Overview
Since 2014, I've volunteered as a Pitch Wars mentor, reading hundreds of submissions and mentoring writers, many of whom have gone on to secure literary agents and book deals. I currently serve on the Pitch Wars leadership committee. After spending a considerable amount of time in the query trenches and on submission, I understand how crucial it is to have a polished manuscript to snag an agent's attention.
I strive to highlight each story's unique qualities, and clients find my editing style supportive, insightful, honest, and detailed. My specialties include MG, YA, and romance, and my knowledge of those markets is especially strong. I also have experience working with diverse and LGBTQ+ fiction. I'm available for developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, editorial assessments, query critiques, and a number of other services — feel free to ask if you don't see the exact package you're looking for!
I'm the author of the YA novels YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE, OUR YEAR OF MAYBE, and TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW, all published by Simon & Schuster's Simon Pulse imprint. My first adult romantic comedy, THE EX TALK, will be published by Penguin Random House's Berkley imprint in 2021.
Whether you're preparing to query or seeking an editor for your independently published book, I'd love to help take your work to the next level!
"I've been lucky enough to receive feedback from Rachel on several projects at different stages. She has a fabulous eye for structural edits, character development, and heightening stakes. She is very communicative and a pleasure to work with." — Gloria Chao, author of AMERICAN PANDA and OUR WAYWARD FATE (Simon & Schuster)
"Rachel is a dedicated and thoughtful developmental editor who brings a vast array of wisdom about the landscape of the publishing industry to her work. Through her feedback on multiple manuscripts, Rachel has again and again brought a keen editorial eye and a knack for digging deep into the big picture to her work." — Kit Frick, author of SEE ALL THE STARS and ALL EYES ON US (Simon & Schuster)
"I had the absolute best experience working with Rachel. Her edit letters are comprehensive and detailed, her comments the perfect blend of critical and supportive. She’s the type of editor whose comments make you excited to dive in and tackle revisions. She truly got the heart of my story and knew what I was trying to do. Less than a month after Pitch Wars ended, I signed with my dream agent. I am a better writer for working with Rachel, and I cannot recommend her enough!" — Marisa Kanter, author of WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU (Simon & Schuster)
Services
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- 2019 Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book: YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE
- Winter 2018 Kids' Indie Next List Top 10: YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE
- Winter 2018 Indies Introduce Selection: YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE
- February 2019 Best New Paperbacks: YOU'LL MISS ME WHEN I'M GONE
- Winter 2019 Kids' Indie Next List: OUR YEAR OF MAYBE
Certifications
- BA in Journalism, University of Washington, 2011
- 5-year Pitch Wars mentor
Work experience
Author Accelerator
Worked one-on-one with writers to build their novels from the ground up. Guided them through various exercises inspired by Lisa Cron's STORY GENIUS, edited weekly submissions, and offered editorial insight. We worked together on outlines, character sketches, and scene cards to ensure writers felt confident to begin drafting.
Entangled Publishing
Read romance and YA manuscripts submitted to small publisher, wrote detailed reader reports outlining strengths and weaknesses.
Self-employed
Provide developmental edits, line edits, copy edits, and query assessments for numerous writers, including many repeat clients.
The Daily of the University of Washington
Worked as a copy editor for professional newspaper at the University of Washington. Circulation: 10,000.
Portfolio
Rachel has 7 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Sarah S.
Nov, 2020
Asher N.
Dec, 2019
Sarah A.
Oct, 2019
Sarah S.
Oct, 2019
Malulani M.
Sep, 2019
Sign up to read more reviews
Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Rachel and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.