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
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 22 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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!
Giovi Z.

Giovi Z.

Jan, 2026

I had a great experience working with Leslie, she was professional, organized, and collaborative. Her edits were clear and actionable, and she strengthened the writing without changing my voice. Communication was smooth, deadlines were met, and the manuscript came out noticeably better.
M J.

M J.

Nov, 2025

Leslie was very kind, thorough, responsive and willing to go above and beyond. She is clearly committed to her task and delivers quality as a result. Thank you for your help, Leslie!
Stacey M.

Stacey M.

Nov, 2025

Leslie was wonderful to work with. She was attentive, thorough and completely conscientious when editing my book. She kept my voice intact and explained her edits with great clarity and reason. I would highly recommend her to edit your next project.
Lakila B.

Lakila B.

Oct, 2025

Working with Leslie was one of the best parts of writing my manuscript. She understood how meaningful the work was and treated it with so much attention and care. I felt understood as a new author from the moment she responded to my request to proofread. She got the job done in great timing and g...
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