Victory Matsui – Editor

“Victory was encouraging, brilliant, rigorous, detailed, and most importantly, not afraid to ask the hard questions that inspired me to crack open the issues or emotions that I was too afraid to approach.”--Cathy Park Hong, author of MINOR FEELINGS

“Victory is the platonic ideal of an editor. With meticulous attention to detail, an inherent facility with language, and a consistently clear communication style, Victory is a genius at bringing the writer’s vision into crystal clear focus. There is no editor I could recommend more highly.”--Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of WE CAST A SHADOW

"Victory is a genuine, deep collaborator in the writing process, meticulous and visionary at the same time—a rare and impossible combination.”--Jordy Rosenberg, author of CONFESSIONS OF THE FOX

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I love helping writers craft the stories only they can write.

Over a decade in publishing, I've edited prize-winning and bestselling books, including Cathy Park Hong's MINOR FEELINGS (National Book Critics Circle Award winner, Pulitzer finalist), Ta-Nehisi Coates's THE WATER DANCER (#1 New York Times Bestseller), and Torrey Peters' DETRANSITION, BABY (national bestseller). I began my career at Little, Brown and then helped build One World, Random House's imprint dedicated to exceptional storytellers who challenge and shape cultural conversations.

After five years training at a Soto Zen Buddhist temple, I returned to editing with deeper understanding of how meaningful our stories are. Now I work as a freelance editor, and I'd love to support you in fulfilling your greatest vision for your book.

MY APPROACH: As I read and edit, I hold these questions in mind: What is the story at the heart of this book? Where are your intentions being fulfilled, and where might they need support? I look at how narrative structure, character development, plot, and prose work together to express what you most want to say. I bring deep craft knowledge to help make your book truly compelling and deliver on the promise you're making to your reader.

I'm particularly passionate about working with BIPOC writers, women, and LGBTQ+ writers. I see my role as supporting you in trusting the power of your own voice and writing with integrity. I also offer guidance on the realities of the publishing industry—what editors are looking for, how to position your work strategically, and how to give your book the best chance at being published.

I offer several kinds of editorial feedback: manuscript reviews for big-picture feedback, developmental edits for more detailed feedback, and line edits (also known as copy edits) for final polishing. I've worked with writers at every stage, and I'm happy to talk about what kind of editorial feedback would most support you.

As for me: I'm a queer, mixed-race, Buddhist New Yorker living in the Hudson Valley. If you're working on a novel or a memoir, I'd love to hear from you!