Trista Smith

Trista Smith – Editor

Editor with 20+ years experience specializing in fiction (long-form and short stories) and memoir. American born, UK based.

Overview

My editing career began over twenty years ago 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). I transitioned to editing fiction and memoir ten years ago and found my true passion.

I have an MA in life history research 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'd love to hear about what you are working on and see if I can be of service.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Mystery & Crime Science Fiction Short Story Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction
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

Oct, 2024 — Present
Provide editing services mainly in crime, mysteries/thrillers, and memoir

Self-employed

Jun, 2024 — Present
Copy edit contemporary and historical crime fiction

Self-employed

Oct, 2016 — Present
I work on a freelance basis with indie authors across a range of fiction genres, including crime, mysteries/thrillers, historical fiction, speculative fiction, and romance. I also work with memoir and creative nonfiction. Services include copy editing and proofreading as well as developmental editing and manuscript assessment.

Portfolio

Absence

Hudson, Andrew Dana

Soho Press

Copy Editing
Keep Me Safe

Meldrum, Allison

Book Guild Publishing

Copy Editing
The Trials of Aqouril (The Elements of Eirenya)

David, E.S.

Book Guild Publishing

Copy Editing
All We Hide

Gigl, Robyn

Soho Crime

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Falling Feathers (Sunflower Beach)

Puterbaugh, Dolores

Dolores T Puterbaugh

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Never Just One (Sunflower Beach)

Puterbaugh, Dolores

Dolores Puterbaugh

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Year of Chaos (Sunflower Beach)

Puterbaugh, Dolores

Dolores Puterbaugh

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Fallout (Brent Savage Book 2)

Ryland, Matt

North Sky Press

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Let the Bell Ring

Lloyd-Nesling, Norma

Troubador Publishing

Copy Editing
The Body in the Synagogue

Ruti Worrall

The Book Guild Ltd

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Atlantis

Thompson, Jonny

Chantry Publishing House

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 33 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Iz M.

Iz M.

Oct, 2026

It was a pleasure working with Trista. Her work was flawless and delivered ahead of time. As this is my first novel, I wasn't familiar with some concepts and she was very patient in explaining what I did not understand. I also appreciated her flexibilty in fitting me into her schedule the way I n...
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Lucas M.

Lucas M.

Oct, 2026

I had a fantastic experience working with Trista on a sample edit of the first two chapters of my English debut novel. During the collaboration, she provided not only edits to fix punctuation and flow, but also provided comments where character reactions and motivations could benefit a second loo...
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Trista S.
Thanks, Lucas, it was a pleasure working with you!
Ed G.

Ed G.

Oct, 2026

Throughout the project, Trista has been very supportive, which, for a first-time author, has been very reassuring. Her communication has been spot on. She has done a thorough copy edit of my short story collection, even taking time to list all the character names I used and where I have used the ...
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Trista S.
Thank you so much, Ed. I really enjoyed working on your book and can't wait to see it out in the world!
Dolores P.

Dolores P.

Jun, 2026

Trista is a much-trusted professional with whom it is always a pleasure to work. She has just finished editing the fourth book in a fiction series, and has been helpful and insightful for all four projects. I am very hopeful of working with her on the next installment! She goes above and beyond,...
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Trista S.
Thank you so much, Dolores!
Tara M.

Tara M.

Feb, 2026

Trista has been amazing to work with. I had no idea where to even start with how to organize my thoughts, she helped every step of the way. Her feedback is amazing and she really helped me get my book written in a way that flowed perfectly. This has been a project I have wanted to do for years...
Read more
Trista S.
Thank you so much, Tara! It has been a pleasure working with you.

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