Kirsten Bakis

Kirsten Bakis – Editor

I am an award-winning novelist who teaches at Yale Writers' Workshop, with 25 years experience as a writing coach and developmental editor.

Overview

I'm an experienced book coach, editor, and author. (My latest novel is listed in People Magazine's "20 Books to Read This Halloween," 10/5/24; and Esquire's "Best Horror Books of 2024," 10/25/24). I love to help writers bring their goals into focus and create a path to reach them.

I'm happy to work with manuscripts at many stages, from conception to final edits, and I also offer coaching and submission package reviews for those looking to query literary agents.

I especially love working with writers of literary, popular, and genre-bending fiction; and talking about character, suspense, and plot. I'm also the the author of the Reedsy post "How to Outline a Novel in 9 Easy Steps," and can offer help with outlining and structure at any stage.

Please note that my rate is on the higher end because when you hire me, you’re hiring an award-winning, working author with over two decades of professional experience, who is currently a resident faculty member at the Yale Writers’ Workshop. I love this work, and give each manuscript close, personal attention

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Horror Mashups Short Story Steampunk Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Iowa Writers' Workshop Teaching/Writing Fellowship; Michener-Copernicus Society of America Award, Bram Stoker Award, Whiting Award
  • 2021 Sustainable Arts Foundation Award

Work experience

Yale Writers' Workshop

Jun, 2012 — Present

Self employed

Feb, 1997 — Present
Author, KING NYX, Liveright/Norton 2024; LIVES OF THE MONSTER DOGS, 20th anniversary edition with new introduction by Jeff VanderMeer, Macmillan FSG classics 2017; FSG 1997.

Self-employed

Jan, 2003 — Present

Kirsten has 81 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

sid K.

sid K.

Jul, 2026

Kirsten is quite the professional developmental editor. Valuable feedback with examples of how to improve. Very prompt and efficient. Thanks Kirsten!
briana B.

briana B.

Jun, 2026

Kirsten gave me the insight and encouragement I needed to keep going with my writing. It was such a joy to have her read through some of what I have written and point out her favorite lines and phrases. It was super helpful to get some constructive suggestions on content and discuss the thoughts ...
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Michael A.

Michael A.

May, 2026

Kirsten brought care, intelligence, and generosity to her reading of my manuscript. Her comments were not only perceptive but genuinely illuminating; again and again she identified precisely where clarity, pace, or emphasis could be strengthened. It is no small thing to feel that one’s work has ...
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J R.

J R.

May, 2026

Delivered as promised.
Jared G.

Jared G.

Apr, 2026

I came to Kirsten preparing to query literary agents for my debut novel, a literary science fiction crossover. I needed an honest professional reader response, not encouragement, and I told her that upfront. She delivered exactly that, and then some. The written assessment was thorough and chapt...
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