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 72 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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...
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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.
Zara L.

Zara L.

Jan, 2026

Kirsten really helped my short story come to life! She was able to pinpoint areas that, with a little tweaking, massively improved the suspense of my story. She is very kind and easy to work with. I would 100% recommend her to anyone interested in making their story better!
Karan T.

Karan T.

Nov, 2025

I was searching for a good editor for my father's debut fiction novel. While searching on Reedsy I came across Kirsten Bakis's profile and contacted her for doing some editing work for this fiction novel. Kirsten did an amazing job on improving the novel and made very useful suggestions and pr...
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Carah J.

Carah J.

Nov, 2025

Karen was kind, encouraging, and very helpful to me as a beginning author.

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