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 46 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kathy F.

Kathy F.

Nov, 2024

I have not received her final report yet but have enjoyed working with Kirsten. She had good questions and insights.
Alex G.

Alex G.

Nov, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with Kirsten Bakis on the developmental edit of my short story, The Victim, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning, Kirsten demonstrated professionalism, clarity, and a genuine enthusiasm for the project. She provided a detailed and thoughtful assessment, addressing critical aspects such as pacing, structure, voice, and symboli...
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Larry L.

Larry L.

Nov, 2024

Kirsten was a terrific resource for my project. She handled this developmental edit with professionalism, precision, and fantastic insight that improved my story fundamentally. Highly recommended!
Carla C.

Carla C.

Oct, 2024

Kirsten was encouraging and precise in the Blurb critique. It must tell a mini story, engage the reader, reveal a goal, a dream, and a challenge for the main character, and build suspense. She recommended deleting distracting names/locations/supporting characters. She helped craft how one event leads to another and to tighten up my sales pitch to my readers. Kirsten was a delight to work with a...
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J R.

J R.

Oct, 2024

All that I hoped for and more.

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