Kristen Susienka

Kristen Susienka – Editor

Eagle-eyed romance, women's fiction, and YA editor with 15 years of experience. 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 Annie's Attic; Black & White Publishing in Edinburgh, Scotland; Cavendish Square Publishing; and as an intern at Penguin Random House (Berkley imprint). I'm most passionate about editing romances, romantasy, and romcoms. I've worked with celebrated and novice authors to develop their titles, many of which 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
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Masters in Publishing

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present
I offer developmental editing, manuscript assessment, and copyediting for self-publishing authors and businesses. I specialize in romance, romcoms, women's fiction, and YA.

Annie's Attic

Aug, 2021 — Jun, 2025 (almost 4 years)
I guided three 12-book series from initial outline to final publication, specializing in women's fiction. My main editing strengths are developmental editing, manuscript assessment, and copyediting.

Cavendish Square Publishing

Jan, 2014 — Mar, 2020 (about 6 years)
I edited 60+ children's nonfiction books per year for the K-12 market, specializing in manuscript assessment, copyediting, and developmental editing.

Black & White Publishing

Nov, 2011 — Nov, 2013 (about 2 years)
I read submissions, liaised with industry professionals including agents, cover designers, and and freelancers, organized internships, and edited a wide range of books, specializing in romance, YA, and football (soccer) autobiographies.

Penguin Group USA

Jun, 2010 — Aug, 2010 (2 months)
I assisted the assistant editor and VP of the Berkely imprint in manuscript assessment and proofreading of romance and women's fiction novels while learning about the ins and outs of the industry.

Portfolio

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Maggie in Paradise

Findlay, Nicole

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Let's Make a Deal: A Motorcycle Romance (Deadly Deals Book 1)

Bryan, Brandy

Red Margin House

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Marjorie Hart and the Tree of Life

Vink, Amanda

Kaledena Press, LLC

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Terror on the Trail (Hearts in Peril Book 11)

Vaughan, Virginia

Annie's Attic

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Trusting Blake

Estelle Maskame

Ink Road

Copy Editing Proofreading
Becoming Mila (The MILA Trilogy)

Estelle Maskame

Ink Road

Copy Editing Proofreading
Netherlands (Exploring World Cultures)

Mattern, Joanne

Cavendish Square

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Dare to Fall

Maskame, Estelle

Sourcebooks Fire

Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

Kristen has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Amanda S.

Amanda S.

Apr, 2026

Pinned
It was a pleasure to work with Kristen. She was very communicative and responsive to questions etc. Her edits were spot-on, and the notes she made really pushed my thinking and improved the final product.
Kristen S.
Thank you, Amanda! I loved working with you on MILES AND MILES. What a fun, engaging, and lyrical romance! I can't wait for everyone to read it. :)
Melissa A.

Melissa A.

Mar, 2026

Pinned
I’ve had so much fun collaborating with Kristen. Not only has she championed my novel as if it were her own, she’s also gone above and beyond to ensure it’s in the best possible shape for publication. Her feedback has been super helpful, and I’m already looking forward to working with her again i...
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Kristen S.
Thank you so much, Melissa. I can't wait to work with you again!
Brandy B.

Brandy B.

Jan, 2026

Pinned
Kristen was phenomenal to work with. She helped guide me through the process and never complained when I would ask additional questions. I look forward to working with her again.
Kristen S.
Thank you, Brandy! I loved working with you and can't wait for more adventures in publishing with you in the future.
Laura D.

Laura D.

Sep, 2026

Kristen did a wonderful job on my copy line edits. She was thorough in her style sheet and supportive of my work. I like that she also highlighted things I hadn't considered and was great at offering examples and suggestions for workarounds. Though she did have to push the completion date twice, ...
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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 fr...
Read more
Kristen S.
Thank you for this lovely review, Sharon! I look forward to working together again. :) -Kristen

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