Rachel Santino

Rachel Santino – Editor

I'm a copyeditor and proofreader based in California. I specialize in Western fiction and historical romance.

Overview

I am a seasoned editor of Western and historical fiction stories. I’ve worked with indie authors and traditional publishers (Kensington/Pinnacle, Wolfpack, and Roan & Weatherford/Hat Creek). I'm here to help authors bring their stories to life, highlighting a strong sense of place, vivid natural settings, and elements of adventure, clean romance, drama, faith, family, humor, mystery, and survival.

You'll find I am professional, diligent, and thorough. Always on time. Authors have said I am a gem to work with and that my edits, suggestions, and changes are well thought out and will bring your story to the next level.

Services
Fiction
Historical Fiction Historical Romance
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • General Proofreading: Theory and Practice (passing score of 93%)
  • Freelancers Union Badge
  • Associate Member of Western Writers of America
  • Member of Women Writing the West

Work experience

Roan & Weatherford Publishing, Hat Creek Imprint

Apr, 2024 — Present
I copyedit books for this traditional publisher in the Western and historical fiction genres.

Kensington Publishing

Oct, 2022 — Present
As a freelancer, I copyedit books for this traditional publisher in the Western fiction genre. Occasionally Amish romances.

Wolfpack Publishing

Feb, 2022 — Present
As a freelancer, I copyedit books for this traditional publisher in the Western fiction and Western romance genres. Occasionally Western mysteries.

Will Rogers Medallion Awards

Jan, 2022 — Dec, 2023 (almost 2 years)
I judged the Western Mystery category in 2022 and Western Romance category in 2023.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Comancheria (The Hollow Frontier Book 1)

Wortham, Reavis Z.

Hat Creek

Copy Editing
Vaquero Padre

Colt, Paul

Hat Creek

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Where the Crows Fly

Frame Gay, Sharon

Hat Creek

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Lucky Six: Illustrated

Cooper, Gordon

Preston Woods Publishing Company

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Calamity James

Johnstone, William W.

Pinnacle

Proofreading
The Best of Enemies

Johnstone, William W.

Pinnacle

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Nordic & Finn: A Classic Western Series

Brandvold, Peter

Wolfpack Publishing

Copy Editing
Branded Past: A Contemporary Western Thriller (Dark Range Book 4)

Samuelson-Brown, Randi A.

Wolfpack Publishing

Copy Editing
Hero Brothers: A Katy McKim Mystery

McAllister, Denise F.

CKN Christian Publishing

Copy Editing
Pegasus Flying: A Katy McKim Mystery

McAllister, Denise F.

CKN Christian Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Pride of Texas

Richards, Dusty

Hat Creek

Copy Editing
Enduring Promise (Promises)

Lane, Susanna

Hat Creek

Copy Editing
Hearts and Mountains: A Historical Western Romance

Eldridge, Lynn

Wolfpack Publishing

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
The Amish Quiltmaker's Uninvited Guest

Beckstrand , Jennifer

Zebra Books

Proofreading
Blood Bounty of the Mountain Man

Johnstone, William W.

Pinnacle

Copy Editing
We Lived It (70 Days Series)

Bachman, Kimberly Kaye

Independently published

Copy Editing
Draw A Hard Line: An E.J. Kane Mystery

Jimerson, Micheal E

Elwood Jimerson Farms L.L.C.

Copy Editing
Stalker or Saint: A Katy McKim Mystery

McAllister, Denise F.

CKN Christian Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Not My Home

Johnstone, William W.

Pinnacle

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
The Redemption of Mattie Silks

Burns, Kimberly

Thomas Bard Publishing LLC.

Copy Editing
Dude or Die

Downey, Lynn

Pronghorn Press

Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
To Face A Savage Winter (Savage Land)

Legg, John

Wolfpack Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Branded Graves: Dark Range Two

Samuelson-Brown, Randi A.

Wolfpack Publishing

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Two Sides of Truth: A Historical Romance Novel

Jones, K.S.

Wolfpack Publishing

Proofreading

Rachel has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Marcy W.

Marcy W.

Dec, 2025

Rachel was extremely helpful throughout the process. While on my end, I haven't been able to fully go through all her suggestions, she caught things other editors and readers had not. Will use her again.
Rachel S.
Thank you, Marcy! It was a thrill to work on your manuscript. I guarantee readers will love the story.
Cathy T.

Cathy T.

May, 2025

Rachel did a terrific job copyediting my very long first novel. Her work was very thorough and her attention to detail was amazing. She responded promptly to all messages. She even finished ahead of schedule. I highly recommend her!
Rachel S.
Thank you, Cathy. It was a pleasure working with you!

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