Avalon Radys – Editor

"I know how to write news because journalism is my profession. I know how to write books because Avalon is my mentor. She's a reliable, dedicated, and passionate editor. Of all the people I worked with during the production of my first book, she's the one person I will contact again when I decide to write a second book." —Kris Millgate, award-winning outdoor journalist and author of My Place Among Men

I currently serve as Senior Editor at Sasquatch Books, an imprint of Blue Star Press, where I focus on acquiring and developing titles in health & wellness, parenting, creative how-to, and narrative nonfiction. I'm passionate about bringing diverse voices and fresh perspectives to readers across these categories.

Previously, I was the Director of Editorial and Publishing Operations at Inkshares, an award-winning independent book publisher. Inkshares books have received starred reviews in every major trade publication, inclusion in the Amazon top five, and features on the front page of every major newspaper including The New York Times. I've taken what I've learned in helping to build a publishing house from the ground up to enhance my role at Sasquatch Books and continue my work as a freelance editor, author coach, and publishing consultant.

I'm an experienced developmental and copy editor with an intuitive eye for enhancing an author's unique voice and cultivating a singular story experience. Developing a book is about making smart choices—page after page, draft after draft—and a diligent, discerning editorial lead is critical to your success. I work closely with fiction writers to develop a strong narrative structure, distinct setting, authentic characters, and flow-off-the-page writing. For nonfiction writers, I focus on developing clarity in your writing and ensuring that your manuscript offers as much value to your subject as possible.

I approach each manuscript with rigor, insight, and creativity. My goal is not only to help you craft a story that could break out in a saturated marketplace but to arm you with the skills to improve your writing and build a career in publishing great stories.

While many of my clients are traditional publishers or authors, a growing number of writers are hiring me to support them in self-publishing or in seeking representation. Whatever your goals, I will help you bring your story to its full potential while adhering to the highest standards of editing.

Let's work together to make your story the best it can be! Reach out to me for an editorial letter, substantive editing, copyediting, publishing advice, and more.