Val Ruiz – Editor

"I couldn’t have asked for a better editor. V. thoroughly worked with me through my debut novel with the same enthusiasm that I had while writing it. They helped me understand what could be stronger and explained their edits in detail, never leaving me hanging wondering why a certain edit had been made. I also learned how to better my writing during the process. If I could have one person handle all my manuscripts for the rest of my author career, it would be V.!"

Piper L. White - Author of All (Dead) Girls Lie

* Please note, I do not work on AI-generated projects *

ABOUT ME

With over a decade in editorial experience, I bring a broad and flexible editorial background to every project I take on—along with a deep respect for each author’s voice and vision.

Most recently, I served as Publisher at Row House Publishing (distributed by Simon & Schuster), where I launched and edited titles for our Young Adult imprint—including an LGBTQ+ thriller and a fantasy duology—and now serve as the lead editor for our upcoming romance line. I've also worked as an acquisitions manager, assessing submissions for final-stage consideration, and edited a wide range of nonfiction and picture books.

Before Row House, I worked as a freelance line editor and ghostwriter, primarily in romance and business nonfiction. This range helps me meet each manuscript where it is—whether it’s literary, commercial, structural, or voice-driven.

My editorial process is collaborative, structured, and adaptable. My goal is to help you strengthen your manuscript without compromising what makes it yours. I specialize in character-driven fiction, particularly in YA, romance (with a focus on queer love stories), and fantasy with strong emotional arcs. With a background in poetry, I’m especially drawn to projects with lyrical language, interiority, and voice-forward storytelling.

Testimonials:

V.'s work on Sink Or Burn was thoughtful, insightful, and transformative. While doing the necessary task of reading, editing, and recalibrating ideas, V. considered the heart of the story as much as they considered the structure. Before the editing process began, I had spent many years freaking out over my blood and tears, in order to truthfully articulate love and suffering. Mindfully sorting the complexity of survival in a 200 page illustrated sci-fi novel was a daunting task! However, V's exceptional attention to detail made room for both the original vision, and a universal story.

--Cristy Road Carrera (Author, illustrator, Next World Tarot, Sink Or Burn)

During our work together on edits, V. provided excellent advice on many levels, helping me improve the manuscript while ensuring my vision was respected. Dialogues, tone of the book, romantic elements, foreshadowing, and the writing itself: V. provided a comprehensive line edit that not only improved the prose but also ensured the different elements of the book were cohesive. Overall, it was a pleasure working with V. and I hope to work with them again in the future.

Millie Abecassis - Author of many titles including A Legacy of Blood and Bone