Valerie Gray

Valerie Gray – Editor

I'm an organic editor who does not use AI. 25+ yrs of editing experience, 5* Reviews, Historical, Women's Fiction, Ghostwriting, Reach Out

Overview

Storytelling makes us human, and telling it in our own words makes it even more so. Helping new writers and seasoned professionals tell their stories has been the cornerstone of my professional work. With over 25+ years of experience editing adult fiction, I have worked on novels across all genres--thrillers, historical fiction, romance, erotica, and literary fiction. My job is to help authors sound like themselves, only better, and to guide them towards submission and publication. From the classroom, to the film set, to the bestsellers lists, I've helped hundreds of authors realize their writing goals .

Testimonials:

“ Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project, and her insights and suggestions always improve my manuscripts immensely. I cannot recommend her services highly enough.”

--Jasinda Wilder—NYT, USA TODAY, WSJ bestselling author

“Valerie G has a keen editorial eye and has worked on my books with dedication, enthusiasm and good humor. On top of that, she is a dream to work with.”

—Bella Andre, NYT and international bestselling author

“Valerie G is a jewel of an editor whose efficient, expert and professional editorial advice is one to be treasured. I love working with her.”

—Brenda Jackson, NYT and USA Today bestselling author

I wanted to thank you for your insightful and fabulous comments on 'The Woodcarver's Secret'. I know that you've made this narrative stronger, and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate all your hard work.

--Hilari Cohen, Reedsy author

Below is a note from a prospective Reedsy author. I didn't get the job, but I appreciated the feedback:

"I think your profile is really engaging - I particularly liked the testimonials.

Your initial response was very encouraging, for which many thanks, and I liked your questions of clarification. Your quote was in the mid range of those I received, certainly not a dealbreaker. "

Services
Fiction
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Romance Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK)
Certifications
  • BEd, University of Leeds
  • Television Production Course, Ryerson University

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2013 — Present
Working with writers from around the world, here on Reedsy, I have worked on a variety of editorial projects ranging from Historical Fiction to Romance to Thrillers and Mysteries. Developmental editing is a speciality, and I help writers sound like themselves, only better.

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.

Jul, 2000 — Apr, 2013 (over 12 years)
Working with some of the top NYT bestselling authors, and their agents, I helped to manage their careers and ensure their continued success in the publishing world. Identifying and contracting emerging authors was an important part of my job, as was managing a team of extraordinary editors.

Portfolio

Welcome back to Virgin River! Available in a box set, the first four stories in the acclaimed series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr. Discover a remote mountain town that might be the perfect place to start fresh. Now a Netflix Original Se... read more
Six Seconds

Rick Mofina

“Moves like a tornado.” —James Patterson, #1 New York Times bestselling authorA vengeful woman who aches for her place in paradise...In Iraq an aid worker who lost her husband and child in a brutal attack saves the life of an American contractor. Believing he ... read more
A stunning tale of two sisters and the secrets between them, fromNew York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence, HeatherGudenkauf. When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinouscrime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' g... read more
"I've read all her books and loved every word." -Jude Deveraux. “Think you can trust your husband? Think again!” That’s what the gossipy types at Erica Bentley’s new job say. Even her (multi-divorced) mom agrees. But Erica’s “sure” she knows her husband, Tom, ... read more
All That Matters

Stef Ann Holm

When a megastore grocery chain threatens to shut down the new boutique bakery Chloe Lawson's worked so hard to establish, she's furious. Her life may not be picture-perfect, but her custom cakes and pastries are becoming the talk of Boise, and she'd like to ke... read more
"Not since Nora Roberts has anyone been able to write a big family romance series with every book as good as the last. Bella Andre never disappoints." Revolving Bookcase ReviewsMillions of readers around the world have fallen in love with Bella Andre’s New Yor... read more
The Carriage House

Carla Neggers

Revisit the Carriage House series with this classic tale of romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers.Fun and a little hard work. That’s all Tess Haviland has in mind when Ike Grantham pays her for her graphic design work on the ru... read more
It should have been simple and straightforward—business, and nothing but business. A quick trip to Colorado to scout out a location for my newest real estate development acquisition. Fly in, drive to the location, talk the owners into selling, sign some papers... read more
Only from New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn, go back to where it all began with the original Lady Julia Grey historical mystery series.“Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.” These ominous words are the last threat tha... read more

Valerie has 30 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tim H.

Tim H.

Aug, 2024

Pinned
Valerie was great. She was really enthusiastic about my project which I hugely appreciated. She did everything as promised and finished ahead of time. Would happily use again because I got the sense she cared about the work and asked questions where my story wasn’t sufficiently clear. Didn’t ove...
Read more
Valerie G.
Thank you for this review, Tim. Working on New World Order was such a pleasure for me. I adore historical fiction and your books have given George Washington a new lease on life!
John B.

John B.

Dec, 2025

Valerie was a pleasure to work with. She communicated consistently, offered valuable insights and suggestions for the story, and provided excellent feedback and edits. I would highly recommend her.
Catherine M.

Catherine M.

Jul, 2025

Valerie was so wonderful to work with. Her communication throughout the project was excellent, and her editorial memo was really helpful and detailed. She gave honest, constructive, and actionable feedback that significantly helped improve my manuscript. Anyone would be lucky to work with Valerie!
Patrick B.

Patrick B.

Apr, 2025

Valerie was very encouraging and brought a lot to the table.
Julia M.

Julia M.

Dec, 2024

This was my first time working with an editor, and Valerie exceeded my expectations by far. She gave me an offer that was within my budget and finished ahead of schedule. The ed memo was very long and detailed, and I'm so grateful for all the feedback and suggestions. She even provided links to o...
Read more
Valerie G.
Julia, thank you so much for your kind comments. It was a pleasure to work with you, and to know that you found my comments, advice and suggestions helpful. All the best with you book.

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