Holly Kuck

Holly Kuck – Editor

Tactful. Thorough. Quick. I have a meticulous eye in copyediting and proofreading, and I *love* YA, MG, and picture books. Oh, and 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

Made with Reedsy
The Making of Lady Catherine de Bourgh

Badgett, Paige

Paige Badgett

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Tide-Tossed: A Tale of Two Oysters

Stars, Ella

Independently published

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Book Coaching
Doug Dug

Blackmore, Cayleen

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Pingo and the Playground Bully

Brandon Mull

Proofreading
Savoring the Seasons with Our Best Bites

Wells, Sara

Copy Editing
Tres Leches Cupcakes (Culinary Mysteries Book 8)

Kilpack, Josi S.

Proofreading
The Void of Mist and Thunder (4) (The 13th Reality)

Dashner, James

Proofreading
Arcade Catastrophe (2) (The Candy Shop War)

Mull, Brandon

Proofreading
Edenbrooke (Proper Romance)

Julianne Donaldson

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Sepharia, Land of Sun and Sand (Aken and Min Adventures)

Penner, Edward

Zimdrol Publications Inc.

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Canned Food Mystery

Brown, Christine

Nibbley Wiggily & Baxter Publishing

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Wild Island: An Adventure at Isle Royale National Park

Phillippi, Tracy

Loon Call Publishing LLC

Copy Editing
Not the Right Baby

Blackmore, Cayleen

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
The First Day the Snow Fell

Blackmore, Cayleen

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Some Babies Are Adopted

Cindy Walker

Developmental Editing
Lion House Cookies and Sweets

Temple Square Hospitality Corporation

Copy Editing
Adventurers Wanted, Book 3: Albrek's Tomb (Adventurers Wanted, 3)

M. L. Forman

Proofreading
After Hello

Lisa Mangum

Proofreading
Janitors, Book 2: Secrets of New Forest Academy (Janitors, 2)

Tyler Whitesides

Proofreading
The Christmas Train: A True Story

Monson, Thomas S.

Copy Editing
Mommy's Twin Helpers

Walker, Cindy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery

Josi S. Kilpack

Copy Editing

Holly has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Emily R.

Emily R.

May, 2025

Great and super helpful! Would most definitely recommend and use again!
Holly K.
Thanks, Emily! It was great to work with you. I can't wait to watch your publishing journey move forward!
gary C.

gary C.

Feb, 2025

Holly communicated with me on numerous occasions. He edit suggestions were very helpful. She was prompt with her responses.
Holly K.
Thanks, Gary!
Paige B.

Paige B.

Feb, 2025

Holly is the consummate professional. She was communicative, thoughtful, and easy to work with. I am thankful we were able to connect through Reedsy and work together. Should I write another book in the future, I will certainly reach back out to Holly about proofreading again.
Holly K.
Thank you! I would love to work with you again!
Carol B.

Carol B.

Feb, 2025

Holly did a wonderful job for me. She helped polish my query letter as well as my synopsis. She did so well, I hired her to do an edit on my mss. Her comments were all helpful and on point. Once I have revised to her suggestions, I will ask her to take another look. She is friendly and personable...
Read more
Holly K.
Oh, thank you so much, Carol! I can't wait to work with you again :)
Ella S.

Ella S.

Jan, 2025

Holly is amazing! It is truly an honor to work with her!
Holly K.
Thanks, Ella! I love working with you and your awesome projects!

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