Meet Kristen

I’ve gained so many new subscribers lately! Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into their already very crowded in-box. Just in case you don’t know, I am a freelance book editor with decades of experience helping authors put their best manuscript forward. I worked at a couple of New York City publishers before going out on my own when I moved to Los Angeles with my husband. Here are a few more fun facts about who is behind this newsletter.

1. I started working in the subsidiary rights department of what is now Hachette Book Group after I decided I wanted to pursue books instead of law. You can catch up on that story here:

   Be Open

2. I go by Kristen professionally, but in my “real” life everyone calls me Krissy. When I started working at Hachette, my boss said, “I am so glad you go by Kristen and not a silly nickname, like Krissy.” How could I tell her I’d gone by Krissy my entire life? I couldn’t as a fresh off the train editorial assistant, but the editor I’ve become definitely would have. However, I love having two identities. Mom and Wife and Girl Scout Leader and Friend usually, but Superhero Editor whenever I fall into a manuscript.

   

3. I have edited hundreds of books over the course of my career, from self help to novels based on hit TV shows like Criminal Minds, to young adult and true crime. I mostly edit romance novels and crime fiction these days, but I will always take on any project that truly speaks to me. You can see all of the books I’ve worked on and read all the testimonials from the authors I’ve worked with on my website.

4. I always have something on in the background while I’m editing. Mostly NCIS reruns or episodes of my latest favorites, Reacher and Tracker. I am also a big fan of all Hallmark movies, especially the mysteries.

5. The world can often feel dark and dire, so I keep a “happiness list” on my phone to turn to when I need a pick me up. The list includes ice cream, talking a walk, connecting with friends, kickboxing, and yoga. But, as a reader, I know there will always be some kind of happy ending even if I have to walk through fire to get there.

6. I was a quiet kid in a town where the only kids ever truly seen or celebrated were the ones who played sports. I kept my head down and - literally - read my way out. Ironically, I moved back here when I had my own kids and I am very happy to say this town is a little more welcoming to all types of kids, athletic or very, very not.

7. When I met my husband, he told me he wanted to be a television writer. I had no idea what that meant or how that could possibly happen because - again - very small town. But I also knew, from reading, that happy endings come true all the time. I’m happy to report that his writing can be seen on shows ranging from The Thundermans to Julie and the Phantoms and many other favorites.

8. During my decades long publishing career, I see writing dreams come true all the time. It might not be with your first manuscript or your second or even your third, but you will get your yes. It probably won’t look at all like you expected, but hopefully it will be better than you ever imagined. As one of my clients once told me, “Kristen, I was lying on the side of the road dying of thirst. You picked me up and carried me to the finish line.” I will always do that for my clients - and for all of you newsletter readers too. If you forget to cheer for yourself, I will cheer for you. Please feel free to always reach out if you need support or someone to share your good news with.

9. This newsletter is a labor of love. I couldn’t spend time on it without the support of my paying subscribers. That extra upgrade comes with exclusive monthly videos and a dedicated subscriber chat where you can ask me all of your writing and publishing questions directly. Plus, you enable me to share my advice and experience with all writers and to keep this newsletter going. I have written so many articles you can catch up on in the archives, open to all subscribers, and I have so many more great ones planned.

   Until next time,