Kristen Susienka

Kristen Susienka – Editor

Eagle-eyed romance, women's fiction, and YA editor with 10+ 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

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
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
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 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 fr...
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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 su...
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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

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