Lisa Gilliam

Lisa Gilliam – Editor

Fiction editor and proofreader with experience in mystery, science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal, YA, thriller, romance, and more.

Overview

Hiring a fiction editor can be a little overwhelming, so my goal is to make the process of working with an editor as comfortable as possible for you.


You want someone with experience in your genre, someone who will preserve your voice and your story, and someone who is skilled and trustworthy. I can provide you with all of those things, as well as offer a learning experience that will improve your writing as your career progresses. I specialize in copyediting and proofreading. While I’m not a developmental editor, part of my service includes basic fact-checking and pointing out inconsistencies in plot and character.


I have over a decade of experience in editing and proofreading. After editing in the corporate sector for seven years, I made the switch to fiction in 2015. Since then, regular clients include publishers (Kensington Books, Pegasus Books, Hachette UK, Podium, Severn River) and indie/self-published authors. To date (2024), I have worked on more than 400 books.


Through various courses, I’ve continued to strengthen my editing skills and add to my qualifications. From the Publishing Training Centre, I’ve earned an Essential Grammar certificate and a Distinction in Proofreading (PTC’s highest score). I’ve also earned a Poynter ACES Introductory Certificate in Editing, scoring 100% on the grammar assessment.


I've attended the Writers' Police Academy twice (in 2017 and 2018), where I took various courses taught by law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, and scientists that help with realism and fact-checking in stories that involve law enforcement or weapons (I even took a class on how to kill people with insects!)


I'm happy to work with both indie authors and publishers. I’m a huge fan of indie books, and there’s nothing like the collaborative effort of working with an indie author to bring a new book to its readers. My schedule is usually booked a few months out, but I’m always available to take on new clients. I’d love to be part of your team.


** I am currently booking for JANUARY 2025 and later. **


** A note on AI: Your manuscript will be edited by a human. I never use AI assistance (like ChatGPT, ProWritingAid, Grammarly, etc.) on clients’ manuscripts. **

______________________________


"Having worked with Lisa G—— for a number of years, I can confidently state that she has consistently produced stellar editing. Ms. G —— has proved herself to be an asset when working with some of Kensington Publishing Corp.'s top acquisition editors. She has more than earned her status as a vital member of my team."


—Renee Rocco, Managing Director, Lyrical Press (Kensington Books)

Services
Fiction
Dystopian Epic Fantasy Horror Mystery & Crime Post-Apocalyptic Psychological Thriller Urban Fantasy Young Adult
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Publishing Training Centre - Passed with Distinction in Proofreading
  • Publishing Training Centre - Certificate in Essential Grammar
  • Professional Member - CIEP
  • Poynter ACES Introductory Certificate in Editing

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2015 — Present

Edited or proofread 400+ manuscripts (100+ for publishers, 125+ for editing services, and 175+ for independent authors).

Severn River Publishing

Nov, 2023 — Present

Podium Entertainment

Sep, 2023 — Present

Pegasus Books (NY)

Apr, 2021 — Present

Have edited or proofread 20+ manuscripts as assigned by managing editor.

Enchanted Ink Publishing

May, 2020 — Present

Have edited or proofread 90+ manuscripts as assigned by business owner.

Kensington Publishing

Jul, 2017 — Present

Edited or proofread 50+ manuscripts for Kensington under their Pinnacle, Zebra, and Lyrical Press imprints as assigned by managing director.

Pikko's House Editing Services

Jun, 2017 — Present

Proofread 50+ manuscripts as assigned by business owner.

Booktrope Publishing

Feb, 2015 — May, 2016 (about 1 year)

Edited or proofread 25+ manuscripts before business closed in 2016.

Portfolio

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Taken (Deep Ops)

Rebecca Zanetti

"Fans of J. D. Robb and Karen Robards will love Zanetti's series start." -Booklist on Hidden Hunter Holt might be the most stubborn ex-soldier ever born, but when he's called on to help find a... read more
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
The Exorcism of Miller's Crossing

Clark, David

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Song of the Dryad

Leigh, Natalia

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Former U.S. Army investigator Mason Collins grapples with a web of lies, secrets, and murder as he races against time to save the lives of abducted teenagers in a case as twisted as the street... read more
Copy Editing
The past is never truly buried… Generations of Jillian Cley’s family have been tasked with a strange duty—tending the burial plot of Gabriel Vane, whose body was the first to be interred in th... read more
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Birthday Girl

Wolf, Niko

Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Leaning On Water

Joan June Chen

Winner of the 13th Annual National Indie Excellence Award in Science Fiction! A talented young cadea pilot.A mysterious Bionic.A dark past that threatens the future...LIVINTHEA PARK has the Ma... read more
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Wyrd Gods (Timelessness Book 1)

Imaginário, Susana

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The end is nigh, and there is one small group willing to put their bodies in front of the insane.Sometimes, it isn't good people doing bad things but rather bad people without a conscience mak... read more
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
A Charleston belle with slavery on her conscience. A slave with rebellion in her heart. In South Carolina in 1858, no friendship could be more dangerous.Caro Jarvie’s father, who owns her, lov... read more
Proofreading
A romantic comedy from a bestselling author where frosting will never be the same. I'm a hopeless romantic who thought the wedding dress draped over my shoulder was going to be the start of my... read more
Copy Editing
After dealing what she hopes is a major blow to the enemy, Avery Rendon has found her way home to Asria. Safe for now, she spends her time adjusting to her new role in her planet’s future and ... read more
Proofreading

Lisa has 85 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Richard E.

Richard E.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
Lisa has been my copyeditor for two novels and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. Her mastery of grammar is beyond belief. If you ever question one of her suggestions, she’ll recite specific rules that support her recommendation. She also has an excellent eye for spelling and fact checking. Plus she provides a detailed style sheet which is invaluable for a novel series. She al...
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Charlotte Z.

Charlotte Z.

Nov, 2023

Pinned
Lisa Gilliam made our first time working with a professional editor an easy, engaging, and rewarding experience. Her communication was clear, open, and thorough throughout. Lisa laid out an extensive and precise brief of what we could expect from her at the start and delivered on every one of them. Having completed over ten drafts of our novel, running the chapters through every spelling and gr...
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Joe L.

Joe L.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
This is my first time working with Lisa but certainly not the last. She came in to the team batting cleanup, that is, the proofreading leg of the race. But as the anchor she was wonderful in identifying, correcting, and modernizing my grammar in my fourth novel. For example, Lisa identified that Wright Patterson Air Force Base, was actually spelled Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, according to...
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Brian F.

Brian F.

Nov, 2024

I was extremely happy with the work Lisa did on The Larpers’ Last Stand. I recommend her highly.
Deborah M.

Deborah M.

Nov, 2024

Lisa is thorough and clear, and she has excellent attention to detail. She is flexible and friendly. I would be happy to work with her again.

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