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.
Services
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Romance
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
- Edgar finalist
- Quarter Finalist, 2019 BookLife Prize, mystery
Work experience
Self-employed
Jan, 2010 —
Present
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
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’... read more
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 t... read more
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... read more
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 o... read more
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 t... read more
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 ... read more
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 ... read more
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 qui... read more
“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 m... read more
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 ... read more
Libby has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Asanti E.
Dec, 2019
Michele O.
Nov, 2019
