Kristen Weber

Kristen Weber – Editor

Former Big 5 editor. Most manuscript are close. I push them to publishable.

Overview

Most writers I work with are close. They have the idea, the voice, even beautiful writing. But something isn’t landing yet.

That’s where I come in.

I’m a former Big 5 editor with 20+ years of experience, now working directly with writers to shape manuscripts into books that can compete in today’s market. Because I read like an acquiring editor, I’m not just asking, “Is this good?” I’m asking: does it work all the way through, and will readers stay with it?

I read your full manuscript and leave detailed, in-manuscript notes focused on story structure, pacing, character development, and where the reader starts to drift (and how to fix it). You’ll use my notes as a roadmap for revision.

Then I read your revision and go deeper, with more line-level feedback.

I’m not a copy editor. I’m here for the story. This is about making your book work—not just making it cleaner.

I work with both traditional and indie authors, and I take both paths seriously.

If you’re querying, I’ll help you get your manuscript and materials to a level that stands out.

If you’re publishing independently, I’ll help you shape a book that holds its own in the market—because readers don’t care how you publish. They only want a book they can't put down.

My rate is $30 per 1,000 words for a full developmental edit, including a second read after your revision and guidance on your publishing path—traditional or indie. My goal is to help you get your manuscript where it needs to be, whatever that looks like for you.

If you’ve been working on your manuscript and something still isn’t clicking—you’re probably closer than you think.

That’s exactly where I do my best work.

I typically book out 1–2 months in advance, but my schedule is flexible. If I feel like a fit, reach out!

“I’ve known Kristen for years . She has a keen editorial eye and really knows what it takes to make a book a success, as evidenced by the vast number of award-winning projects she has edited. There’s no question I would recommend Kristen to anyone seeking the best in editorial guidance.”

— Jessica Faust, Literary Agent, Bookends, LLC

“Kristen is an incredibly sharp, kind, and enthusiastic editor. She helped me get my debut thriller in shape, after which I landed an agent and sold my novel. Without hesitation, I highly recommend her editorial services and plan to work with her again.”

— Sagit Schwartz, author of SINCE SHE’S BEEN GONE

Now, let's get you published!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Legal Thriller Medical Thriller Psychological Thriller Romantic Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Master's in Publishing, Pace University

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2009 — Present

New American Library, Penguin Random House

Sep, 2006 — May, 2009 (over 2 years)
I worked as a senior editor for Penguin’s New American Library (NAL), where I helped launch Obsidian, their dedicated mystery imprint. Besides running the day-to-day operations of Obsidian, I edited approximately one hundred original titles across all genres. I was also in charge of NAL’s movie/television tie-in program and edited numerous original novels based on TV programs such as Burn Notice, The Unit, Criminal Minds, and Psych.

Mysterious Press, Warner Books

Aug, 2000 — Sep, 2006 (about 6 years)
I began my career in the subsidiary rights department of what is now Hachette Book Group, but quickly switched to the editorial side, eventually overseeing Grand Central Publishing’s legendary Mysterious Press. There, I worked with many amazing authors, including such luminaries as M. C. Beaton, Lindsey Davis, Margaret Maron, and Marcia Muller.

Portfolio

The Underdog

Schwartz, Sagit

Jagged Edge Press

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Love, Lacey Donovan (Blue Ridge Book Club 1)

Brashear, Jill

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Bitter Past: A Mystery

Borgos, Bruce

Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Poison Wood: A Novel

Moorhead, Jennifer

Thomas & Mercer

Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing
Killer Story

Witten, Matt

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Now I See You

Work, Shannon

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Developmental Editing
Mad Dog House

Mark Rubinstein

Roddy Dolan, a successful suburban surgeon, long ago left behind his past--one that nearly landed him in jail at 17. When he's approached by an old friend about becoming a silent partner in a ... read more
Developmental Editing
After losing her mother to cancer, Sally Solari quits her job as an attorney to help her dad run his old-style Italian eatery in Santa Cruz, California. But managing the front of the house is ... read more
Developmental Editing
Savannah is considered a Southern treasure, a city of beauty with a rich, colorful past. Some might even call it magical…To the uninitiated, Savannah shows only her bright face and genteel man... read more
Developmental Editing
Go Down Hard

Craig Faustus Buck

Sex, Thugs, and Rock-n-Roll The wild, daring, sexy and outrageously original crime novel from Macavity Award winner and two-time Anthony Award nominee Craig Faustus Buck. Nob Brown is a divorc... read more
Developmental Editing
Book expert Brooklyn Wainwright discovers that murder is always a bestseller in the first novel in the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series.Brooklyn Wainwright is a skilled su... read more
Developmental Editing
*DOWNLOAD 4 FREE ebooks TODAY* and start 4 of Melissa Foster's bestselling series FREE: Lovers at Heart - Sisters in Love - Game of Love - Seaside DreamsVoted BEST BOOK SERIES by Supportive Bu... read more
Developmental Editing
Blood Orchids

Toby Neal

Hawaii is palm trees, black sand and blue water-but for policewoman Lei Texeira, there's a dark side to paradise. Lei has overcome a scarred past to make a life for herself as a cop in the sle... read more
Developmental Editing
“A page-turner! Smart, fast-paced and surprising.” – Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mary Higgins Clark Award-Winner, Author of Say No MoreFreshly minted college graduate Maggie O’Malley embarks on a car... read more
Developmental Editing
An Innocent Client was a top 100 book in the Kindle Store for all of 2016. The novel has been translated into 10 languages. Joe Dillard is an Amazon two million copy bestselling series. A prea... read more
Developmental Editing
USA TODAY BESTSELLER and AGATHA AWARD WINNER“Imaginative, empathetic, genuine, and fun, Lowcountry Boil is a lowcountry delight.” - Carolyn Hart, Author of What the Cat SawPrivate Investigator... read more
Developmental Editing
Swerve

Vicki Pettersson

The New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose “skill at capturing emotion in lyrical passages sets her head and shoulders above her peers” (Publishers Weekly) dives head first into... read more
Developmental Editing

Kristen has 24 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Scott M.

Scott M.

May, 2026

Kristen was a delight to work with. Professional and insightful. I appreciate how she brought her unique perspective to the project. Five stars!
Travis K.

Travis K.

Mar, 2026

Kristen is a tremendous help to me as I work on my first novel. Kristen is extremely responsive. Her big picture memo provided a clear roadmap on how to elevate the draft. For example, Kristen provided specific suggestions on how to increase the pacing in the initial chapters. She also provided...
Read more
Philip K.

Philip K.

May, 2024

Kristen was a pleasure to work with. She is responsive, pleasant, thoughtful and has a light touch. Her suggestions made sense and seemed to be right on. I recommend her.
Scott M.

Scott M.

Aug, 2023

Kristen gave me much needed guidance on how to improve my pacing with well thought-out and descriptive ideas and suggestions. Thank you so much!
larry C.

larry C.

Aug, 2023

Excellent feedback and help!!

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