Leslie Wilson

Leslie Wilson – Editor

Meticulous, tireless, caring copy editor and proofreader of nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, and inspirational texts of all genres/lengths.

Overview

Writers, I was born to refine, elevate, and make you feel great about your work! I have a combined seventeen years of experience in educational and nonfiction trade publishing, focusing on topics ranging from faith to nutrition to crisis management. To say I enjoy what I do would be a wild understatement; even as a child, I would delight in correcting errors I found in the stories I read at night.

If you've misspelled or misused a word, I'll fix it. Every time. If you've repeated a phrase on pages 13, 209, and 341, I will find it in each place and suggest something fresh. If you've been endlessly circling an idea and can't quite hone in on what you want to say, I will help you get clarity and choose the perfect phrasing. My edits are clean, precise, and always true to your purpose and your unique writer's voice.

I believe in supporting the creative in all of us, striving for perfection, and bringing a spirit of positivity and partnership to every project. Your dream--your manuscript--is every bit as important to me as it is to you.

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Health & Wellbeing Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-Employed

Oct, 2019 — Present
I edit, copy edit, and proofread children's fiction and nonfiction and evaluate full-length book projects. I also edit, copy edit, and proofread nonfiction and memoir manuscripts, streamlining phrasing and ideas, editing for style, nurturing writers, and making sure every page is clear, full of authentic voice, and free of errors. I've worked on books by neuroscientist Paul Zak, FEMA crisis manager and NATO representative Ed Conley, and Dr. Marc-David Munk.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Mar, 2017 — Oct, 2019 (over 2 years)
I sourced, wrote, and edited children's literature and nonfiction; and excerpted, proofread, and spec'd illustrations for pieces from popular and classic children's authors, including Stephen Krensky, Claire Llewellyn, Laurence Yep, Gary Paulson, Jacqueline Woodson, and Judy Blume.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Oct, 2011 — Mar, 2017 (over 5 years)
I excerpted, edited, copy edited, and proofread literary and genre fiction, poetry, and nonfiction for grades 3–8 reading anthologies; edited and proofread companion books; and ensured error-free layouts.

Harcourt School Publishers

Jul, 2006 — Oct, 2011 (about 5 years)
I assisted in all areas of book production, commissioned children's authors, edited and proofread from manuscript stage to final pages, and ensured alignment between visuals and text.

Portfolio

Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Teachings from the Gatekeeper: A Memoir and Journey into Parapsychology

Brimberg, Davis K

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Jaws Therapy: A Counselor's Insights on the Iconic Film

Pecosh LPC, Michael Kennedy

MacknRue Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Process: Six Mechanics of Achievement

Jani, Mitesh

Selfworth Media

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing

Leslie has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ben T.

Ben T.

Jul, 2026

Working with Leslie was one of the best decisions I made during the development of my first book, Signal Integrity. I hired Leslie to complete both the copy edit and the final proofread, and she exceeded my expectations at every stage. Leslie brought an extraordinary level of care and thoughtful...
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Daniel G.

Daniel G.

Jun, 2026

Leslie was great, did an excellent job during the copyedit and had a fine eye to make appropriate suggestions. Would recommend
Robyn H.

Robyn H.

May, 2026

Leslie took such great care of my book and was such a kind professional. I would love to work with her again in the future!
william J.

william J.

May, 2026

Leslie is the best! She polished my manuscript to my liking. She is kind, caring, and very professional. I would love to work with her again.
Stacey M.

Stacey M.

Jan, 2026

Leslie is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is thoughtful, thorough and I always feel that she has my back. It is a pleasure to know that I can count on a editor who genuinely cares about what I am doing and helps me to put my best work forward. Thank you Leslie!

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