Kristen Susienka

Kristen Susienka – Editor

Eagle-eyed romance, YA, and fantasy editor with over 10 years of experience. I'm ready to help you on your publishing journey. Let's talk!

Overview

I'm a writer and editor with an extensive publishing background, having worked at publishing houses such as Black & White Publishing in Edinburgh, Scotland; Cavendish Square Publishing; and as an intern at Penguin Group USA. I'm most passionate about editing and writing works of fiction and narrative nonfiction. I've worked with acclaimed authors such as Daniela Sacerdoti, Tony Black, and Estelle Maskame to develop their bestselling titles that have touched millions of hearts around the world.

I work closely with authors throughout their publishing journey, ensuring their manuscript is the best version it can be before debuting to the reading world. This means I might focus on an author's narrative voice, character development, dialogue, or plot, encouraging these areas to improve and resonate with readers. In every project, I devote myself fully, loving the story nearly as much as the author themselves. I believe in the stories I edit and work hard to make sure readers fall in love with them.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Paranormal Romance Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Masters in Publishing

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present

• Reviews and edits manuscripts from self-published or first-time authors in romance, YA, historical fiction, and fantasy genres.
• Guides authors through the editing process — from first draft to query letter.
• Proofreads and formats manuscripts before publication.
• Provides publishing consultation services.
• Writes and edits for clients in the health and wellness industry.

Cavendish Square Publishing

Jan, 2014 — Mar, 2020 (about 6 years)

• Edited 60+ children's educational books per year for K–12 age groups. Subjects include: English, science, history, and fiction.
• Coordinated and enlisted freelance editors and authors.
• Generated new series ideas each season, some of which have had success, such as Life As and Designing Engineering Solutions.
• Enlisted new authors and guided them through the publishing process.
• Assisted editorial director in managing 150+ titles each season.

Black & White Publishing

Nov, 2011 — Nov, 2013 (about 2 years)

• Edited 50+ titles per year in Young Adult fiction, women's fiction, sports, biography, and creative nonfiction. Some books edited: Tiny Acts of Love by Lucy Lawrie, The Sarah Midnight Trilogy by Daniela Sacerdoti, His Father's Son by Tony Black, Take Me Home by Daniela Sacerdoti, All Because of Henry by Nuala Gardner, Lullaby Girl by Aly Sidgwick
• Read submissions.
• Wrote back cover and website copy for specific titles.

Penguin Group USA

Jun, 2010 — Aug, 2010 (2 months)

• Read submissions from the submission pile.
• Assisted associate editor for Berkley Books in author management.
• Attended weekly meetings with the vice president of Berkley Books.

Kristen has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Sharon D.

Sharon D.

Jan, 2021

I really enjoyed working with Kristen. I found her suggestions to be very helpful. Her feedback helped me see things that I had overlooked when writing the story. I plan to continue to work with her in the future. She is prompt and friendly when responding to emails, and she does not shy away from questions and comments about the work. I recommend her to anyone who's looking for a long-term ed...
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Kristen S.
Thank you for this lovely review, Sharon! I look forward to working together again. :) -Kristen
Stacey K.

Stacey K.

Nov, 2020

Kristen was fabulous to work with. She was quick to respond, professional and friendly in each communication. Kristen was patient and took her time to explain the process as well as details at each step. This was perfect for me as a new author. In the end I had a final, polished manuscript for submission! I will definitely work with her again!
Kristen S.
Thank you, Stacey! I very much enjoyed working with you and helping your novel come to life. I would love to work together again. :) -Kristen