Rachel Moulton

Rachel Moulton – Editor

I am a writer, a life-long educator, and an editor who works to help other writers find their voice.

Overview


I am a writer and an educator, and I have spent most of my career helping writers of all ages find their voice. The majority of my work has been in educational institutions where I've taught writing, been the primary mentor for literary magazines, and served on the board of writers' workshops. Additionally, I've worked with a number of published authors. In 2018, I turned my entire focus to editing, working also as a writing coach to individuals looking for motivation and inspiration. I have found that the greatest joy is seeing a book evolve, helping the writer grow through the process.

The bulk of my experience has been in helping writers find their voice. Shaping that voice is a journey that I am always honored to be asked to join. The trimming of text to focus on pace and strength of voice is one of my great joys, as is working on dialogue that is too bulky. Digging into the true meaning of a story and helping what is already on the page shine is a phenomenal experience.

“Rachel has saved my manuscripts time and again with her reliably insightful edits. I love her gentle but direct way of pointing out places to upgrade. I can rely on her to find pacing problems and let me see where my characters are not fully realized. Every writer needs a Rachel in their corner. If you’re neck-deep in a manuscript, whether early draft or final revision, I highly recommend her services.”— MARY CARROLL MOORE, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF YOUR BOOK STARTS HERE, QUALITIES OF LIGHT, AND OTHER BOOKS

“I am grateful to have had Rachel’s keen eye on my manuscripts before I’ve sent them on to agents and editors. She is a wonder at finding the issues and missed opportunities in a story that I can no longer see myself. She is incredibly specific and honest, but delivers the feedback in a way that always leaves me jazzed with the possibilities for revision.”— KATRINA KITTLE, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS, THE BLESSINGS OF THE ANIMALS, AND OTHER BOOKS

“I write primarily short stories and Rachel is an ideal editor for me, with great insights and comments to increase the depth of my characters and the storyline, as well as pace and rhythm of action. She astutely reminds me not to fall in love with certain words and phrases that are, or border on, the cliche. Rachel is a joy to work with.”— AV GORDON, FICTION WRITER

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Nature
Fiction
Coming of Age Dystopian Horror Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller Short Story
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • MFA in Creative Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2018 — Present

I earned my B.A. from Antioch College and my M.F.A from Emerson College. My work has appeared in Beacon Street Review, Bellowing Ark, Chicago Quarterly Review, Cream City Review, Bryant Literary Review, Narrative, New Ohio Review, Southwest Review, and the Button Eye Review. Additionally, I have published nonfiction with Literary Hub. My debut novel—TINFOIL BUTTERFLY—was long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and nominated for both a Shirley Jackson Award and a Bram Stoker. My second novel was released in 2023 by MCDxFSG--THE INSATIABLE VOLT SISTERS.

Self-employed

Jun, 2018 — Present

I work with emerging and established authors to strengthen their books. Additionally, I help motivate writers, working with them to begin projects as well as see those same projects to completion. As a former Director of Communications, I enjoy crafting book synopses and query letters.

Narrative Magazine

May, 2009 — Present

I helped to establish the content of the magazine by reading and evaluating short stories, essays, and novel excerpts.

Antioch Review

Jan, 2003 — Dec, 2007 (almost 5 years)

Worked with editor to establish fiction content.

Antioch College

Sep, 2002 — Aug, 2004 (almost 2 years)

Edited biannual publications and the annual gift roster, worked on the website, fostered special projects, and acted as primary media contact.

Portfolio

What Kind of Mother: A Novel

Clay McLeod Chapman

Editorial Assessment
Seven Sunsets

Belle, Catti-Ann

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Pax Americana

Parker, Chris

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Raven Creek

Pautz, Therese

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
"Looking Back on AD 2048": Hailey's World

Bryant, Rob

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Project Hope

Purcell, David L.

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Adventures with the Holy Spirit: A Journey with RUACH

Durban, Dcn Charles Louis

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Tree of Sighs

Lucrecia Guerrero

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Bringing up the Bones

Zeises, Lara M.

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Reasons to Be Happy

Kittle, Katrina

Editorial Assessment
Tinfoil Butterfly: A Novel

Moulton, Rachel Eve

Rachel has 80 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

David S.

David S.

Mar, 2024

My biggest worry when working with a new editor is the fear they won’t “get it”. Yeah, they can red-pen it for technical issues like grammatical errors and syntax arrangement; they can help correct a variety of structural inconsistencies, but will they understand what I’m trying to do? While they be able to feel the pulse of my novel and find the rhythm? Well, the day I got my first editorial a...
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Rachel M.
This is so kind. Thank you for taking the time to write this, and thank you for trusting me with your work. I hope to work with you again.
Joe G.

Joe G.

Mar, 2024

Very helpful, good feedback and response time!
Mercy K.

Mercy K.

Mar, 2024

Rachel provided what i needed at the stage of my project: guidance, insight into how to build out my story and editing available chapters. I would like to work her to complete my project.
Dennis S.

Dennis S.

Mar, 2024

Rachel was very professional, friendly, and patient, and did a remarkable job editing my manuscript and offering valuable suggestions to improve the quality. I anticipate using Rachel's services in the future!
Rachel M.
I'd love to work with you again, Dennis. It was a joy.
Toni T.

Toni T.

Feb, 2024

Rachel was a delight to work with. As an inexperienced writer, I know I’m not up to speed on how things are done, but she was very good at helping me to understand things. She also easily accepted when she removed a phrase or sentence, and I then re-inserted it explaining why I wanted it in. I found her reliable, and I’d use her again (look out Rachel)!

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