Trista Smith

Trista Smith – Editor

Experienced copyeditor and proofreader specializing in adult fiction (long-form and short stories) and memoir.

Overview

My early editing career was in the academic sector, which gave me a solid footing in the strict rules of copy editing and proofreading (and the confidence to know when to break them). Since then my work has run the gamut from novels and memoirs to feature-length scripts, recipes, and short stories.

I have an MA in oral history and am 100% committed to making the author's voice as transparent as possible, regardless of the medium. I love applying that concept to fiction and supporting both new and experienced writers to get the best possible result from their labor of love (and sometimes agony!).

I am a qualified librarian and can provide research and fact checking services as well.

I'd love to hear about what you are working on and see if I can be of service.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Chick Lit Contemporary Fiction Short Story Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA English and Spanish
  • MA Life History Research
  • MA Library and Information Services Management

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2008 — Present
Editing services for academic and trade publishers, and corporate clients

SAGE Publications

Sep, 2005 — Sep, 2014 (about 9 years)
Academic journals publishing in social sciences and STM

Portfolio

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Atlantis

Thompson, Jonny

Chantry Publishing House

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Three Milongas: One Metamorphosis

Writer, Tanguera

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Made with Reedsy
Loose Change

Haymart, Parker

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Cult Crystal

Bradley, Remi

Copy Editing
Proofreading
Accidents Happen and Other Stories

Batacan, F.H.

Soho Crime

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Let the Bell Ring

Lloyd-Nesling, Norma

Troubador Publishing Ltd

Copy Editing

Trista has 28 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Samantha E.

Samantha E.

Dec, 2025

I really appreciated Trista's help and insight on this project. I highly recommend her editing services.
Dolores P.

Dolores P.

Nov, 2025

I have just completed my third book in a series with Trista, and preparing book 4. Trista's feedback is helpful, thorough and thoughtful - she bears in mind characters across the books and their personalities. I am looking forward to working with her again in a few months.
Trista S.
Thank you so much, Dolores! Already looking forward to the next one.
Pam A.

Pam A.

Oct, 2025

Trista has been a wonderful addition on our journey, producing my mother’s memoirs. She took on the project with great enthusiasm and left us in no doubt that she would do her proud. We were reassured and her work reflected this. She kept in regular contact and ensured our wishes were considered...
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Fiona W.

Fiona W.

Oct, 2025

It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Trista! I look forward to collaborating again to finalise the entire book. Thank you, Trista — your support has been fantastic.
Trista S.
Thank you so much, Fiona! It was a blast working with you.
Samantha E.

Samantha E.

Sep, 2025

I had a positive experience with Trista! Her editing was very helpful and her communication was top-notch. She answered all my questions and made sure we were working towards the same goal. I highly recommend her for developmental editing and would love to work again with her in the future.

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