Vanessa Wells

Vanessa Wells – Editor

I've edited everything from Tom Clancy books to award-shortlisted thrillers to debut novels by authors publishing independently.

Overview

I've enjoyed warm collaboration with new and seasoned writers in historical, speculative, and general fiction for 12 years. No red-pen attitude here! I've worked for indie authors and publishers, and no matter the client, my aim is always to prevent embarrassment: I've got your back.

I’ve met the stringent requisites to become an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP, formerly SfEP), perhaps the highest-regarded editing association globally. I’ve also spoken at several international conferences on editing.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Christian Fiction Dystopian Historical Fiction Historical Romance Post-Apocalyptic Technothriller
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2014 — Present
I worked for a few years on a magazine before going full-time with my own business. Most of my work has been with a Big 5 publisher, where they call me their resident polyglot!

Portfolio

Net Force: Threat Point (Net Force Series, 3)

Preisler, Jerome

Hanover Square Press

Copy Editing
Net Force: Attack Protocol (Net Force Series, 2)

Preisler, Jerome

Hanover Square Press

Copy Editing
Net Force: Moving Target (Net Force Series, 4)

Preisler, Jerome

Hanover Square Press

Copy Editing
Sky View: Descending

Eggers, Devon R.

D. Eggers Enterprises Ltd.

Copy Editing
Sky View

Eggers, Devon R.

D. Eggers Enterprises Ltd.

Proofreading
Death is a Many-Splendored Thing

Belle, William Quincy

BG Ltd.

Proofreading
Metrofloat New York

Belle, William Quincy

BG Ltd.

Copy Editing
Boy Moscow: Cold War Exploits and Adventures

Scarrott, Kevin Paul

Independently published

Copy Editing Indexing
Why Was Rachel Murdered?

Prentice, Bill

Echo Road

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
The Vesta Shadows Trilogy

Macleod, Debra May

Copy Editing

Vanessa has 11 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kuilin L.

Kuilin L.

May, 2026

I feel so incredibly lucky to have found Vanessa on Reedsy. As an editor, she is simply phenomenal. What truly sets Vanessa apart, however, is her remarkable empathy. She engaged deeply with the story and showed immense sensitivity to the cultural context, making sure my 'author voice' was always...
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Vanessa W.
Thank you for your very kind words, Kuilin. But the experience is made mutually pleasant when the author, too, is professional and open to real collaboration. I'd love to work with you again in the...
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Peter W.

Peter W.

Apr, 2026

Yo
Vanessa W.
Peter, thank you for the 5-star review. I look forward to working with you again!
David K.

David K.

Mar, 2026

Vanessa was very professional and has help turned my book into a consistent style. Her expansive knowledge of English and many other languages was a huge win for the book. Correcting my sometimes awkward use of language without losing what I meant for the readers. She is a pleasure to work with ...
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Vanessa W.
Thank you for the very kind words, David. I'd love to work with you again, too!
Aslynn H.

Aslynn H.

Feb, 2026

Finding Vanessa as my editor was the best thing I did for my book! Very knowledgeable and really understood what I was going for in my book. Her edits improved my writing while still preserving it as my writing.
Vanessa W.
Thank you, Aslynn. That should be the aim of a professional editor: not to rewrite your book, just offer ideas about tweaks for clarity, correctness and conciseness. Best regards!
Will M.

Will M.

Feb, 2026

Vanessa was highly professional, easy to work with and thankfully spotted a few inconsistencies.
Vanessa W.
Thank you, Will. It was a pleasure working with you--and I hope to again on a sequel!

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Sharon R.

I work for indie authors and publishers. I provide thorough and sensitive editing, enhancing words to make your story the best it can be.

Derby, UK

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JT P.

I love a good story. Insightful, congenial NYC-based editor of fiction and nonfiction, in both the literary journal and academic realms.

New York, NY, USA

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Alayna D.

Detail-oriented copyeditor with seven years of experience at a big-five publisher. Particular expertise in contemporary romance and fantasy!

Los Angeles, CA, USA

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