Holly Kuck

Holly Kuck – Editor

Tactful. Thorough. Quick. I have a meticulous eye in copyediting, proofreading, and formatting and love working in fiction. Plus, I'm nice!

Overview

My decade of experience spans many different types of projects from novels to picture books to cookbooks to biography, but I love working with YA and MG fiction and picture books, specifically.


My favorite genres to work with:

Romance

Fantasy

Adventure

Contemporary

Young Adult

Middle Grade

Picture Books


If your genre isn't listed, still send me a request! I love so many things. I am not the right fit for erotica, excessive violence, extreme language, or on-the-page sexual abuse.


I love helping creators get their product into the world. I have worked with authors in both the self and trad pub worlds, and watching a product become tangible is my favorite thing. I have worked in developmental editing and as a critique partner for writers. I enjoy face-to-face discussion about projects with clients to help with understanding of rules and can do so over zoom. Ultimately, I pride myself on my tact and ability to help authors understand needed changes without them feeling attacked.


I earned my bachelor's degree in English language (aka grammar) with a minor in editing, and I work in the Chicago Manual of Style. I have worked at Deseret Book and Shadow Mountain publishing houses as a proofreader (where I was nicknamed "Eagle Eye"), and I've worked freelance and contract for them and others.

Services
Fiction
Historical Romance Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Young Adult Fantasy
Non-Fiction
Parenting & Families
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • BA in English Language with minor in editing from Brigham Young University

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2024 — Present

We pride ourselves in our sharp eye and kind word. Writers who work with Holly Hawk will leave feeling confident in their newly polished product as well as in their personal writing craft.

Atlanta Relationship Institute

Feb, 2017 — May, 2019 (about 2 years)

I edited psychological evaluations written by therapists for clients. I ensured accuracy in grammar, punctuation, testing results, and other standard information as well as improved readability.

Deseret Book Publishers

Jun, 2011 — Jun, 2012 (about 1 year)

I worked on many projects and learned the ins and outs of the publishing industry. I started as an intern and was hired on as a full-time proofreader. When I moved from the state, I continued to edit for the company as a contracted editor.

Portfolio

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Lion House Cookies and Sweets

Temple Square Hospitality Corporation

Copy Editing
Proofreading
After Hello

Lisa Mangum

Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing

Holly has 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Carol B.

Carol B.

Oct, 2024

Holly was great at communicating and conveying questions and concerns. All of those led to a better synopsis. She responded quickly which I really appreciated. Her edits really made the piece. Thank you, Holly.
Holly K.
Thank you, Carol! It was a pleasure working with you. Good luck querying!
Christine B.

Christine B.

Oct, 2024

Holly is very thorough, she noticed several things in the text that my copy editor had missed, as well as many other things. I am grateful for her help and feel confident publishing my book after having it reviewed by her. This is my first time to ever publish a book and I appreciated Holly’s patience at explaining things to me, and working with me. I would definitely love to use Holly again as...
Read more
Holly K.
Thank you, Christine! I can't wait to see your book in print :)
Ella S.

Ella S.

Sep, 2024

Please see my other review
Ella S.

Ella S.

Sep, 2024

Please see my other review
Ella S.

Ella S.

Sep, 2024

I feel truly fortunate to have met Holly on this journey. She has worked closely with me on multiple projects. She is professional, reliable, very approachable, and extremely nice! Working with her has been a true pleasure- it feels like she is friend that I’ve known for a while. She is extremely supportive and really roots for her clients to succeed. She has taught me so much. I truly feel ble...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Holly and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Holly

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Katie Reed

Katie R.

Literary agent with 12+ years editing fiction for bestselling and debut authors. Specializing in women's fiction, romance, and fantasy.

Lewiston, ID, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Katie Wall

Katie W.

Book coach/developmental editor passionate about partnering with authors to shape compelling, character-driven stories. Honest yet kind.

Vancouver, WA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Chris Barton

Chris B.

I specialize in books for kids — fiction and nonfiction alike. You don't have to be Willie Nelson to get me involved, but it worked for him.

Austin, TX, USA

100% reply rate

View profile