Tori Thacher

Tori Thacher – Editor

Nonfiction developmental editor for self-help, leadership, and memoir.

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 Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
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 19 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Katherine H.

Katherine H.

Dec, 2023

Working with Tori has been a great experience! She has elevated my writing and added so much value to my project. She is very knowledgable in processes as well as proficient in her work. She communicates well and is enjoyable to work with - I'm so thankful I found Tori!
Alison A.

Alison A.

Oct, 2023

Tori has been fabulous. Her feedback on my book gave me the input I needed to get on the right track. She is professional, friendly, and kind. Her feedback is straightforward, direct, and insightful. I recommend her services to anyone seeking professional guidance on their manuscript.
Todd D.

Todd D.

Oct, 2023

I feel fortunate and blessed to be working with Tori. This is my first manuscript. Her comments and suggestions are polite, encouraging, and insightful. Her tips will improve the flow and readability of my first book. She is an excellent editor, and I highly recommend her.
Ashleigh S.

Ashleigh S.

Oct, 2023

It’s hard to sum up all that is Tori as an editor in just words. I really cannot imagine anyone better to edit my manuscript. Her attention to detail and her thoughtfulness truly blew me away. I would absolutely want to work with her again. She goes above and beyond and really puts her heart and soul into her work just as she promise. I am eternally grateful for you, Tori! Thank you!
Laura V.

Laura V.

Aug, 2023

Tori helped me feel confidant to move forward in my first book writing journey. Her suggestions and edits took what was good and made it exponentially better by maximizing the flow and cohesion of the work. Tori is polite, quick to respond, and very helpful in finding the author's message. Then she packages that in a professional way so that it's truly the best manuscript to move forward.

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Tori and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Tori

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Emily Frisella

Emily F.

Copyeditor and proofreader with an international outlook; specializing in fiction, memoir, and well-being.

London, UK

97% reply rate

View profile
Ronit Wagman

Ronit W.

Editor of NYT-bestselling and award-winning literary fiction and memoir. Former acquisitions editor at Doubleday/Penguin Random House.

Detroit, MI, United States

100% reply rate

View profile
Marcy Dermansky

Marcy D.

I am a published novelist. I want you to become one, too. I specialize in literary fiction, YA, women's fiction, thrillers and memoir.

Montclair, NJ, United States

99% reply rate

View profile