Libby Sternberg - Editor
I've edited for Harlequin for ten years, as a line (developmental) and copy editor. I help authors' prose sing, especially in romance.
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
For over a decade, I've been involved in the publishing business, first as an author, and for the past ten years as an editor. I regularly edit for a Big Five publisher (copy and developmental edits) and for individual authors on a freelance basis. I've edited everything from Christian fiction (I'm familiar with CBA guidelines) to steamy romance, literary fiction, mystery, paranormals, and YA. My goal as an editor is to help authors' voices sing, leading them to clearer and more compelling storytelling.
Testimonial
“I highly recommend Libby Sternberg’s editorial services. I’ve worked with more than a dozen different editors over my twenty-six year publishing career in romantic fiction, and Libby is one of the best I’ve used. Some editors try and put their own stamp on you or change your writing style. Libby’s edits are detailed and hit all the important elements without taking away from my own voice or the story I was trying to tell. It added to the quality of the work and caught issues I’d overlooked. She is also fast, accurate, and is willing to give a thorough explanation of anything you don’t understand.” — Day Leclaire, USA TODAY bestselling author of sixty-plus novels and eleven-time RITA nominee.
Languages
English (US)
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Romance
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Awards
- Edgar finalist
- Quarter Finalist, 2019 BookLife Prize, mystery
Work experience
Copy and developmental editor
Self-employed
January, 2010
–
Present
(about 13 years)
For nearly ten years, I've provided freelance editorial services, first as a copy editor, now as a line editor, to HarperCollins, mostly for their Harlequin imprints. I've worked primarily on romance novels, running the gamut from sweet inspirationals to steamy tales of love and adventure. Some editors have requested me specifically to work on manuscripts, and I occasionally have been assigned young adult works, upmarket women's fiction, and literary mystery, as well.
Portfolio (10 selected works)
Call Your Daughter Home: A Novel
Deb Spera
A stunning tour de force following three fierce, unforgettable Southern women in the years leading up to the Great DepressionIt’s 1924 South Carolina and the region is still recovering from the infamous boll weevil infestation that devastated the land and the economy. Gertrude, a mother of four, must make an unconscionable decision to save her daughters from starvation or die at the hands of a... read more
Ginny Moon: A Novel
Benjamin Ludwig
“Ginny Moon is a brilliant debut... I was unable to put the book down…. This novel has all the elements for critical and popular success!” —Graeme Simsion, New York Times bestselling author of The Rosie ProjectSee the world differently.Meet Ginny Moon. She’s mostly your average teenager—she plays flute in the high school band, has weekly basketball practice, and reads Robert Frost poems in Eng... read more
The One: A Novel
John Marrs
A Wall Street Journal Best Science Fiction Book of 2018“Just try to put this gripping thriller down once you pick it up.” —AARP“A shock on every other page.” —Wall Street JournalHow far would you go to find The One?A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner—the one you’re genetically made for.That’s the promise made by Match ... read more
Pale as Death (Krewe of Hunters Book 25)
Heather Graham
From the dark depths of Hollywood’s pastThe crime scene is horrific: the corpse of a young actress, drained of blood and cut in two. LAPD Detective Sophie Manning’s new case is high-profile and difficult—there’s no evidence to work with. And it’s a disturbing echo of the infamous Black Dahlia killing. Sophie is burning the candle at both ends, desperate to catch the murderer before he strikes ... read more
The Woman in the Lake
Nicola Cornick
From the bestselling author of House of Shadows and The Phantom Tree comes a spellbinding tale of jealousy, greed, plotting and revenge—part history, part mystery—for fans of Kate Morton, Susanna Kearsley and Barbara ErskineLondon, 1765Lady Isabella Gerard, a respectable member of Georgian society, orders her maid to take her new golden gown and destroy it, its shimmering beauty tainted by the... read more
The Iron Flower (The Black Witch Chronicles Book 2)
Laurie Forest
Dark forces are on the rise in this sweeping sequel to The Black Witch by critically acclaimed author Laurie Forest.Elloren Gardner and her friends were only seeking to right a few wrongs when they rescued a Selkie and freed a military dragon. The last thing they expected was to be thrust into a realm-wide underground resistance against Gardnerian conquest.While the Resistance struggles to fig... read more
Echoes of Evil (Krewe of Hunters Book 26)
Heather Graham
Something lurks beneath the surface…Brodie McFadden is supposed to be on vacation, getting some sunshine and deciding if he wants to join his brothers in the Krewe of Hunters, a special paranormal investigation unit of the FBI. But a diving excursion with an old navy buddy to a historic shipwreck uncovers a crime scene—and the corpse is new.Museum curator Dakota “Kody” McCoy just wants her Key... read more
Crown of Coral and Pearl
Mara Rutherford
For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine… Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But... read more
Second Chance Love (Love Inspired Historical)
Shannon Farrington
His Brother's Intended Bride David Wainwright is not one to shirk his duty, and helping his late brother's grieving betrothed is no exception. He'll offer Elizabeth Martin comfort and support—he'll even help her find a job. But most important, he'll continue to hide his true feelings…that he's always cherished his brother's almost-bride. Elizabeth needs to be strong for the sake of her family.... read more
Full Force (Declan's Defenders Book 3)
Elle James
She saw something she shouldn’t have…Now they want her dead.Ever since she left the foreign embassy where she was working, translator Emily Chastain has been targeted by someone who wants to silence her permanently. Fearing for her life, Emily contacts Declan’s Defenders and is placed under former marine Mustang Ford’s protection. If only she could figure out why someone is trying to kill her—... read more
Libby has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Libby was amazing and so easy to work with! I can't wait to work with her again!
Asanti East, December 2019
Reply from Libby Sternberg
I had a great experience working with Libby. She’s a great listener, has good ideas, very responsive, and pleasant. With the ability to make suggestions without denying the author’s voice - I appreciate her experience and encouragement through every step of the process. I highly recommend her services for your next project.
Michele Olson, November 2019
Reply from Libby Sternberg
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Laura McFarlane
Experienced editor and proofreader of historical, literary and crime fiction.
London
Melinda Crouchley
An experienced and enthusiastic editor of YA, Dystopia, Speculative, and Science fiction.
Portland, OR, USA
