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 10 years in editorial experience, I bring a broad editorial background to every project I take on. I am a literary agent with D4EO Literary Agency. Please note, I do not charge authors if I see potential in representing them and if there is interest in querying me.

Most recently, I worked as Publisher and Project Manager at Row House Publishing (distributed by Simon & Schuster), where I edited titles for the YA imprint and for the upcoming romance imprint. I've also worked as an acquisitions manager, assessing submissions for final-stage consideration, and I've edited a wide range of nonfiction and picture books.

Previously, I worked as a freelance editor and ghostwriter, primarily in romance and business nonfiction. My experience helps me consider both the writing side of a project and the industry perspective.

My editorial process is focused, collaborative, and structured. 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.

I'm a published poet—IN STORIES WE THUNDER debuted with Sundress Publications, and my debut novel, THE MISFIT WITCHES OF MARIGOLD ISLAND is debuting in 2027 with Bindery Books.

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. . . . 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