Kelsey Mitchener

Kelsey Mitchener – Editor

Editing is my bread and butter—and it’s also my jam. Memoir copy editor and proofreader. 20 years, 130+ published books, 25 bestsellers.

Overview

I’m Kelsey, a nonfiction copy editor and proofreader with over twenty years of in-house and freelance experience, including with HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and many other publishers, agencies, and clients. I've edited over 130 published books, including 25 (and counting) bestsellers. I've edited memoirs, personal narratives, or autobiographies by Tim Kaine, Meghan Trainor, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, Mark Harmon, Kathie Lee Gifford, and others, including many first-time and indie authors.


I especially love editing memoirs, biographies, autobiographies, and other personal narratives. If you have a memoir, I'm your editor! As a firstborn, a Virgo, and a recovering perfectionist, I’m more or less hardwired for editing as a detail-obsessed, analytical type A. I know—I sound really chill and fun! But let’s be honest: My hardwiring as an editor is a win for you because I can come alongside you and your story as an expert friend—your go-to editor. Let's get your story out there!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Member of ACES: The Society for Editing
  • BA in English Literature, Taylor University
  • Minor in English Writing, Taylor University

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2013 — Present

I copy edit and proofread for publishers and writers, focusing mainly on nonfiction titles. I've edited over 130 published books, including dozens of bestsellers.

Community.co

Feb, 2019 — Present

I edit thought leadership articles that are published online by Forbes, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Inc., Fast Company, Kiplinger, and more.

ApricotLaw

Aug, 2018 — Jun, 2022 (almost 4 years)

I edited and search engine optimized online content for over 90 law firms across North America on behalf of digital marketing agency.

MedStudy

Aug, 2016 — Aug, 2018 (about 2 years)

I edited medical textbook series that are widely used in the field, and I also edited in-house marketing materials.

Portfolio

No Pain, No Gaines

Chip Gaines

A New York Times bestseller! In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, it’s time to reclaim a life of rich, authentic connection—because we are all made better when we trust one another... read more
Copy Editing
Walk Ride Paddle

Thomas Nelson

A compelling account of one man’s journey across hundreds of miles of Virginia wilderness and a moving testament to the optimistic spirit of America, Walk Ride Paddle provides an unseen glimps... read more
Copy Editing
Seen Yet Unseen: A Black Woman Crashes the Tech Fraternity

Bärí A. Williams

Proofreading
Me and Paul: Untold Stories of a Fabled Friendship

Nelson, Willie

Copy Editing
Dear Future Mama: A TMI Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood from Your Bestie

Trainor, Meghan

Copy Editing
Killing the Image

Andre Ward

In this inspiring memoir, undefeated five-time world champion boxer Andre Ward--aka "Son of God"--shares the gripping narrative of his unforgettable career, his rock-solid faith, and why boxin... read more
Copy Editing
The In-Between

Hadley Vlahos, R.N.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Passionate advocate for end-of-life care and TikTok star Hadley Vlahos shares moving stories of joy, wisdom, and redemption from her patients’ final moments in this... read more
Proofreading
Crescendo

Allen Cheney

A hidden story of human triumph, Crescendo takes you on the rare journey of a musical prodigy who changed an entire community forever.More than eighty years ago, a musical prodigy with a brill... read more
Proofreading
Saving Aziz

Chad Robichaux

Now a Wall Street Journal BestsellerIt was the right thing to do. And someone had to do it.Aziz was more than an interpreter for Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux during Chad's eight deploymen... read more
Proofreading
Lemons on Friday

Mattie Jackson Selecman

When your life is suddenly full of questions, how do you move forward in faith?After being married for less than a year, country music legend Alan Jackson's daughter Mattie was faced with navi... read more
Proofreading
Look for Me There

Luke Russert

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERIn Look for Me There, Luke Russert traverses terrain both physical and deeply personal. On his journey to some of the world’s most stunning destinations, he vi... read more
Proofreading
A Real Good Life

Stevie Hendrix

Where are you looking for joy, contentment, and purpose? Stevie and Sazan Hendrix show us that the good life we're looking for won't be found in our latest purchase, achievement, or dream vaca... read more
Proofreading
Intersexion: A Story of Faith, Identity, and Authenticity

Davis, Cynthia Vacca

Copy Editing
Radical Love

Zachary Levi

Radical Love is the debut memoir from actor Zachary Levi (Shazam!,?American Underdog,?The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,?Chuck), which shares his emotional journey through a lifetime of crippling anxi... read more
Copy Editing
My Own Magic

Anna Kloots

For every woman searching for her voice, Anna Kloots shares her story of starting over by trusting the magic that was always within...Despite what appeared to be a glamorous existence full of ... read more
Copy Editing
How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us

Whittaker, Carlos

Copy Editing
Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots

McEntire, Reba

Copy Editing
The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters

Gaines, Joanna

Proofreading

Kelsey has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Barbara T.

Barbara T.

Mar, 2025

Pinned
Kelsey was a pleasure to work with. She was professional, friendly, and responsive in a timely manner on all my questions. Her keen eye, thoughtful suggestions, and careful attention to details was just what I needed to put the final touches on my memoir. I am completely pleased with her work ...
Read more
Corey S.

Corey S.

Jan, 2025

Pinned
Kelsey was extremely personable and professional. She found ways to connect with my work and give feedback that was incredibly useful. She provided status updates along the way and finished before the deadline! I would absolutely hire Kelsey again in the future!
Cindy H.

Cindy H.

May, 2024

Pinned
It was a pleasure working with Kelsey! Any questions I had, she answered promptly and clearly. I would highly recommend her!! She is very knowledgeable with what she does. Thank you so much Kelsey! I appreciate you. And I will not hesitate to use your services again for any future projects 😊 .

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