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, copyedit, and proofread children's fiction and nonfiction and evaluate full-length book projects. I also edit, copyedit, 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. Susan Boron.

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.

Leslie has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bronwyn B.

Bronwyn B.

Oct, 2024

If you have a chance to work with Leslie, don’t hesitate! She is the cream-of-the-crop - conscious, professional, and an absolute joy to work with! I could not be happier with everything she did to get my book edited and ready for the designer.
Mike P.

Mike P.

Sep, 2024

Leslie was an absolute joy to work with! She was unfailingly both professional and cheerful. I know that she made my book better with her keen eye and attention to detail--and she was such an amazing cheerleader when I needed one the most! Thank you, Leslie, for your many kind words and for your efforts to enhance my book. I am truly and deeply indebted to you.
Autumn N.

Autumn N.

Jun, 2024

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincerest gratitude for Leslie's exceptional work on editing my book. From the very beginning, it was evident that she fully grasped the essence of my writing style. Her keen understanding of my voice and tone translated seamlessly onto the pages, resulting in a final product that truly reflects my vision. Her attention to detail and dedication to preserv...
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Davis K B.

Davis K B.

Mar, 2024

Leslie did a spectacular job and was a total pleasure to work with. She was my copy editor and then, I hired her to do the final proofread. It was amazing what she caught prior to publication! I am so glad she did the final proofread. I highly recommend Leslie!
Monya Grace R.

Monya Grace R.

Mar, 2024

Leslie is exactly what I needed for my first non-fiction manuscript, she is helpful, kind, and encouraging with expert editing skills; she helped turn my manuscript into a beautiful piece of work. Also, Leslie possesses a very professional way of explaining the editing process, as well as, educating me on the various technologies we would be using. I feel a strong kinship towards Leslie and ...
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