Rachel Oestreich

Rachel Oestreich – Editor

Editor, proofreader, and writing coach specializing in speculative fiction, including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and more.

Overview

I am a writer and freelance editor with a passion for speculative fiction: science fiction, horror, paranormal, fantasy, and more. If you have a short story or novel with magic and adventure (and characters who sometimes make bad choices), it’s the right manuscript for me. No matter the stage of editing, understanding the message at the core of the book is important so the prose itself can be shaped to point readers in that direction. I’ll connect with you to ensure your goals and your novel’s needs are met.


I have over 5 years of experience editing fiction, including experience with independent authors, small presses, and publishers like Orbit/Redhook, Sourcebooks, and Haymarket Books. I also have an MFA in fiction writing, and I’m a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). My flexibility and expertise keeps your editing costs low and your publishing goals front and center.


In addition to being a freelance editor, I am an adjunct English instructor at my local university and community college, teaching courses on rhetoric, composition, creative writing, and fairy tales. I love to write, read, crochet, and drink tea; and I spend a lot of time taking pictures of my cats, Genghis and Captain, and playing with my basset hound, Grimm.


Testimonials:


"Rachel is absolutely amazing to work with and is extremely meticulous in her work. She knows her craft well. Rachel pointed out things I never would have even thought of and provided valuable feedback on my manuscript. I would highly recommend her as an editor." - Christy Harrill, Fantasy Author


"Rae is a pleasure to work with! She became my editor partway through a series and has been very sweet and professional ever since. Her feedback is insightful and has made my books better every time, and her discussion calls after the edits always put my mind at ease. Thank you, Rae." - Sarina Langer, Dark Fantasy Author


"Rachel is an absolutely amazing editor! You can tell she puts a lot of thought into the projects she edits and she has a way of bringing the best out of your writing. She has an awesome personality and you can tell that she puts a lot of care into her work. My book is easily the best it has ever been due to her edits! 10 out of 10, definitely would recommend her for your project. I know I will be working with her again in the future!" Nicholas J Ripley, Grimdark Author

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Epic Fantasy Gaming & LitRPG Mystery & Crime Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera Urban Fantasy Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • EFA Membership

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present

-Perform coaching; developmental, line, and copy editing; and proofreading
-Use track changes, stamps, and comments in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat to document & communicated edits to clients
-Reference Chicago Manual of Style (17th Edition) and Merriam-Webster Dictionary, as well as manuscript-specific style guides
-Communicate directly with clients to negotiate contracts and answer questions
-Manage invoicing, finances, scheduling, social media, and other day-to-day administrative tasks

Orbit/Redhook

Oct, 2021 — Present

Providing fiction (fantasy/sci-fi) proofreading services for new and soon-to-be-released books by Orbit/Redhook.

Sourcebooks

Oct, 2021 — Present

Providing fiction (mystery, historical fiction) proofreading services for new and soon-to-be-released books by Sourcebooks.

Haymarket Books

Oct, 2021 — Present

Providing nonfiction proofreading services for new and soon-to-be-released books by Haymarket Books.

Dona Ana Community College

Aug, 2019 — Present

-Courses taught: Composition I, Writing in the Humanities and Social Sciences: The Rhetoric of Fairy Tales
-Teach and manage 2-3 semester-long courses of 20-24 students.
-Develop course syllabus and calendar, create and scaffold assignments, lecture and facilitate classroom discussion and achievement of course objectives, grade/assess student assignments and assign final grades.
-Maintain communications with students outside the classroom for purposes of conveying grades and course progress, assignment aid, absence management, arranging appointments, etc.
-Utilize Canvas software for online teaching, course organization, assignment submission, and grading.

Portfolio

A Winter for Doves Part II: Book 1 of Project Suncloud

Ripley, Nicholas J

Project Suncloud LLC

Copy Editing Proofreading
A Winter for Doves Part 1: Book I of Project Suncloud

Ripley, Nicholas J

Project Suncloud LLC

Copy Editing Proofreading
The Sum of Your Flesh

Lee, Beverley

Ink Raven Press

Copy Editing
A Dream of Stars and Curses (Chaos of Esta Anderson)

Langer, Sarina

Sparrow Books Publishing

Copy Editing
Blood Song (Blood Wisp)

Langer, Sarina

Sparrow Books Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
A Dream of Death and Magic (Chaos of Esta Anderson)

Langer, Sarina

Sparrow Books Publishing

Copy Editing
Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)

Johanson, Natalie

Tea and Dagger Publishing

Developmental Editing
These Gilded Bones May Bloom

Honer, C G

Lance & Letters Press LLC

Copy Editing
The Death Bringer (Blood Vier Book 3)

Harrill, Christy R.

Rose Hollow Press

Copy Editing
The King Slayer (Blood Vier Book 2)

Harrill , Christy R.

Rose Hollow Press

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Birthright of Scars: Rising

Brandt, Laurisa

Amber Gryphon Press

Copy Editing
Proofreading
The Stonebound Heir

Barnitz, L.A.

Little Hawk Books LLC

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Conquering the Darkness: The Darkness Trilogy - 3

Sanchez, Cassie

Silver Labs Press

Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Embracing the Darkness: The Darkness Trilogy - 2

Sanchez, Cassie

Silver Labs Press

Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
The Final Women

Aujla, Pardeep

Independently published

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Labyrinth Room

Griffith, Mareth

Copy Editing
Kaikeyi: A Novel

Patel, Vaishnavi

Proofreading
Hunger Pangs

Moses, Scott J.

Copy Editing
Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Chasing the Darkness

Sanchez, Cassie

Copy Editing
Proofreading

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