Olivia Ngai

Olivia Ngai – Editor

Collaborative developmental editor with 10+ years of experience, specializing in comics/graphic novels, children's books, and memoirs.

Overview

As a book editor and voracious reader, I have over a decade's experience in publishing and not enough shelves for my personal library. My specialties lean toward comics/graphic novels, memoirs, and children's books.


For five years I was the editor at an independent press that published a wide range of books, from children's picture books to adult memoirs. I edited, copyedited, and proofread manuscripts, consulted on topics related to diversity and inclusion whenever applicable, and evaluated book proposals and submissions. I also helped launch a graphic novel program and edited books that have been recognized with an Eisner nomination and an Honorable Mention at the Publisher's Weekly US Book Show.


I am grateful to have had opportunities to work with both debut authors and seasoned pros. Whether my role in a project is as a developmental editor, copyeditor, or proofreader, my goal is to tell your story as effectively and honestly as possible. I understand how much time and effort goes into creating a work and always practice respect and sensitivity when collaborating with others.


If you're looking for a friendly editor with a great passion and a perfectly normal love for grammar, then I'd love to hear more about your project!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction Comics Non-Fiction
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2023 — Present

Worked with self-published authors as well as book publishers in various editorial roles, including developmental editing, art directing, copyediting, and proofreading.

West Margin Press

Jun, 2017 — Sep, 2022 (over 5 years)

Edited children's books, adult fiction, memoir, graphic novels, travel and history books, activity and crafts books, guided journals, and more. Managed the editorial calendar and coordinated with other departments as well as outside freelancers to keep books on schedule. Led acquisitions meetings and wrote book evaluations for submitted proposals.

Image Comics

Jun, 2016 — Dec, 2016 (6 months)

Copyedited and proofread single issues, trades and hardcovers, press releases, monthly magazines, and other printed material for the publisher.

Zest Books

Sep, 2014 — Jun, 2016 (over 1 year)

Assisted the editor in evaluating book submissions, scouting talent for acquisitions, writing tip sheets, copyediting and proofreading manuscripts, and other various tasks.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
A Fade of Light

Fakes, Nate

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
A Visit to Moscow

Olswanger, Anna

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Space Story

Ostby, Fiona

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

Olivia has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lubna K.

Lubna K.

Jan, 2024

Always great working with Olivia. She's very responsive, meets deadlines, and her quality of work and feedback has always exceeded my expectations. Thank you Olivia!
Camila V.

Camila V.

Dec, 2023

Olivia is awesome! She conducted an editorial assessment for a manuscript I am working on. The project setup was very easy, and she was both responsive and kind. The delivery was excellent; Olivia provided everything before the due date and delivered a report that exceeded my expectations. She asked key questions, and identified some blind spots, all while offering a lot of encouragement. I wou...
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Randall S.

Randall S.

Jul, 2023

Olivia's assessment was far more thorough than I was expecting and her suggestions were astute and comprehensive, again, more than expected. She provided professional analysis that not only made the story tighter and more compelling but in a way that was very edifying and not at all pedantic. She clearly takes great joy and pride in working in collaboration with the writer and wants their book ...
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Aurea C.

Aurea C.

Jun, 2023

Olivia did a great job, sensitive to all our style criteria, and always responded quickly. Highly recommend.
Judy Q.

Judy Q.

May, 2023

Olivia made excellent suggestions and challenged me to think about some aspects of my work. My writing is now better because of Olivia!

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