Reviews (19)

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Reviews (19)

Overview

I'm an editor with seven years of experience at a trade publisher. I've acquired and edited fiction and nonfiction, including literary and commercial fiction (thriller, women's, humor), narrative nonfiction (memoir, history), and self-help (psychology, parenting). I also work with poetry.

My interest and expertise is especially in diverse and underrepresented voices (such as POC, LGBTQIA+, and women writers) that tell a different story and challenge the status quo. It is a personal mission of mine, as a WOC and immigrant, to help elevate these voices and ensure their presence in the market. I am fascinated by stories that break boundaries in defiance of established power norms, and I take pride in doing my part to help "midwife" these books!

My past titles include THE GLOVEMAKER (historical fiction, 2020 WWA Spur Awards and AML Awards finalists), DEEPA'S SECRETS (cookbook, 2018 James Beard Book Awards winner), and THE EXPERIMENT OF THE TROPICS (poetry, 2020 Lambda Awards finalist). I've also worked on multiple projects with authors like Raymond Benson, author ofthe James Bond continuation novels, as well as Stephen Jones,horror and dark fantasy writer and editor of more than 140 books, including the Mammoth anthologies.

My favorite part about the job is collaborating with authors through a dynamic editing process to synthesize good edits with the authentic voice and story that is already there. My goal is to challenge authors (where they need to be challenged) and point them in the direction of possibilities they might have missed. I look for a responsive, mutually trusting relationship where everyone's opinions are respected and we are both invested in the direction the manuscript is going. In addition to developmental editing and copyediting services, I also offer diversity (aka sensitivity) reads.

“In my four decades as a published author, I have worked with many excellent editors. My three collaborations with Kim Lim were among the most rewarding. Her insight and professionalism no doubt made my books better. Even veteran writers can learn new tricks from a great editor, and Kim is one I can’t recommend highly enough.”

—Raymond Benson, author of THE SECRETS ON CHICORY LANE and the James Bond continuation novels

“In my thirty years in the publishing industry, Kimberley Lim has been once of the best editors I have ever worked with. Her creativity and attention to detail on a number of books we have worked on together has not only improved the work, but has also made me look better! It's not very often that you find someone who you instantly get on with and trust to suggest changes in your perceived-perfect project; however, I totally trust Kim, and would happily work with her any time.”

—Stephen Jones, award-winning horror and dark fantasy writer and editor of more than 140 books

"Near the end of the editing process, Kim highlighted a passage with a simple request to clarify. She had homed in on the one piece in my book where I was not completely honest with myself, the one remaining false note. This is the kind of careful insight a writer needs most. She approaches her work with a sense of purpose and respect, and—may I say it?—love. Kim was a champion of my idiosyncratic voice, and her keen attention was devoted to honing that voice until it shone. Because of her, I feel confident that my book is entering the world as its strongest self."

—Caitlin Myer, author of WIVING

Services

Developmental Editing

Languages

English (UK)

English (US)

Non-Fiction

Biographies & Memoirs

Cooking & Food Wine & Spirits

Self-help & Self-improvement

Fiction

Cultural & Ethnic

Literary Fiction

Thriller & Suspense

Women's Fiction

Editor

Skyhorse Publishing

July, 2013 – March, 2020 (over 6 years)

• Managed a list of 15 titles per season from submission to press: acquired and pitched fiction and nonfiction titles, negotiated contract terms, conducted sales/market research, copyedited manuscripts, wrote metadata and copy, shepherded projects through production, and oversaw design processes. • Assisted publishing veterans Herman Graf (of Carroll and Graf) and Jeannette Seaver (of Arcade) with their titles. • Conducted publicity campaigns for fiction and nonfiction through email blasts and mailings.

Managing Editor

Gaudy Boy

April, 2017 – Present (over 3 years)

• Oversee all processes for Gaudy Boy titles: negotiate contracts, edit and prepare manuscripts for production, shepherd passes between production editor and designer, write metadata and copy, manage printing platforms, serve as liaison for authors, organize publicity efforts. • Manage roles and duties of interns, assistant editor, and assistant publicity director. • Assisted publisher with setting up the press: developed our mission, determined press structure and production schedule, built writer and media contacts.

The Glovemaker: A Novel

Weisgarber, Ann

The Foley Artist: Stories

Siasoco, Ricco Villanueva

The Experiment of the Tropics: Poems

Ypil, Lawrence Lacambra

Autobiography of Horse: A Poem

Park, Jenifer Sang Eun

Malay Sketches: Stories

Sa'at, Alfian, Isa, Isrizal Mohamed

Professionalism

Professionalism

Quality

Quality

Value

Value

Communication & Punctuality

Communication & Punctuality

Kimberly was incredibly helpful and always expeditious. She is easily the most knowledgeable and insightful professional editor that I have encountered. I felt that she always understood my intentions in my novel and that her and I were always on the same page. I am fortunate to have worked with her!

Warren Woods, October 2020

Thank you so much, Warren! :) It was my pleasure to play a part and work with you on your manuscript. Wishing you the very best of luck!

Reply from Kimberley Lim

Kim is phenomenal! After interviewing a number of editors for the developmental edit of my book, she stood out the most. Her ability to listen and hear the message I was trying to convey was unmatched. She identified themes throughout the book that finally made a light bulb go off in my head about the global items I was trying to address which made discussing my book to potential readers easier...

Reggie Ford, October 2020

Thank you so much, Reggie! It was my honor to collaborate with you on such a personal and important project. :) Wishing you the very best in its publication!

Reply from Kimberley Lim

Kim is a highly skilled and patient editor who challenged me to develop my characters, storyline and perception of the main protagonist. My main character was complex and living in a complex society. Kim was able to understand these nuances and help me to create cohesion within the text so that it would be understandable to the reader. Kim's responses were prompt, her work was detailed and sh...

Jessica Tate, October 2020

Thank you for the lovely comments Jess! Likewise, it was so wonderful to work with you and get deep into the heads of each fascinating character. I'm excited to keep collaborating. :)

Reply from Kimberley Lim

Kimberly challenged me to look at some character issues and story lines that I believe will help shape my manuscript in a more positive way. She was very prompt and open to further discussion down the road.

Pete Panos, September 2020

Thank you, Pete! I'm so glad I've been able to help out with your manuscript. Yes, please reach out again if you need to discuss anything at all.

Reply from Kimberley Lim

Very professional and very understanding. She went over the top when it came to helping me with my manuscript. It was a joy working with her and look forward to doing it again.

Michael Chandler, September 2020

Thank you, Michael! It was my pleasure to collaborate with you on this--I look forward to the next step!

Reply from Kimberley Lim