The Professional
Book Editors Association
We are independent editors who are dedicated to
the craft of refining great ideas into exceptional books.
500+ Authors have trusted us with their words.
The Directory
meet The Certified Editors of The Professional Book Editors Association
categorized by specialization
Specializing in fiction novels
— Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Character-Driven Plots, and More —
Sarah Fraps
Books are a source of inspiration for me, and I've always felt that we all likely have at least one story inside of us to share. So, editing books, to me, is a supportive act, helping an author realize the potential of their story. While I've worked with authors in a variety of genres, I'm most familiar with YA and adult fantasy and science fiction.
Karen Freeman
I love taking rough drafts and refining and chiseling them into gems that sparkle. I edit fiction with a specialization in fantasy and paranormal, whether it be Young Adult or Adult, with romance or without. I also enjoy reading and editing historical fiction, more so if there's a supernatural element to the story.
Garry Breland
One of the gifts my mother gave me was a love for books, so working with authors is a special joy for me. I help authors enhance their manuscript so the story or message comes across as intended. In fiction, the genres that interest me include Westerns, Southern, Historical, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Detective, Thriller, Suspense, and Literary Fiction.
Tammy Gross
As an award-winning, produced screenwriter, I'll be the first to say that sometimes books are the ultimate fulfillment for a writer, and sometimes, screenplays are. I love both forms of storytelling and often help authors turn books into screenplays for TV and film. I have a passion for historical stories, in particular.
Stacey Michael
Storytelling is what I love about editing, and my 25+ years of experience in theatre production informs my deep understanding of human storytelling, timing, and dramatic structure. I especially love helping authors transform research and factual detail into a story with compelling narrative arcs, immersive settings, active dialogue, and sustained pacing to reach a resonant, satisfying ending. I work with historical , literary, and speculative fiction.
Dr. Melina Rodriguez-Cook
I am an enthusiastic language expert, with a PhD in linguistics from the Universidad de Sonora. I’m an avid reader of everything from the classics to contemporary novels, both in Spanish and English. I hope to build trust with my authors by providing honest and transparent feedback, and I value each author’s ideas, voice, and story. I mostly work with fantasy, adventure, historical, contemporary, and young adult novels.
Nessie Pruden Siler
I have a passion for great storytelling and clear communication. I am also deeply committed to Disability Rights and Disability Advocacy, which often translates to me helping authors to develop characters who are differently challenged and represent a full, authentic, human experience. I work primarily with epic fantasy and young adult novels, as well as memoir.
Mechelle Martz
As both a trained journalist and a marketing professional, I approach manuscripts with an inquisitive mindset. I ask thoughtful questions, examine structure and positioning, and help authors see new possibilities within their own work. My role is not to change a writer’s voice, but to strengthen it—refining clarity, sharpening impact, and ensuring the author’s vision comes to life on the page. In the realm of fiction, I work with science fiction and horror.
Daryn Krischt
I've always been attracted to the concept of creative craftsmanship. My favorite books to read, movies to watch, and songs to listen to are the ones where you can feel the individual artistry at work. It's also a part of why I started my own business, Oak Valley Media. Our motto: "Authentic. Creative. Endeavors."
Terri Woodliff
I work with epic fantasy authors to a deep dive into all necessary elements of outstanding world-building and how to craft thoroughly believable characters—ones that readers love to hate or hate to love. I’ve designed a supportive method of feedback to help established authors and new writers take their stories to a new level.
Mandi Oyster
As an author, I have been a regular member of critique groups. Every time I read a chapter and was able to help the author polish their book, I felt like I was part of something bigger, and I loved that feeling.My favorite books to work with are fantasy novels from epic tales to urban fantasy and middle grade to adult.
Angela Crowder
My favorite aspect of working with books is actually guiding and supporting authors through their manuscript’s evolutionary process. (Because writing and publishing books is nothing short of a Darwinian experience.) I work with authors of young adult and adult fiction in the mystery, horror, and thriller genres.
Sherril Odom
I teach as I edit, for writers who allow me the honor of doing so. Since being creative and following grammar rules don’t always go hand-in-hand, I enjoy inserting comments to help authors see what works and what doesn't. My favorite genres are autobiographies, self-help, romantic, and biblical fiction.
Debra Hewitt
As a librarian, reviewer, and editor, it thrills me to help writers make their books more compelling while honoring each person’s unique style. I want authors who work with me to see me as a colleague, not a critic. My favorite genres are cozy mysteries, rom-coms, and character-driven fiction.
Katie Lane Dei
I love taking rough drafts and refining and chiseling them into gems that sparkle. I edit fiction with a specialization in fantasy and paranormal, whether it be Young Adult or Adult, with romance or without. I also enjoy reading and editing historical fiction, more so if there's a supernatural element to the story.
R.B. Wolf
I love immersing myself in stories and partnering with an author on their journey to create their world and their story. Hearing from them, their vision, dreams, and desires for their story, I find utterly inspirational. Going through a story and offering insight and encouragement is a challenge I find fulfilling.
Shannon Cochrane
I’ve always been an avid reader! In college, while majoring in English Lit and Creative Writing, I discovered my love for editing. I know how hard authors work on their stories and to be a part of the process in creating that finalized product is amazing. I specialize in romance, paranormal, and fantasy.
Specializing in nonfiction books
— Business, Philosophy, Scientific Writing, Health & Wellness, Spirituality, Self-Help, and More —
Dr. Boaz Goss
As Lead Editor and Essayist at The Orthodox Snake Writing Agency, I serve thoughtful Christians, professional, and content creators. I transmute your hard-won insights into premium published work, perfecting the craft from initial development to final polish. I help authors publish with integrity and impact.
Daye Proffit
Working with an author is a sacred partnership. It goes beyond applying the cut-and-dried conventions of literary expression. As much as possible, I like to imbibe the author's intent and sensibility to create a synergy that elevates the work beyond what it might have been otherwise.
Sascha Brown Rice
Sascha Brown Rice is a coach, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and author of the best-selling book, The Story Cycle Method. With over twenty-five years in the industry, she provides practical, strategic, and creative insights. She mentors both experienced writers who seek to rekindle their creative fire and emerging storytellers just beginning their writing journey.
New Editor Coming Soon!
Judy Compton
Writing is hard work, and the brave people who take on the challenge are inspiring to me. Specializing in nonfiction, I often work with people who have a lot of expertise in their fields but don’t necessarily know how to write a book. I love collaborating with them to produce the book they pictured in their minds when they sat down to write their first chapter.
Katie Connolly
My favorite aspect is getting to know my clients, understanding their goals for their manuscript, and helping them turn their vision for their book into a reality. There is nothing like molding a rough draft into a polished publication. I focus on nonfiction, specializing in the spiritual/metaphysical genre.
Board of Advisors
— The team of editors who oversees the training, certification, and ongoing mentorship of the PBEA certified editors —
Morgan Gist MacDonald
Brian Dooley
MA Hinkle
Colleen Tomlinson
Lorelei Loveridge
Author, Counselor, Performance Coach
"The manuscript review was incredibly beautifully done and so precise in language and quality. I felt inspired to look at my book again, this story of mine, my reasons for publishing and the complexity of it, and just come back to the story. The level of feedback made me realize - yet again - that I do need help shaping this story, and the quality of feedback was clearly indicative of what happens when a professional has your back."
How We Work
Find your book editor
As an author, finding an editor who can trust with your words can be a daunting task. We're here to help authors connect with editors and discover whether they might be the right fit for the book they're working on, right now. Here's how we suggest finding your book editor:
Review the directory
(You're on the directory page! Just scroll up to review.)
We have editors who specialize in fiction genres, nonfiction areas, and memoir. They've each completed comprehensive training in their area of expertise, passed rigorous assessments, and proven themselves a joy to work with.
Send your project notes
Select one or more editors to reach out to. We recommend you send over to the editor(s) with notes on your project, so they can quickly become familiar with where you are in the process and provide next steps in exploring working together.
Start with a manuscript review
The PBEA recommends that editing relationship begins with a "manuscript review." The editor provides high-level, helpful feedback, as well as an editorial assessment. The editor offers to credit the investment of the manuscript review toward a full editorial package.
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