. I've also copy edited Business textbooks for Cengage.
As an editor I am efficient with time, communicate directly, and work with a critical eye in order to hone the best versions of my clients' work. My feedback is to the point, but comprehensive where necessary.
I love developmental editing work and have an almost uncanny knack for seeing the big picture of a book project. As a consultant for self-publishing authors, I use my tenured industry expertise to quickly and easily hone content and provide direction on content that will work well in a very crowded book marketplace.
As a writer, I understand how important it is to find the right editor for your book—and how scary it can be to anticipate comments from editors. This experience informs my style of feedback for authors. My own fiction, poetry, book reviews, and interviews have appeared in Guernica, Drunken Boat, Switched-on Gutenberg, Mission at Tenth, Thema, Tarpaulin Sky, and many others.
I'm excited to work with clients who are passionate about their book projects and the message they wish to share with the world.
As an editor I am efficient with time, communicate directly, and work with a critical eye in order to hone the best versions of my clients' work. My feedback is to the point, but comprehensive where necessary.
I love developmental editing work and have an almost uncanny knack for seeing the big picture of a book project. As a consultant for self-publishing authors, I use my tenured industry expertise to quickly and easily hone content and provide direction on content that will work well in a very crowded book marketplace.
As a writer, I understand how important it is to find the right editor for your book—and how scary it can be to anticipate comments from editors. This experience informs my style of feedback for authors. My own fiction, poetry, book reviews, and interviews have appeared in Guernica, Drunken Boat, Switched-on Gutenberg, Mission at Tenth, Thema, Tarpaulin Sky, and many others.
I'm excited to work with clients who are passionate about their book projects and the message they wish to share with the world.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Business & Management
Travel
Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Poetry
Romance
Certifications
- Life Coach
Awards
- GRL - Top 5 Fiction Reviews of 2012
Work experience
Owner
Self-employed
October, 2018
–
Present
(over 3 years)
The Story Laboratory is a one-stop publishing consulting team that offers everything from developmental editing to book jacket design, interior design, query letter review, book proposals, website design, and more!
Co-Founding Editor & Associate Editor
Immanence Journal
May, 2014
–
Present
(about 8 years)
Immanence launched its first edition in October 2016. It is the preeminent journal of applied mythology.
Assistant Editor
International Artist Publishing
January, 2012
–
January, 2013
(about 1 year)
For International Artist Publishing, I was the Assistant Editor of Western Art Collector magazine and responsible for composition of 8-10 articles for each monthly issue. I also worked with the production team to ensure editorial standards and occasionally wrote articles for American Art Collector magazine as well.
Essay Reviews Writer
Gently Read Literature (GRL)
January, 2010
–
January, 2014
(about 4 years)
At Gently Read Literature, my work was selected by the Editor as one of the top five review writers for the year 2012.
Editor
Perseus Books Group
August, 2005
–
January, 2012
(over 6 years)
At Perseus Books Group, I was the Editor for the Rick Steves travel series. I managed copyeditors and proofreaders and edited books in all phases of the production process to ensure timely delivery of more than 40 titles each year.
Portfolio (22 selected works)
Rick Steves Iceland
Rick Steves, Ian Watson
Hike vast glaciers, marvel at steaming volcanic lakes, and explore the land of the midnight sun: with Rick Steves on your side, Iceland can be yours!Inside Rick Steves Iceland you'll find:Comprehensive coverage for exploring Iceland, whether you've got a long layover in Reykjavík or two weeks to dive into the whole countryRick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and mone... read more
Marketing Strategy: A Beginner's Guide to B2B Marketing Success
Jason W. Simmons
This book is written for B2B marketers who are interested in learning how to create a competitive marketing strategy for their organizations. The practical content within the book is meant to serve as a user’s manual or guide on how to achieve that.The structure is laid out in the chronological sequence one would need to follow in order to create an effective marketing strategy, and is broken ... read more
Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary
Rick Steves
Buon giorno! From ordering calamari in Venice to making new friends in Tuscan hill towns, it helps to speak some of the native tongue. Rick Steves, bestselling author of travel guides to Europe, offers well-tested phrases and key words to cover every situation a traveler is likely to encounter. This handy guide provides key phrases for use in everyday circumstances, complete with phonetic spel... read more
The Curated Home: A Fresh Take on Tradition
Grant Gibson
Infuse thoughtfully furnished rooms with your own personal style, for every part of your home. Drawing on inspiration from his personal style, world travels, and client experience, Grant K. Gibson takes you on a journey to curate your perfect home. This highly instructional design book covers wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, in an engaging and comprehensive look at what makes a home both functi... read more
Under the Dome: Walks with Paul Celan
Daive, Jean, Waldrop, Rosmarie, Kaufman, Robert, Gerard, Philip
Awakening Our Discernment
Wallace, Bill
Rick Steves Pocket Rome
Rick Steves, Gene Openshaw
Rick Steves' Pocket guidebooks truly are a tour guide in your pocket.” Each colorful, compact book includes Rick's advice for prioritizing your time, whether you're spending 1 or 7 days in a city. Everything a busy traveler needs is easy to access: a neighborhood overview, city walks and tours, sights, handy food and accommodations charts, an appendix packed with information on trip planning ... read more
Rick Steves Eastern Europe
Rick Steves, Cameron Hewitt
You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in Eastern Europe—including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia.Explore Eastern Europe's top cities, from the romantic spires of Prague and the steamy thermal baths of Budapest to charming Kraków and laid-back Ljubljana. Enjoy the imperial sights of Vienna and walking tours of ... read more
Sabbatical In The Sun
Jackie Ullerich
Jessica Slater would seem to have it all. She's young, personable, good looking and is making strides in her career as an educator. Her personal life, however, is in disarray. Recently divorced, she's also coping with the loss of her mother to cancer. What better time than now to take sabbatical leave, to shake the blues and escape wintery Northern Virginia.Jessica's choice for a sabbatical in... read more
Strategic Management: Theory: An Integrated Approach
Charles W. L. Hill, Gareth R. Jones, Melissa A. Schilling
This leading strategy text presents the complexities of strategic management through up-to-date scholarship and hands-on applications. Highly respected authors Charles Hill, Gareth Jones, and Melissa Schilling integrate cutting-edge research on topics including corporate performance, governance, strategic leadership, technology, and business ethics. Based on real-world practices and current th... read more
Rick Steves Pocket Athens
Rick Steves
Rick Steves Pocket guidebooks truly are a “tour guide in your pocket.” This colorful, compact 220-page book includes Rick's advice for prioritizing your time, whether you're spending 1 or 7 days in a city. Everything a busy traveler needs is easy to access: a neighborhood overview, city walks and tours, sights, handy food and accommodations charts, an appendix packed with information on trip p... read more
Rick Steves' Pocket London
Rick Steves, Gene Openshaw
Rick Steves' Pocket guidebooks truly are a tour guide in your pocket.” Each colorful, compact book includes Rick's advice for prioritizing your time, whether you're spending one or seven days in a city. Everything a busy traveler needs is easy to access: a neighborhood overview, city walks and tours, sights, handy food and accommodations charts, an appendix packed with information on trip pla... read more
Rick Steves Italy 2017
Rick Steves
You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in Italy.From the beaches to the Alps, from fine art to fine pasta, Italy has it all. With this book, you'll trace Italian culture from Rome's Colosseum to Michelangelo's David to the bustling elegance of Milan. Experience the art-drenched cities of Venice and Florence, explore the ancient ruins of the Roman F... read more
Talk and plan less; do more and do it well.Executing business strategies requires efficiency. It’s All about the How provides practical advice, stories, ideas and proven tools that empower business professionals to successfully implement strategies and deliver results.1.Hands down, your success will depend on the quality of the “How.” Too many leaders and managers get caught up in the details ... read more
Beyond Applause: Make a Meaningful Difference through Transformational Speaking
Michelle Barry Franco
You are meant to stand on that awesome stage and change lives with your message. You love seeing thought leaders share their stories and expertise from the stage. You know the impact that captivating speaking can have because your own life has been changed by great speakers. Most of all, you feel lit up by inspiring speakers. But you also feel something else. It’s a feeling deep in your belly,... read more
Moon Boston (Travel Guide)
Cameron Sperance
Experience the Life of the City with Moon Travel Guides!Moon Boston takes you on a tour of the city's great pastimes: catch a game at Fenway, watch the rowboats on the Charles River, snag a seat at the bar at the tiny Neptune Oyster, and more.What's inside Moon Boston:Explore the City: Navigate by neighborhood or by activity with color-coded maps, or follow a guided neighborhood walkSee the Si... read more
Rick Steves Best of England
Rick Steves
Hit England's can't-miss art, sights, and bites in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of England!Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and moneyTwo-day itineraries covering London, Bath, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool, the Lake District, and YorkOver 60 full-color maps and vibrant photosRick's tips for beating the crowds, skipping lines, and avoiding tour... read more
The Galapagos archipelago is one of the most beautiful, wild, and untouched places on earth. Travel back in time with Moon Galápagos Islands. Inside you'll find:Strategic tour information with advice on visiting sustainably, which boats to take, how long to stay, and where to stop along the wayDetailed maps and directions for exploring on your ownThe top activities and unique experiences: Snor... read more
Mastering Product Management: A Step-by-Step Guide
Kevin Brennan
Mastering Product Management: A Step-by-Step Guide offers practical, real-world advice on the most important things a Product Manager will be involved with, and will deliver, in the quest for creating and capturing value. It covers the full new product cycle, from idea discovery through product end-of-life. Each section is short and concise, around two to three pages. Rather than dive deep int... read more
Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur (Travel Guide)
Stuart Thornton
Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and scenic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. Inside you'll find:Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and a three-day road trip from Big Sur to CambriaThe top sights and unique activities: Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a whale-watchin... read more
Unity Proposition: New Models for the New World
Wallace, Bill
Kelly has 36 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Super awesome is all I can say! Kelly is professional, thorough, and a joy to work with. She responds on time too, and that's vital in the publishing industry.
KD Gates, May 2022
Reply from Kelly Lydick
Kelly delivered a very professional appraisal of my manuscript.
Finlay McQuade, April 2022
Kelly delivered the edited manuscript on time and with clear comments and recommendations. She was very professional and answered my questions. A good experience working with Kelly overall. Thanks!
Diego Pineda, January 2022
Reply from Kelly Lydick
Kelly was awesome!!! She was great and easy to work with, she understood everything that I told her, and she was quick and proficient. Prompt delivery.
KD Gates, September 2021
Reply from Kelly Lydick
I'm not sure why this editor has all the positive reviews. Kelly comes across nice, but unfortunately, that's about the only positive thing I can say about this editor. I honestly question whether or not this is a professional editor. The few changes and recommendations that she made were horrible. For example, my book is about a fictitious town with a fictitious college, but she changed the co...
Read more
Lynn Blythe, August 2021
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Reply from Kelly Lydick
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