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 90 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Anees B.

Anees B.

Aug, 2026

gave me a lot of great insight in just one coaching meeting
Angela M.

Angela M.

Aug, 2026

I hired Kirsten as a book coach and am in the early stages of writing my debut novel. After my second meeting today, I am extremely pleased! Kirsten takes the time to read my document, listens to my questions and responds in a helpful, positive, inspirational way. She gives feedback on how to imp...
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Steve S.

Steve S.

Jul, 2026

Absolutely the best possible outcome from Kirsten. Her feedback was not only spot on, but presented back to me in a thoughtful, caring, and constructive manner. So much so that I am reenergized to modify my book and take it to another level. The price I paid should be looked at in "value". I rec...
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Andy M.

Andy M.

Jul, 2026

I enjoyed working with Kirsten. She pointed out areas where I needed to improve, and she pointed out techniques I could start using that would make my work more engaging to readers.
Laurie S.

Laurie S.

Jul, 2026

Kirsten helped me with my query and sample pages. She was professional, courteous, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.

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