Lisa Gilliam - Editor
Fiction editor and proofreader with experience in mystery, science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, YA, thriller, romance, and more.
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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, Charlie's Port, Dragon Moon Press, Booktrope) and indie/self-published authors. To date (2021), I have worked on more than 200 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 Certificate in Editing from Poynter University in association with ACES, 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.
** PLEASE NOTE: My current schedule is full, and I'm now booking for JUNE 2022. **
—Testimonials—
"Having worked with Lisa Gilliam for a number of years, I can confidently state that she has consistently produced stellar editing. Ms. Gilliam 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)
"In every way, you gave us more than we expected. Your attention to detail and your obvious desire to make our book the best it can be was evident from our first contact. We are proud to call you a member of our team!"
—LT Anderson
“Lisa is a consummate professional with a keen eye for detail. Though I redrafted my manuscript numerous times with a fine-toothed comb, Lisa managed to find errors and plot holes I overlooked. I wouldn’t trust anybody else with my work, and neither should you.”
—Dean Kinne
“I had a wonderful experience with Lisa’s editing. She is meticulous and gave some great guidance. I highly recommend her.”
—J.T. Patten
"You are an amazing editor, and without you my words would be full of nonsense. Thank you for believing in me, and my work. I absolutely love working with you and feel honored to have you as a part of my team. I look forward to many more novels that will have your touch to them."
—A.M. Willard
"Lisa thank you so much for polishing this book and making it shine. The book has improved so much because of you."
—Michelle McLoughney
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, Charlie's Port, Dragon Moon Press, Booktrope) and indie/self-published authors. To date (2021), I have worked on more than 200 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 Certificate in Editing from Poynter University in association with ACES, 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.
** PLEASE NOTE: My current schedule is full, and I'm now booking for JUNE 2022. **
—Testimonials—
"Having worked with Lisa Gilliam for a number of years, I can confidently state that she has consistently produced stellar editing. Ms. Gilliam 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)
"In every way, you gave us more than we expected. Your attention to detail and your obvious desire to make our book the best it can be was evident from our first contact. We are proud to call you a member of our team!"
—LT Anderson
“Lisa is a consummate professional with a keen eye for detail. Though I redrafted my manuscript numerous times with a fine-toothed comb, Lisa managed to find errors and plot holes I overlooked. I wouldn’t trust anybody else with my work, and neither should you.”
—Dean Kinne
“I had a wonderful experience with Lisa’s editing. She is meticulous and gave some great guidance. I highly recommend her.”
—J.T. Patten
"You are an amazing editor, and without you my words would be full of nonsense. Thank you for believing in me, and my work. I absolutely love working with you and feel honored to have you as a part of my team. I look forward to many more novels that will have your touch to them."
—A.M. Willard
"Lisa thank you so much for polishing this book and making it shine. The book has improved so much because of you."
—Michelle McLoughney
Services
Languages
English (CAN)
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Dystopian
Horror
Mystery & Crime
Post-Apocalyptic
Psychological Thriller
Technothriller
Urban Fantasy
Young Adult
Certifications
- ACES/Poynter - Certificate in Editing
- Publishing Training Centre - Passed with Distinction in Proofreading
- Publishing Training Centre - Certificate in Essential Grammar
- Professional Member - CIEP
Work experience
Editor
Self-employed
February, 2015
–
Present
(almost 7 years)
• Edited or proofread 200+ manuscripts (60+ for publishers and 150+ for independent authors)
Copyeditor and Proofreader
Kensington Publishing
July, 2017
–
Present
(over 4 years)
• Edited or proofread 30+ manuscripts for Lyrical Press and Zebra imprints as assigned by managing director
Proofreader
Pikko's House Editing Services
June, 2017
–
Present
(over 4 years)
• Proofread 40+ manuscripts as assigned by business owner
Editor and Proofreader
Booktrope Publishing
February, 2015
–
May, 2016
(about 1 year)
• Edited or proofread 25+ manuscripts before business closed in 2016
Portfolio (19 selected works)
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 lost foster kid, he jumps into action. Even if it means working with the woman who broke his heart five years ago--the woman who still haunts his dreams . . . Faye Smith has spent five long years trying ... read more
Ascension: Age Of Expansion - A Kurtherian Gambit Series (The Ascension Myth Book 12)
Ell Leigh Clarke, Michael Anderle
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 making decisions for the rest.Decisions that Molly has been fighting for years.This time, sacrifices will be made, and friends will line up shoulder to shoulder to stand against those who use fear to sway th... read more
Bones of the Innocent: A Mason Collins Crime Thriller 3
John A. Connell
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 streets of Tangier’s medina.After Mason busted up a powerful crime ring in occupied Germany, a shadowy organization has put a contract out on his life. He thought he’d eluded the assassins, but in a plaza in Ma... read more
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU CAN’T PROVE ANYTHING?In the far south a young girl goes missing, lost without trace in the wilderness beyond her remote family cottage. A year later her father disappears in the exact same place . . .Then nothing. At all. Eventually the years grow over the grief. The decades wear away the questions, life flows past the forgotten tragedy. Until Finn moves into the abando... read more
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 Mark of Dresden mutation, only she doesn't know about it.When a tragic accident exposes this hidden secret, her life as Galactic's top pilot quickly unravels. The Bionics barge in and stake their claim, whi... read more
Witness Betrayed (A Will Novak Novel)
Linda Ladd
NO FRIENDS Mardi Gras whips New Orleans’ French Quarter into a whirlpool of excess, color, booze, noise, motion. So the woman in the sights of Will Novak’s binoculars stands out. She’s bruised, barefoot, wearing a man’s raincoat. And she’s looking right at him. NO FAITH In a moment she’s fleeing into the crowd, but Novak knows she’s not gone for good. When she comes back, it’s with a gun to hi... read more
A Lady's Escape (Everton Domestic Society)
A.S. Fenichel
The perfect match may be closer than they imagine . . . Despite her disastrous London debut, Millicent Edgebrook has proven skilled at securing matches—for every young lady but herself. Resigned to spinsterhood, and eager to gain independence from her lovable but eccentric uncle, Millie joins the Everton Domestic Society. Her first assignment: find a bride for Preston Knowles, Duke of Middleto... read more
The Courage of a Cowboy (Elk Heights Ranch)
Kristin Vayden
Nothing like a wedding to get a girl dreaming of happily-ever-after . . . Kessed Ling’s best friend’s big day is finally here. It’s especially exciting because it’s Kessed’s chance to show her childhood crush she’s not just a young bridesmaid, she’s a full-grown woman—with red hot desires. But when her long-awaited prey barely blinks an eye at her, Kessed retreats right back into her deeply gu... read more
Navy SEAL Odin Byrne believes in two things, the SEAL code of honor and the ability of his Team. When he loses one of his brothers-in-arms, he loses a part of himself. Starting afresh with his Team and back home in Boston, Odin has only one focus, his uncle Declan’s security and detective agency, ‘The Gods of Wrath.’ A new team member is the last thing Odin wants, especially an ex-con who is h... read more
Unbroken Fire (Asrian Skies Book 2)
Anne Wheeler
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 reveling in personal victories. But Asria is still under the control of the Haederan Empire, and their grip has only tightened since the invasion. When the Asrian prime minister asks her to beg the Common... read more
Frosted Sweets (A Taste of Love Series Book 1)
A.M. Willard
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 future... What I didn't expect was to meet Jayden in the park before witnessing my fiance with someone other than myself. As my life seems to be fitting in with the latest gossip magazine, I'm trying to ... read more
JACK MURPHY WON’T BACK DOWN The headlines scream the ghastly news of an abandoned truck filled with murdered immigrants. Detective Jack Murphy and his partner Liddell Blanchard are on the case. They’ve got a lone survivor, rumors of a witness, and the feds getting in their way. Jack’s gut tells him there’s a connection with a local killing—and the bloodshed is far from over. He’s going up agai... read more
Charleston's Daughter (The Low Country Series Book 1)
Sabra Waldfogel
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, loves her and educates her. He raises her for a life she can never have—as a wealthy planter’s daughter. When he dies, he can’t protect her, and she is cast back into slavery. But she can’t forget her father... read more
When Hunter Meets Seeker: (An Arcane Society Novel)
Betty Shreffler
Trained by the Arcane Society to fulfill her legacy as an Arcane Hunter, Anya Carlisle knows nothing but the loneliness that comes with being a hunter. One evening, in a place she never should've been, throws Anya into the heated snare of Dex Grigori. She should've seen him as the enemy, but instead her body longs for his touch in ways she's never experienced. From the first moment Dex sets ey... read more
Shadow Dancer (The Shadow Series Book 1)
A.C. Williams
Some secrets should just stay buried. On the day Tristan Morrow is born her mother goes missing, prompting an investigation that produces no solid leads. Fast forward 15 years, and the Morrow family still doesn’t know the truth behind Catherine Morrow’s disappearance. When 15 year old Tristan is required to write a biography on her mother for a school assignment, she learns the truth about her... read more
“J.T. Patten’s Buried in Black takes readers deep into the shadows with an explosive narrative that could only have been written by a man who has been there himself. Buried in Black delivers on action, intrigue, and excitement!” —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Agent in Place THE MAN FROM ORANGE Intelligence and counterterrorist expert J.T. Patten uncovers the ultra top-s... read more
End of Day (A Hode's Hill Novel Book 2)
Mae Clair
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 the Hode’s Hill cemetery. Jillian faithfully continues the long-standing tradition—until one October night, Vane’s body is stolen from its resting place. Is it a Halloween prank? Or something more sinister?... read more
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress (A Resale Boutique Mystery Book 1)
Debra Sennefelder
Every woman would kill for one . . . Manhattan fashionista Kelly Quinn thought she’d left her upstate New York town far behind . . . until the Seventh Avenue expat returns home to revamp her grandmother’s consignment shop into an upscale boutique—and unwittingly sets a trend for murder . . . After her rising career as a Manhattan buyer is derailed, Kelly has mixed feelings about relocating bac... read more
Lisa has 40 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Lisa is an exceptional editor who has an eye for detail. WONDERFUL. Simply wonderful.
Joe Solomon, January 2022
Easy to work with and completed the project within the agreed upon timeframe. Great attention to detail. I would definitely seek out Lisa to work with in the future.
AnnMarie Caplan, January 2022
I've worked with 6-7 editors in my time, and I can absolutely say that Lisa is fantastic to work with. Knowledgable, thoughtful, easy-going, and quick to respond. HIGHLY recommend her.
Imogen Keeper, December 2021
Professional, patient and competent as always, it was a pleasure to work with Lisa again.
Susana Imaginário, October 2021
Lisa is thorough and highly professional. Even more than a great copy editor, I felt that Lisa was an advocate in my corner as a writer who cared about the quality of my manuscript as much as I did.
J.L. Hancock, September 2021
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Caroline Orr
A flexible, thorough editor with an eye for detail and consistency. I make sure that the little things don't distract from the big things.
Durham, United Kingdom
Bryan Thomas Schmidt
Hugo nominated and national bestselling author and editor of 19 anthologies, and over 200 novels—let’s make a great story together!
Ottawa, KS, USA
