Kristen O'Neal

Kristen O'Neal – Editor

Editor with a passion for non-fiction and fiction alike. Previously at Howard Books and Atria Books, imprints of Simon and Schuster.

Overview

I'm a writer and editor who's worked both in publishing and as a freelancer. From young adult fiction to scifi to nonfiction, I have up-to-date knowledge of the marketplace. At Simon and Schuster, I worked at Howard Books, their Christian imprint, and I know the ins and outs of the Christian market as well. I also worked at Atria, on biography, memoir, and fiction.

I can help you hone your proposal, reevaluate your manuscript, and get everything ready to send out into the world so that you have the chance to put your best foot forward with agents and editors. I can help you move from a draft to the finished product you're envisioning, but can't quite reach. I can't wait to work with you! Drop me a line, and let's get started.

Note: I never use AI, and I choose not to work with those who use it. I put a lot of time and effort into this craft, so I like to collaborate with people who will also put that same time and effort into their manuscript!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Entertainment LGBTQ Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality
Fiction
Dystopian Short Story Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2019 — Present

Howard Books, Simon & Schuster

May, 2017 — Mar, 2019 (almost 2 years)

Portfolio

Vox

Christina Dalcher

NATIONAL BESTSELLERONE OF ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY'S AND SHEREADS' BOOKS TO READ AFTER THE HANDMAID'S TALE"[An] electrifying debut."--O, The Oprah Magazine * "The real-life parallels will make you shiver."--Cosmopolitan Set in a United States in which half the pop... read more
The Last: A Novel

Hanna Jameson

For fans of high-concept thrillers such as Annihilation and The Girl with All the Gifts, this breathtaking dystopian psychological thriller follows an American academic stranded at a Swiss hotel as the world descends into nuclear war—along with twenty other su... read more
As a ghostwriter, biographer, and lyricist, David Ritz has worked with some of the biggest names in music, such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye. Now, in his inspiring memoir, he shares how writing for these legendary artists led him to faith. ... read more
The inspiring true story of America's Got Talent Top Five Finalist Mandy Harvey—a young woman who became deaf at age nineteen while pursuing a degree in music—and how she overcame adversity and found the courage to live out her dreams.When Mandy Harvey began h... read more
ESPN personality and Paralympics champion Victoria Arlen shares her courageous and miraculous story of recovery after falling into a mysterious vegetative state at age eleven and how she broke free, overcoming the odds and never giving up hope, eventually livi... read more
New York Times bestselling author SQuire Rushnell and his wife Louise DuArt share 21 brand-new and 9 classic true-life stories of extraordinary “Godwinks” at Christmastime, proving that what some thought was “coincidence” wasn't coincidence at all, but a super... read more
This powerful book from the bestselling Dr. Charles Stanley outlines key areas of conviction that can make or break who we are and how we live.What we choose to believe intrinsically determines whether or not we are able to stand strong in this life—during the... read more
Gigi Butler of Gigi’s Cupcakes shares her personal success story, her hard-won business acumen, and the life-changing inspiration that she’s gained from a challenging life. Each chapter includes a delicious dessert recipe for cupcakes and more!As a young child... read more
Miles McPherson, founder of The Rock Church in San Diego, speaks out about the pervasive racial divisions in today’s culture and argues that we must learn to see people not by the color of their skin, but as God sees them—humans created in the image of God.Mil... read more
Five Minutes of Peace

Freeman-Smith LLC

This year-long daily devotional—designed to strengthen your faith with Bible verses, brief messages, and thoughtful quotes—encourages you to carve out a few minutes of peace in the presence of God.“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to ... read more
A beautifully designed, 365-day devotional for busy women who want to make time for a few moments with God each day.Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10 Just a few quiet moments before your busy day begins can center your heart and thoughts on God. T... read more
Former secretary of education and New York Times bestselling author William Bennett blends his historical expertise with his gift for storytelling into a heartwarming book about the man who ultimately became known as Santa Claus.Beloved writer and speaker Will... read more

Kristen has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jeremy J.

Jeremy J.

Sep, 2025

Pinned
Kristen provided valuable feedback on my draft and sent all edits ahead of the deadline. She was very professional and flexible to work with, accommodating my requests.
Kristen O.
Thank you, Jeremy! It was lovely to work with you, and I really enjoyed diving into your manuscript.
Peter A.

Peter A.

Jan, 2025

Pinned
Kristen reviewed and helped me with my query letter. She provided both a high-level assessment of what needed to be done, specific comments of changes, and proposed edits for key points. She reviewed and commented on my revisions. I enjoyed my interactions with Kristen, learned from her comments,...
Read more
David G.

David G.

Jul, 2022

Pinned
I’m pretty new at all this so it is hard to establish or set expectations. I had to give high marks because I feel that Kristen so far has done a very thorough, professional and candid review of my writing. I also appreciate our being on a very similar page when it comes to the topic of the boo...
Read more

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