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 75 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Richard W.

Richard W.

Mar, 2026

This was not a standard editing job because I asked Kirsten for an opinion on whether what I had written was a viable potential book. In her terms, it was a developmental review. She gave me that opinion and a lot of helpful advice on how to improve what I had written. Having said that, Kirsten'...
Read more
Mara M.

Mara M.

Mar, 2026

She's all that. If you can afford her! Kirsten has an eagle eye and gets right to what you need to hear / understand. A writer and a professional and also very relatable and chill--who understands the process. Absolutely fantastic experience. Highly recommend, without reservation!
Bonny C.

Bonny C.

Jan, 2026

I chose Kirsten because she was prompt in replying and offered to look at two of my short stories for a reasonable fee. She was thorough in reading the stories and her comments were fair, pertinent and helpful. As I am a novice writer her encouragement is something I really value. Thanks Kirsten
Gavin C.

Gavin C.

Jan, 2026

My work with Kirsten was everything I was hoping it to be and more. As a fan of her books for some time, I was thrilled to see there was a chance to get her thoughts on my own work—and as expected, those thoughts turned out to be incisive and extremely valuable. She's professional, friendly as ca...
Read more
Kathy Z.

Kathy Z.

Jan, 2026

She was great. I only wish she checked her messages more often. But I was very satisfied. I will definitely continue with her again.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Kirsten and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Kirsten

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Victoria Zackheim

Victoria Z.

I edit fiction and nonfiction. Anne Perry, Caroline Leavitt, Robb Forman Dew are among my clients. I do not edit sci-fi or fantasy novels.

Oakland, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Lindsey Alexander

Lindsey A.

Former HarperCollins editor with 20+ years of experience collaborating with authors on best-selling novels, nonfiction, and memoirs.

Chapel Hill, NC, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Natalie Morrill

Natalie M.

I'm an editor, writer and post-secondary educator keen to work with authors of narrative works. | Novelist with HarperCollins Canada

Ottawa, ON, Canada

100% reply rate

View profile