Kelly Schaub – Editor

*****************NOW BOOKING FEBRUARY 2026 **********************

I edit fiction novels and short stories in adult, New Adult, YA, and middle grade* categories only.

I do not edit children's picture books, poetry, memoir or other nonfiction.

Note: Unless your "serial killer" characters are paranormal monsters or soldiers, I don't want to be inside their heads, especially in a romance. This includes contract killers. Not my area of interest.

*stories intended for ages 8-12 (of any length) are middle grade, not "children's," which in this industry refers to picture books intended for younger children. I do not work on children's picture books.

***********************************************************************

GOOD EDITS AREN'T CHEAP, AND CHEAP EDITS AREN'T GOOD

A former zookeeper turned author and freelance editor, I have published four short stories and two novels (as Kelly McCrady), so I too have felt the sting of an editor's red pen. This helps me empathize with your journey as a writer.

I focus on developmental *fiction* editing as well as stylistic edits needed to bring a writer's vision to the attention of agents and publishers. I have shepherded more than 200 novels and short stories to publication as a freelance editor plus 32 titles as a staff line editor for The Wild Rose Press.

I know what to look for in a sagging middle, where a story goes off the rails before the end, and even how to root out where an author inadvertently deflates the tension. Freelance editing allows me to help writers fix problem areas and strengthen their craft techniques.

Here's what I do for every client, whether we do a critique or an edit:

--Analyze plot, character, setting, and writing technique

--Give positive and constructive feedback

My job is to tighten sentences to eliminate junk words, distancing, passive voice, and wordiness. I'll point out areas where the author must fix the following common errors, and show you how to do it:

--head-hopping

--white wall syndrome

--talking heads

--body parts moving on their own

--infodumping

--and so much more!

Many of my authors have sold their work to traditional and small press publishers alongside many pioneering self-publishing authors. Let me help your book become part of my brag list!

We're limited to listing 8 genres of interest, but I welcome and have edited manuscripts in the following genres:

GENERAL FICTION / WOMEN’S FICTION

ACTION / THRILLER / HORROR

MYSTERY

SCIENCE FICTION (both hard scifi and soft scifi)

SCIENCE FICTION ROMANCE

FANTASY / PARANORMAL

FANTASY ROMANCE (both light and dark)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

CONTEMPORARY PARANORMAL ROMANCE

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ROMANCE

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

HISTORICAL ROMANCE WITH PARANORMAL ELEMENTS

EROTICA

NEW ADULT

YOUNG ADULT FANTASY / SCIFI / CONTEMPORARY

MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY

I am usually booked three to six months in advance, so plan accordingly!