Avalon Radys

Avalon Radys – Editor

Book editor and author coach with 10+ years in publishing, turning debut novelists into award-winners. Memoir, lit fic, thriller, and more!

Overview

"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.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Literary Fiction Romantic Comedy Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Professional Sequence in Editing, UC Berkeley

Work experience

Inkshares

Mar, 2015 — Present

Lead editorial, design, production, and marketing teams to ensure timely delivery of top-quality books in print and digital formats with an eye toward sales materials and printer deadlines:

• Manage frontlist of 12-24 titles per year and a backlist of 120+
• Serve as developmental editor or copy editor on 2-4 manuscripts per season
• Manage project workflow from developmental editing of manuscript through proofreading and typesetting to final print and digital files.
• Edit and proofread galleys, printer proofs, and other materials/publicity materials, working collaboratively with editorial, design, and printing teams
• Onboard new authors and shepherd them through the book publishing process
• Maintain seasonal masterlists and communicate changes to distributor and sales
• Hire and evaluate freelance developmental editors, copy editors, proofreaders, and designers, overseeing freelance costs and workflow
• Maintain editorial style manuscripts, publicity, and company materials
• Coordinate creation, review, and distribution of seasonal tip sheets and participate in seasonal launch meetings
• Present seasonal catalogs and marketing/publicity updates to distributor and sales representatives

Umano

Feb, 2012 — Mar, 2015 (about 3 years)

Designed and managed editorial production system, growing audience from inception of platform to 2+ million users:
• Led daily content curation, commission and discovery, growing Umano’s library to over 50,000 articles
• Hired and managed teams of 80+ editors, writers, and voice talent
• Managed partnerships with leading publications, such as CNN, CNET, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Al Jazeera America
• Developed procedures and best practices for all customer support, social media channels and forums
• Launched Umano For Writers program, managing original content creation with 100+ writers

Avalon has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Emma M.

Emma M.

Dec, 2024

I only have great things to say about my experience with Avalon. She was incredibly professional, timely, and helpful. She provided constructive and specific feedback that I truly believe has helped me write a better book. After working through her suggestions, I sent out a few more queries. I got my first ever full request from the first post-edit query I sent out. Avalon went above and beyon...
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Frankie B.

Frankie B.

Oct, 2024

Happy with feedback given.
Kaileigh W.

Kaileigh W.

Apr, 2024

Avalon was amazing to work with she not only provided assets that I can use with my proofreader she went above and beyond the copy editing work we agreed to throughout our entire time together. She had an amazing way of writing in a similar tone to the work I had already created but 'elevated'. I hope we can work on projects together in the future.
Gail M.

Gail M.

Apr, 2024

Avalon Radys is the dynamic editor that I needed to elevate my novella several notches. She has provided insight, encouragement and direction. I'm still involved in the rewrites and will follow her lead to get to the place where I feel my book is ready to publish.
Waitlyn A.

Waitlyn A.

Jul, 2023

Avalon was a dream to work with! Every edit she made was exactly the type of edit I was looking for, she kept voice while creating structure and she prevented me from over-using words I never knew I over-used! I feel so much confidence publishing my book knowing that she combed through all of the details with intentionality. But really, she won my loyalty almost instantly (literally!) when I su...
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