Kelsey Mitchener – Editor

Hi! I’m Kelsey, a kindhearted copy editor specializing in memoir and other narrative nonfiction.

I understand that whether it’s your first book or your fifth, putting yourself and your story out there can feel both exhilarating and unnerving. I’m here to help.

MY APPROACH

My editing is a thoughtful combination of a deep dive and a fine touch.

You’ve poured yourself into your book, and I honor that by pouring my expertise into it, too. I never do things by halves, and you and your book get to benefit from that high level of care. But I also go to great lengths to preserve your voice, style, message, and all the elements that make your book uniquely yours.

I respect you and your work, and my goal is simple: to make your book better and make you look better along the way. ✨️

My hope is that you enjoy, not just endure, the editing experience—and that you come away from it feeling encouraged and empowered. 💛

MY SERVICE

My signature service is an above-and-beyond edit I call The Fine-Toothed Comb. It’s an exceptionally thorough edit that bundles line editing and copy editing (and even some developmental editing insights) into a single pass. This high-value bundle can be a smarter investment than paying for multiple separate services, particularly for writers whose budget allows for just one round of editing.

I don’t offer surface-level editing. Your book deserves careful attention, thoughtful feedback, and genuine investment. Not to ruin the surprise, but the writers I work with tend to be astounded by both the depth of the edit and how much they learn. 🤯

MY CREDENTIALS

I’ve edited for HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster (four of the Big Five publishers) as well as People Inc., America’s largest digital and print publisher.

📚 I’ve edited books by debut and indie writers as well as public figures like Chip and Joanna Gaines, Willie Nelson, Meghan Trainor, Reba McEntire, Mark Harmon, and Tim Kaine.

As a firstborn, eldest daughter, Virgo, and INTJ, I’m more or less wired for editing as a detail-obsessed, analytical type A. I’m probably organizing something right now by category, color, or season.

I know—I sound like I’d be fun at parties! 😅 But honestly, my deep experience and wiring are wins for you because I can come alongside you and your book as an expert ally.

MY FAVORITES

I specialize in memoirs and autobiographies and love narrative nonfiction and creative nonfiction. These are some of my favorite kinds of books, though certainly not the only ones I work on:

• personal growth 🌱

• self-help and self-improvement

• health and well-being, including mental health 🧠

• inspirational stories 🌟

• religious harm, spiritual trauma, deconstruction, and exvangelical experiences

• strong female leads 💪

I look forward to collaborating with you to make your book shine! ✨

🏷️ Nobody likes sticker shock. Expect a premium service price point—and major bang for your buck. A 60,000-word book starts at $2,925.