Lyndsay S.
Expert Developmental & Line Book Editor
Whether you're writing your first book or your tenth, I'm here to help you turn your manuscript into a polished, professional, publishable work—and guide you through every step of getting it into readers' hands. For the past eight years, I've worked with authors across genres and formats: fiction writers building historical novels, romantasy, middle-grade fantasy, and contemporary romance; non-fiction authors creating workbooks, memoirs, and thought-leadership books; and creatives designing custom journals and guided writing resources. No matter what you're working on, my goal is the same: to help you create something you're proud of—something that looks great, reads flawlessly, and connects with your audience. A Note on AI: All editing, writing, and design work is done by me personally—no AI tools are used in the editorial or creative process. When you work with me, you're getting a human eye, human judgment, and a genuine understanding of your voice and story. My Services Include: Developmental Editing I refine story structure, pacing, tone, and style while preserving your voice. For fiction, I strengthen character depth, dialogue, and plot consistency (I love a well-placed twist!). For non-fiction, I clarify flow, argument, and reader engagement. Line Editing Once the structure is solid, I work sentence by sentence—sharpening word choice, rhythm, and clarity so your prose reads smoothly and consistently from page to page, without losing your voice. Book Coaching & Publishing Guidance– Confused about whether to self-publish or go traditional? Not sure how to navigate Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Barnes & Noble Press? I'll walk you through your options step-by-step via video call, helping you choose the publishing route that's right for your goals, timeline, and budget. Typesetting / Interior Layout Design – Professionally formatted interiors ready for print and digital distribution—clean, readable, and tailored to your genre. Whether it's a novel, a workbook, or a guided journal, I make sure your book looks as good as it reads. Custom Cover Design– Eye-catching, market-ready covers that attract your ideal readers. Designed using Canva, InDesign, and other professional tools—always print- and upload-ready. Book Proposal & Query Letter Writing– If you're seeking a traditional publishing deal, I'll write a standout book proposal and query letter package that aligns with publisher expectations and showcases your book's unique hook. Publishing Process Management– From manuscript finalization to distribution setup, I can manage the logistics of self-publishing so you can focus on writing and marketing your book. What You Can Expect: I start by reviewing a sample of your manuscript or project so I can tailor my approach to what you need. I provide a detailed quote and timeline—and then dive right in. You'll receive clear, constructive feedback directly in your manuscript, plus an Editor's Report summarizing key insights and recommendations. Need help implementing changes or making publishing decisions? I also offer video consultations where we brainstorm edits, rework chapters, discuss cover design, compare publishing platforms, and build your launch strategy. So, why should you want to work with me? As a published author and experienced editor, I understand how personal and emotional the writing journey can be. My approach is collaborative, encouraging, and always focused on helping your book reach its fullest potential—without ever losing your voice. Whether you're polishing a sci-fi thriller, designing a self-care workbook, formatting a romance series for KDP, or trying to figure out if traditional publishing is right for you, I'm here to make the process not just achievable, but enjoyable. Let's get started! I'm open for consultations!
Earnings and projects
Last 6 months ÷ 6
Last 6 months: $10k
Billed in all: $121,040$121k
$928 in the last 6 months
Across 123 contracts
Earnings, last 30 days
Skill rankings: Top 3% in Creative Writing
Ranked by MRR among everyone on Upwork with the skill.
- #15Manuscript258 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #1Top 6%🇨🇦#1 of 7
- #30Nonfiction711 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #1Top 4%🇨🇦#1 of 26
- #49Developmental Editing1,059 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #5Top 5%🇨🇦#5 of 54
- #56Formatting1,109 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #4Top 5%🇨🇦#4 of 32
- #59Book Writing1,648 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #3Top 4%🇨🇦#3 of 48
- #68US English Dialect1,209 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #3Top 6%🇨🇦#3 of 62
- #92Book Editing2,192 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #7Top 4%🇨🇦#7 of 90
- #201Ghostwriting5,395 freelancers · 🇨🇦 #9Top 4%🇨🇦#9 of 141