Stephanie Carbajal

Stephanie Carbajal – Editor

Thoughtful, detail-oriented editor with more than 10 years of experience in the publishing industry, specializing in nonfiction.

Overview

Making books is my passion. But when I'm not at my desk, I can usually be found reading, trying out a new recipe, and hiking with my husband and our rescue pup. Or, quite possibly, rearranging my bookshelves in order to make room for more treasures.

I am an experienced editor and writer with more than a decade of publishing experience. I specialize in lifestyle categories, including: art, craft & DIY; adult activity and illustrated nonfiction; children’s activity and illustrated nonfiction; self-help; food; and gift products.

I firmly believe that everyone has a unique voice, and that my job as your editor is to help you make your manuscript the best version of YOU. I approach every project with the goal of thorough and thoughtful editing, while retaining your unique voice and character.
Services
Non-Fiction
Art Biographies & Memoirs Calendars Children’s Non-Fiction Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits DIY & Crafts History Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2015 — Present

I provide a variety of creative and editorial services to publishers and organizations in the lifestyle industry, with specialties in art, craft & DIY, adult illustrated nonfiction, juvenile activity and illustrated nonfiction, gift, and food:

- Creative direction, content development, and book project management

- Copyediting, substantive editing, proofreading, and fact-checking

- Copywriting and creative nonfiction

Clients include: Blue Star Press, Paige Tate & Co., Chronicle Books, Walter Foster Publishing, becker&mayer!, Quarry Books, Rockport Publishers, Orange Circle Studio, and Red Line Editorial

The Quarto Group

Jul, 2015 — Present

Acquire and develop art & craft titles. Analyze subject areas, markets, and consumer trends in key categories. Review unsolicited manuscripts and book proposals for possible publication.

Hire and liaise with authors and artists to see projects through from concept to completion. Work closely with authors to shape content, style, and approach of each book.

Evaluate manuscripts and artwork or photography for quality, voice, consistency, and market appropriateness. Edit and prepare manuscripts to transmit project materials for design and production.

The Quarto Group

Nov, 2011 — Jul, 2015 (over 3 years)

I started as an associate editor and was quickly promoted to senior editor. I managed editorial schedules and book process for the for adult list, from concept to publication. I also hired artists and writers and directed content for 15+ titles annually. Other responsibilities included proofreading, copyediting, approving all editorial routes and files from the printers, and writing marketing copy. I also collaborated with the creative team to generate new product ideas and conducted acquisition research.

Plural Publishing, Inc.

Jun, 2007 — Oct, 2011 (over 4 years)

I worked my way up from editorial assistant to assistant editor to editor in less than five years. As editor, I oversaw the editorial department and project managed 30+ titles annually. I also acquired new titles under the direction of the CEO, reviewed unsolicited manuscripts and proposals, and presented titles for consideration in monthly acquisition meetings.

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Organize your life, family, and home using the essential tools, charts, and checklists in this beautiful linen-cover home organization planner! Professional organizer and YouTube sensation Nik... read more
Developmental Editing
In 2017, world-class ultrarunner Hillary Allen was at the top of her sport--and it felt like she was running on top of the world as she competed in Norway's Tromsø Skyrace. Allen was nearly ha... read more
Developmental Editing
Learn the rules, traditions, and customs of table setting and entertaining, and how to incorporate principles of bohemian design.The Modern Bohemian Table teaches you how to: • Build an heirlo... read more
Developmental Editing
Get a feel for your art--literally! 101 Textures in Colored Pencil teaches you every technique you’ll need to give your colored-pencil drawings realistic, palpable texture. There has never bee... read more
Developmental Editing
This vibrant and entrancing book invites readers on a journey around the world. Artist and globetrotter Shirin Sahba celebrates the diversity of people, places, and traditions, and revels in t... read more
Copy Editing
With more than 50 tips, techniques, and lessons for creating beautiful illuminated letters and sophisticated lettering projects, The Joy of Lettering takes hand lettering to a whole new level.... read more
Developmental Editing
In 101 Mixed Media Techniques, artists of all backgrounds and skill levels will learn and explore fun, cutting-edge techniques in the exceedingly popular genre of mixed media art. Mixed media enthusiasts will enjoy learning the essential concepts for creating ... read more
The Modern series from Walter Foster Publishing offers a fun, fresh approach to working with traditional art media. This isn’t a dry instruction manual; it’s a contemporary guide filled with instruction, encouragement, and tips.Modern Drawing shows artists, il... read more
Travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs with History Uncovered: Dinosaurs! Learn about different time periods, including Jurassic and Cretaceous, and the most exciting dinosaurs that lived during each one, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, Tricerat... read more
Doodling for Cat People is designed to appeal to seasoned artists and doodle enthusiasts alike. Packed with more than 50 fun and inspirational prompts, doodling exercises, and feline-related factoids, professional illustrator Gemma Correll sparks the imaginati... read more
Twenty-nineteen is bound to start of right with all your big plans neatly organized in Orange Circle's leatheresque monthly planner. This luxurious foil stamped planner is lightly padded and covered in a silky soft-leather-like material and features month-per-... read more
Hidden agendas: bad. Leatheresque hidden spiral agendas: fabulous! Orange Circle's versatile 7.5" x 9.25" agenda is cleverly constructed with a concealed spiral binding tucked inside hard covers wrapped in a luxurious metallic leather-like material embellished... read more
Line drawing utilizes both fine and bold lines to create sophisticated artwork that can stand alone or be incorporated into patterns, logos, stationery, branding, journals, scrapbooks, and more. Art Starts with a Line is approachable for artists of any skill l... read more
From beautifully dynamic leaves, flowers, and trees to simple geometric shapes and patterns, Modern Watercolor provides a colorful and fun approach to working with watercolor. It’s time to get your feet wet with watercolors! This dynamic and inspirational guid... read more
Draw and paint beautiful, vibrant, and realistic birds and botanicals with The Art of Botanical & Bird Illustration. Take a sketch and transform it into fine art!The Art of Botanical & Bird Illustration is a guide for contemporary artists aspiring to master sh... read more
Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist shows you how to combine your love of art with your faith! Engaging prompts, exercises, and lettering techniques will ignite your imagination. When faith and art intersect, pure magic happens. Faith Journaling for the I... read more
In Dan Zanes' House Party!, the Grammy Award-winning children's artist presents a huge collection of folk songs along with inspiration to start your own family band. Too often, new parents eager to share their love of music with their young children feel their... read more
In Handbuilt, A Potter's Guide, pottery expert Melissa Weiss shows you the basics of crafting without a wheel, how to harvest and work wild clay, and using natural glazes. Handbuilt pottery is the perfect way for new potters to dive into this unique medium bec... read more
The Vault of Frankenstein traces the incredible history of how the nameless abomination in Shelley's classic novel became a pop culture icon. Beginning with the story of how Mary Shelley first conceived of the novel (on a stormy night on the shores of Lake Gen... read more
The Big Book of Art: Draw! Paint! Create! provides a comprehensive, colorful, and creative guide for using a range of kid-friendly art tools--from crayons and colored pencils to markers and paint. Within each chapter, young artists are guided through the artis... read more
This elegant bind-up of three collectible books by Velma Maia Thomas—Lest We Forget, Freedom’s Children, and We Shall Not Be Moved—offers an intimate look at black history in America through the lens of a passionate historian committed to preserving these impo... read more
In an age of obsessive productivity and stress, this illustrated ode to idleness invites readers to explore the pleasures and possibilities of slowing down. Beloved author and illustrator Roman Muradov weaves together the words and stories of artists, writers,... read more
Color is all around us, from the joyful red of a hand-pulled wagon to the steely blue of a city skyscraper. This innovative guided journal from artist Leah Rosenberg invites readers to appreciate the world's myriad hues as they hunt for more than 100 unique sh... read more
Creative Lettering and Beyond combines the artistic talents, inspirational tips, and tutorials of four professional hand letterers and calligraphers for a dynamic and interactive learning experience. After a brief introduction to the various tools and material... read more
From an author who climbed to the top of the corporate ladder before reaching age 40, this book takes the guesswork out of career success and breaks down what it takes to excel at your job. It covers the basics, like the universal requirements of every workpla... read more

Stephanie has 13 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Abby M.

Abby M.

Dec, 2024

Working with Stephanie has been a stellar experience. Not only is she proficient and professional with impeccable skills, but she truly took my manuscript to the next level. Her perfectly proper changes and thoughtful suggestions went well above and beyond what I could have ever expected in an editor (genre is non-fiction, about 55,000 words). Highly recommend Stephanie! I am so happy I found her.
Joe R.

Joe R.

Apr, 2024

Wow! Stephanie was awesome to work with. Very helpful and prompt. I would recommend her 10 times out of 10. Thank you again Stephanie!
Stephanie C.
Thank you, Joe! It was a pleasure to work with you!
Ashley R.

Ashley R.

Feb, 2023

I truly enjoyed working with Stephanie! She was lovely, kind, and very flexible with my schedule.
Stephanie C.
Thank you, Ashley! It was a pleasure to work with you on your project!
Jo V.

Jo V.

Mar, 2021

I would give Stephanie a 5 in each of the above at categories. She fulfilled our agreement to a T. She was responsive to any questions or concerns I had and made sure I was able to access her work. She gets extra kudos for my seemingly inability to use commas correctly...I'm hopeless. I will definitely ask to work with her again.
Stephanie C.
It was a pleasure to work with you, Jo!
Sarah F.

Sarah F.

Aug, 2020

Stephanie did an excellent job doing developmental editing and proofreading on my book. Her editing significantly improved the draft without drastically changing the content or my voice. She was prompt and great to work with! I would definitely work with Stephanie again on future projects.
Stephanie C.
Thank you, Sarah! It was a pleasure to work with you on your project!

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