Lucia Ferrara

Lucia Ferrara – Editor

Freelance editor with over 20 years of experience in print and digital publishing. Worked at Scholastic Canada and Pearson Education.

Overview

Editor of Scales of Ash & Smoke, 2021 BIBA Fantasy Winner.

Editor of Scales of Ice & Shadow, 2022 BIBA Dragon Fantasy Winner.


My publishing experiences include editing fiction and non-fiction texts, educational publishing, production editing, and editorial project management. I currently work with a wide range of genres and reading levels, such as Young Adult/YA (including fantasy and sci-fi), Middle Grade, Adult Fiction (including crime and dystopian), and Children’s Books (picture and educational books).


I’ve been on both sides of the freelancing fence: as a production editor it was part of my job to hire editors and review their work; now I’m working as a freelance editor myself. This experience has given me a thorough understanding of the process, including the importance of clear communication between authors and editors.

I look forward to meeting you!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Dystopian Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Urban Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Proofreading (Editors' Association of Canada)
  • Copy Editing (Editors' Association of Canada)
  • Introduction to the Production Process (Editors' Association of Canada)

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present

• Copy editing, proofreading (general proofreading, line-to-line checking/matching, checking corrections from editors and designers), and production editing.
• Demonstrate creative and analytical adaptability to successfully edit books in a variety of genres, including children's books, YA fiction, and adult fiction.
• Services include:
- Editorial project management
- Copy editing
- Proofreading
- Ebooks
- Audio books

Pearson Canada

Jun, 2016 — Mar, 2020 (over 3 years)

• Liaised with authors and editors to create lasting professional relationships. Coordinated the delivery of all materials and information between authors, editors, and designers, and tracked all editorial passes for reviewers, including educators and field experts.
• Functioned as copy editor and proofreader, delivering detailed notes for the developmental editors.
• Hired and managed a team of freelance developmental editors, ensuring their content and work process complied with the publisher’s editorial standards.
• Created audio manuscripts for epubs and proof-listened to audio recordings for accuracy.
• Checked and approved pre-flight PDFs for print production specialists.
• Updated the company’s in-house style, including manuscript templates and guidelines, for maximum work efficiency.
• Designed and maintained a production schedule for authors, editors, and designers. Kept managing editors and publishers updated on project progress and general editorial issues.

Scholastic Canada

Sep, 1998 — Apr, 2016 (over 17 years)

• Collaborated with editors and designers to solve manuscript and page layout issues.
• Approved texts from the copy edit stage to production. Coordinated with production specialist, checked, and approved/signed-off on printer’s proofs.
• Managed the reprint production process and materials.
• Copy edit and proofread student and teacher materials and managed a team of freelance editors and their work.
• Prepared print materials for digital/e-book editions. Reviewed scripts for audiobooks and audio files for quality control.
• Adapted fiction and nonfiction texts from other English-speaking countries, including student books, specifically for a Canadian audience and specific age demographics.
• Managed library/stock of the printed material and assigned ISBNs for the new product.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Secret sources have a whole new meaning. Newbie reporter Rita Larose is tired of getting assigned boring stories at one of Montreal's most popular newspapers. It's 1930 after all, women don't ... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Ember and Twine

Prokopovits, Eliza

The Mighty Ven Devar

Foote, Quinton A.

The Trianid

Mollova, Anne

Shadow of the Crown

Shaver, Jesse

The Wickham Bell

Davy, Chris

Spark

Stephen, Alison Holly

A young Canadian soldier’s account of the battle of Ortona, Italy!Seventeen-year-old Paul Baldassara lies about his age to enlist in the Canadian Army. He joins the Loyal Edmonton regiment, which is tasked with taking Italy’s port town of Ortona. Little does h... read more
A new year, a new controversy and another way to make Kennedy mad . . .Arthur A. Bean is back! With Robbie in another city (thank goodness for texting) and Kennedy as his co-editor of the school newspaper, Arthur s final year at Terry Fox Jr. High is off to a ... read more
Scales of Ash & Smoke

Schneider, Emily

Lucia has 57 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Amy P.

Amy P.

Jan, 2024

I always love working with Lucia! She keeps in touch often and updates you as the project goes and she is thorough. I will definitely be working with her again on future projects.
Lucia F.
Thanks, Amy! Your books are always so much fun to work on. :-)
Bali E.

Bali E.

Jan, 2024

Lucia went above and beyond in her duties as an editor. She was meticulous all throughout the manuscript. I am so glad I went with her! A true professional and a pleasure to work with.
Lucia F.
Thank you, Bali, for your kind words! It was a pleasure to work with you as well.
Nimo M.

Nimo M.

Oct, 2023

I enjoyed working Lucia and she always exceeds my exceptions. I will highly recommend Lucia to anyone who needs her services. She is exceptional and is professional with heart. Thank you Lucia
Nimo M.

Nimo M.

Oct, 2023

I enjoyed working with Lucia. She is through, kind and competent. I will say a professional with heart. She always exceeds my expectations. I will highly recommend Lucia to anyone who needs her services. Thank you Lucia
Lucia F.
That is a lovely thing to say. Thank you, Nimo.
Michael P.

Michael P.

Sep, 2023

Lucia is the absolute best. Sure, she is a very competent, experienced, and detail-oriented editor. But she is so much more than that. She is dedicated to the success of those fortunate enough to have her professional support. She unselfishly offers her valued insights, going above and beyond any expectations. As I have done several times in the past, I would rely on her expertise first and for...
Read more
Lucia F.
Thank you, Michael!

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