Tori Thacher

Tori Thacher – Editor

Nonfiction developmental editor, helping improve structure, tone, and flow. Happy to provide publishing insight and guidance!

Overview

----> What kind of editor are you?

I'm a big-picture editor. I read your book from your target reader's perspective and figure out if the structure, flow, tone, and voice are going to keep your audience engaged. I specialize in developmental edits and editorial assessments.

----> What's your communication style?

Open, straightforward, and encouraging. My ultimate goal is to help you create the best book possible, so I will never skirt around any issues I see in the book. That being said, my approach to giving feedback is first and foremost encouraging; I pull out the gold in what you've written and emphasize it through my edits.

----> What's your background?

I studied English Literature and Rhetoric & Writing at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating, I attended the Denver Publishing Institute, where I learned all the necessary publishing jargon. I then started my career as an editorial assistant at a full-service literary agency. I had the opportunity to work with amazing clients on their book proposals and manuscripts, improving my editing process and craft with each project. I was quickly promoted to editorial director and had the opportunity to really develop the hybrid publishing branch of the agency. I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have about traditional vs. self vs. hybrid publishing.

----> Who have you worked with?

I've worked with first-time authors, NYT bestselling authors, men and women in Congress, business leaders, award-winning musicians, decorated athletes, pastors, community leaders, and social justice advocates. Everyone has a story to tell, and I love collaborating with and encouraging authors to create books reflective of their unique wisdom.

----> What sets you apart from other editors?

The way I approach restructuring books is where you'll see the most difference in my work vs. the work of other editors. I think outside the box and make bold edits to ensure you walk away with a compelling and engaging book.

Every book needs a champion, and I'd love to be yours. You have a message, and I want to help you get it out to the world—loud, clear, and grammatically correct.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Christian Non-Fiction Health & Wellbeing Home & Garden Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Graduate Certificate in Publishing from the Denver Publishing Institute

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2022 — Present
• Perform editorial assessments, developmental edits, query letter reviews, and book proposal edits. • Coach clients to help them write and publish their books • Inform clients of their publishing options and recommend the best route for their goals

The Fedd Agency

Mar, 2020 — Jul, 2022 (over 2 years)
• Oversaw editorial development for all book proposals and manuscripts, providing feedback on concept, structure, and content. • Guided authors through the publishing process from rough draft to approval to print. • Successfully closed on 6-figure book deals with big 5 publishers due to impactful proposals. • Performed substantive and content development edits verifying adherence to style, branding, grammar, and proper citations.

The Fedd Agency

Nov, 2018 — Mar, 2020 (over 1 year)
• Presented detailed line edits for 15 manuscripts annually to maximize quality and uphold standards. • Implemented editorial guidelines by creating style guides. • Reviewed author submissions and determined final selections for representation. • Drafted back cover copy, endorsements, and forewords for authors.

The Fedd Agency

May, 2017 — Sep, 2017 (4 months)
• Sharpened skill sets by editing incoming manuscripts and extending meaningful feedback to the Editorial Director • Researched and booked speaking engagements for clients to maximize brand awareness • Compiled and organized data into a centralized location within digital company systems • Honored with promotion after 3 months due to high performance

Portfolio

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Bring The Joy

Janzen, Jessica

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

Tori has 23 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lindsey E.

Lindsey E.

Mar, 2023

Pinned
I could literally fill up a whole couple pages on how much I have adored working with Tori. Tori has completely confounded me and knocked my socks off with her thoughtful, detail-oriented, actionable, timely, and wisdom-filled editing style. She has approached the draft of my first book with both...
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Mark M.

Mark M.

Mar, 2025

If it were possible, I would give Tori 10 stars. Starting from the beginning, Tori took time to get to know me, my vision, and what my goals were before we even discussed the book. To understand me as a person and not treat me like another gig, was 100% the reason I would recommend her a thousa...
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jasmine C.

jasmine C.

Feb, 2025

Tori is truly an editing GEM! From her patience to her creativity, she made this experience one to remember. Thank you again Tori!
Kaylin W.

Kaylin W.

Jan, 2025

Working with Tori was exactly what I was looking for when investing in my writing. Tori understood the ethos of my project from the outset, and she was able to transform it with simple suggestions and detailed feedback. Interactions with Tori were always highly professional, collaborative, and co...
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Sheana G.

Sheana G.

Jun, 2024

I love Tori, she edited the first draft of my book. She was very detail-oriented, gave a lot of good pointers, and was very easy to work with. I wish I had more time with her! :)

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