Valerie Gray

Valerie Gray – Editor

Romance and Women's Fiction editing specialist. I love historical fiction and anything to do with romance. I love a good sense of humour

Overview

Storytelling makes us human. 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) English (US)
Certifications
  • BEd, University of Leeds
  • Television Production Course, Ryerson University

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2012 — Present

I work with a diverse number of authors from around the world. My clients are writers who are bestselling authors, as well as writers who are completing their first book. Developmental editing is my speciality I help writers prepare for submission or publication by making suggestions to develop and polish their stories. Character development, structure, tone and overall storytelling are some of the skills I bring to my edits. I have excellent Reedsy reviews, and would love to hear from you.

Self-employed

Apr, 2012 — Present

I work with a diverse number of authors from around the world. My clients are writers who are bestselling authors, as well as writers who are completing their first book. Developmental editing is my speciality I help writers prepare for submission and publication by making suggestions to develop and polish their stories. Character development, structure, tone and overall storytelling are some of the skills I bring to my edits. I have excellent Reedsy reviews, and would love to hear from you.

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.

May, 2008 — Mar, 2013 (almost 5 years)

*Manage and develop publishing programs to increase profitability and attract and retain top authors

*Manage and mentor of a group of editors in two different countries

*Provide strategic editorial guidance for authors including New York Times bestselling authors

*Acquire and negotiate contracts for new authors

*Maintain significant working relationships with literary agent communities in Toronto and New York

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.

Aug, 2000 — Apr, 2012 (over 11 years)

* Acquire and develop authors to ensure the growth of the MIRA Books program

* Negotiate author contracts with agents

* Assist in the day to day running of MIRA Books

* Provide editorial support for ten MIRA authors, including New York Times bestselling authors

* Attend and participate in annual editorial conferences including the RWA

Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.

Jul, 2000 — Oct, 2005 (over 5 years)

* Provide editorial guidance and support for a dozen MIRA authors

Portfolio

Welcome back to Virgin River with the book that started it all…Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against a backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal-clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.W... read more
A steamy new adult romance set in the gritty world of Hollywood entertainment. Motorcycle riding alpha, bad-boy Dillon MacAvoy tries hard not to fall for small-town girl Lane Channing in Hard Glamour. A promise to keep.... Honoring her mother's last wish, Lane... 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
Fledging guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares to enter Devil's Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood "It Boy" she's assigned to protect. But she's ambushed by the club's owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most po... read more
Ex-cop Brandon Clarkson is an angel with an edge. His tough exterior is the perfect camouflage for his job—hunting down the most dangerous criminals on earth. A self-reliant and demanding lone wolf, Brandon is the perfect angel to track and capture demoness Lu... 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
When you’re from a place like Clayton, PA, you either leave as soon as you can, or you never leave. We can’t even say we’re a one-stoplight town, because we don’t have a stoplight, just a traffic circle on a minor local highway. Here in Clayton, everyone knows... read more
Cleaning up after playboy Paxton deBraun is a full time job. His family is worth billions. They are the elite. They influence politicians. They’re the power behind the power. Paxton is their golden child, wealthy in his own right, a rising star in Washington D... read more
I’m a thirty-nine year old single mother to a sweet little blond seven year old girl. An ER nurse just barely scraping by, working sixty-plus hours a week to make ends meet. I’m no stranger to ugly sights, but I keep all that locked away in a tiny dark little ... read more
Sugar: A Novel

Kimberly Stuart

After realizing her coworkers at L’Ombre, a high-profile restaurant in NYC, will never appreciate or respect her, Charlie Garrett allows her ex-boyfriend, Avery Michaels, to convince her to work for him as executive pastry chef at his new Seattle hotspot, Thri... 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
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
The Granger brothers left behind their family's Virginia estate—and the bad memories it holds—years ago. But their dying grandfather's request brings them home: to a failing business, a legacy of secrets and a deathbed promise to make things right.As the eldes... read more

Valerie has 27 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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 outside resources and a roadmap to help guide me through revisions. I absolutely recommend Valerie to...
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.
B C.

B C.

Dec, 2024

Valerie was very thorough and helpful in her developmental review. Her comments and edits have allowed me to take my book in a new direction which should make it more impactful and better directed toward my target audience.
Valerie G.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm excited to know that you found my input helpful. Best wishes with the story. Valerie
Tom K.

Tom K.

Sep, 2024

Valerie has been prompt and professional in all our dealings. She has provided valuable editorial guidance to support me in determining necessary work to move my project ahead. Throughout the process, she has been compassionate, a great listener and straightforward in sharing her advice--and I really enjoyed the time spent with her. I highly recommend Valerie for future projects.
Tim H.

Tim H.

Aug, 2024

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 override my voice but did spot lots of anachronistic issues which for historical fiction is extra impor...
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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!
Heidi H.

Heidi H.

Jun, 2024

Working with Valerie was a great experience. As a first time author, I had no idea what to expect and miscalculated a couple of things in the editing process. Her patience and guidance were invaluable. Additionally, her feedback on my manuscript was spot on. I'm working on my second draft and feel like it will be so much stronger than my first attempt. I feel very fortunate to have worked with...
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Valerie G.
Thank you, Heidi, for your generous comments. Working on your historical novel was such a pleasure, and your ability, talent, generosity and good humour will serve you well as you explore the exci...
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