Rachel Oestreich, Editor in Albuquerque, NM, USA

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

Copy Editing

Proofreading

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

Owner/Editor

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

Independent Contractor

Orbit/Redhook

Oct, 2021 — Present

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

Independent Contractor

Sourcebooks

Oct, 2021 — Present

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

Independent Contractor

Haymarket Books

Oct, 2021 — Present

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

Adjunct Instructor

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.