Hire the Best Book Editors in Missouri

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Jennifer H.

St. Louis, Missouri

$75/hr
4.5
45 jobs

No AI used in my editing or writing. I’m Jen, and I’m the reader’s advocate. I’ve worked on close to 300 manuscripts and I still read 100–300 books a year across genre fiction, literary fiction, and nonfiction — not because I have to, but because I genuinely can’t stop. That means I know what’s actually getting published, what readers expect, and exactly where your story is likely to lose them before you waste another year revising in the wrong direction. I work primarily in genre fiction — science fiction, fantasy, romance, mysteries, thrillers, and historical. Whether you need honest developmental editing, line editing, or full ghostwriting support, I care whether your book actually reaches people. That means I’ll tell you the truth and give you practical, high-leverage solutions — not a demolition, but a focused toolkit with specific, usable options. What makes me different: I read on Kindle and dictate my reactions in real time. So you don’t just get a report or a draft — you get to see (or feel) how the story actually lands with readers, page by page. Authors regularly tell me this changes everything. I also tend to keep thinking about projects even after delivery — sometimes I’ll send a note days later because I couldn’t stop turning a plot problem over in my head. That’s just how I’m built. I offer a full range of services: Quick Kindle sample reads and first-chapter assessments Beta reads and manuscript assessments Developmental editing and line editing Full ghostwriting (from concept to finished manuscript) There’s an entry point wherever your project is right now, and credits carry forward on editing work. If you want someone who’ll tell you your book is perfect, I’m probably not your editor or ghostwriter. If you want someone who’ll tell you what’s actually not working, help you fix it efficiently, or write it with you — I’d love to work on your story. Member, Editorial Freelancers Association. More About How I Work I’ve worked on close to 300 manuscripts and still read 100–300 books a year because I genuinely can’t stop I read on Kindle and dictate reactions in real time, so you see (or feel) exactly how the story lands I give honest feedback + a practical toolkit (specific solutions with multiple options per issue — “plot spackle”) I also offer full ghostwriting support for authors who want help bringing their vision to life Services range from quick sample reads to complete developmental + line editing packages and full ghostwriting Credits carry forward on editing tiers I specialize in genre fiction: science fiction, fantasy, romance, mysteries, thrillers, and historical.

  • Copy Editing
  • Developmental Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Writing
  • English
  • Line Editing
  • Content Writing
  • Copywriting
  • Beta Reader Report
  • Beta Reading
  • Microsoft Word
Michael C.

St. Louis, Missouri

$30/hr
5.0
91 jobs

IS THIS YOU? You're an expert, a pro in some field; you have something to say, but you need some help to put it into words, to polish it, and to properly format it for the edification of the English-speaking world. Or perhaps you need an outsider to see what you can't see, so that your flow can be sharpened enough to hit home. Or perhaps you need technical assistance to meet KDP or other publishers' standards. Whatever has been impeding your outreach to the world can be overcome with my assistance. Despite the advances in AI, a bot simply cannot express your original thoughts for you. SOME FEEDBACK "Michael over-delivered on our project. His editing/design skills are exceptional. I learned so much from him. He went out of his way to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. It was a privilege to work with him and I'm honored to call him my friend. If you want the best, look no further. He is world-class." — Dr. Slade Smith "Mike was a very thorough editor and quite knowledgeable about the subject matter. His contributions greatly increased the quality of my manuscript." — Kyle Ferrana "I had a book project that was in rough shape, somewhat disorganized and needed a cover, title, assistance with publishing. Michael checked all the boxes and I'm completely satisfied. If you have a writing project I have great confidence recommending him to you." —Barclay Henderson I CAN SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS TOO ✅ I can polish your work. I'm a meticulous, experienced editor and proofreader who goes beyond typical simple corrections, to make your writing resonate with the reader. ✅ I'm often called in to repair mangled e-book files and PDFs. ✅ I can also help you in many areas of publishing and translation as demonstrated below: Edited, proofed, formatted, designed covers, and published over 90 books—as long as 800 pages—on Amazon and Google Play Books. Translated 6 books from German, 2 books from Russian, 1 from French, and 1 from Spanish into beautiful American English. Contributed texts and e-books to the Internet Archive. Authored many articles on economic and technical history e.g.: • "AI and Eugène Ionesco—Or Why AI Won't Replace You" • "A Real Revolution in Space" • "The Third Wave of Electrification Has Begun" Special Areas of Interest and Competency: • aerospace • auto • applied science • biography • business and physical economy • history • translation from German, French, or Russian Why Choose Me Over Other Freelancers? ✅ I’m the guy people seek out when they have a problem. Much of what I know has been learned in the process of solving other people’s problems. ✅ Helpful personality. I am known for patiently helping clients work through problems. ✅ Responsiveness. I respond quickly to clients and inquiries. I'm generally available 16 hours a day and seven days a week. Count on me to overdeliver. Editing, proofreading, publishing, and cover design have become a sort of hobby for me. I enjoy my work and believe that, working together, we can have a blast. Check out some of my examples and contact me for your next project! More at WriterShadow.com

  • Book Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Writing
  • English
  • Microsoft Word
  • Publishing
  • German to English Translation
  • Google Docs
  • Ebook Design
  • Russian to English Translation
  • French to English Translation
  • Content Editing
  • Book Layout
  • Ebook Formatting
  • Book Cover Design
Heith C.

Lee's Summit, Missouri

$19/hr
5.0
74 jobs

I am an accomplished, creative, skillful copy editor with a B.A. in English Composition and over a decade of experience in copy editing and proofreading. I am proficient in AP Style and the Chicago Manual of Style and have a working knowledge of the APA Manual, the Wikipedia Manual of Style, and Garner's Modern English Usage. My editing endeavors through Upwork have included self-published books by everyone from first-time authors to NFL Hall of Famers to Olympic athletes. Published works include fiction, romance, and sci-fi novels, personal and professional memoirs, academic research papers, and HR and employee manuals. Feel free to contact me with any and all opportunities you believe may be a good fit.

  • Copy Editing
  • Proofreading
  • English
  • Document Review
  • AP Style Writing
  • Scientific Literature Review
  • Chicago Manual of Style
  • Error Detection
  • Editing & Proofreading
Nicole D.

Kansas City, Missouri

$60/hr
4.9
232 jobs

Native English speaker/writer and published author. Owner and Chief Editor of Novel Treasure Publishing company. (see website at noveltreasurepublishing.com). Having served as a professional editor and writer for more than twelve years now, working with both fiction and nonfiction, my passion revolves around helping authors and publishers find the full potential of their manuscripts. I have an excellent eye for detail, and with my extensive background as both a ghostwriter and editor, I can be depended upon to offer professional guidance at every turn, eliminate errors and inconsistencies, and meet all deadlines. My clients are best-selling and award-winning authors, established publishers, and managers at Fortune Global 500 companies from all over the world. Experience the magic of your writing through an audience (reader)-centered empathy combined with editing strategies that attract more readers, bring on conversion power, and convey stories that stay with readers long after the last page has been turned. Specializing in longer story manuscripts, I help clients divide huge manuscripts into trilogies or series novels. I also edit to keep writing style, tone, characterizations, perspectives, dialogue punctuation, and other consistencies in place over the long haul. Such tasks involve tracking story development through many details in long written works and ensuring effective transitional writing. I also work as a writing coach, matching my talents to my clients' needs. I hire out as a 'book fixer' more often than as a ghostwriter. This means that I work through an already completed novel, elevating the writing and 'fixing' issues that come up in relation to the story, character, pacing, genre, etc. When it comes to nonfiction, I take on very few ghostwriting positions, and generally only consider projects where an author has already developed a fair amount of content that I can work from in terms of content, voice, and style. In each of these roles, I only take on projects that suit my skills--so, if you ask me to edit or write in a genre where I have no experience, I'll be the first to tell you I'm not your ideal fit. But, when I do take on a project, you can be sure that it will become a top priority and receive the attention and skill it deserves.

  • Copy Editing
  • Creative Writing
  • Proofreading
  • Ghostwriting
  • Academic Writing
  • Resume Writing
Cameron C.

Columbia, Missouri

$35/hr
4.9
20 jobs

Award-Winning Editor & Proofreader | Jesmyn Ward Prize Finalist & Hurston/Wright Foundation Winner I'm Cameron Carter, a dedicated copy editor and proofreader with over 5 years of experience enhancing nonfiction, literary, academic, and creative manuscripts. My expertise lies in refining language for clarity, correctness, and consistency, whether you're preparing a book for publication, finalizing an article, or readying a thesis or research paper for submission. Why Choose Me? - Proven Excellence: Finalist for the 2025 Michan Quarterly Review Jesmyn Ward Prize and Winner of the 2024 Hurston/Wright Foundation College Award for Fiction. - Editorial Experience: Former Editor at Five Points Literary Magazine, with a strong background in creative writing and English (M.A., M.F.A., and currently pursuing a Ph.D.). - Diverse Portfolio: Experience with literary magazines like Five Points and River Teeth, and a track record of helping students and faculty polish academic texts and editing a wide range of manuscripts. Services Offered: - Meticulous line-by-line copy editing - Proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and typographical errors - Ensuring style and voice consistency (Chicago, MLA, APA) - Fact-checking and light formatting as needed - Querying unclear sentences or inconsistencies without disrupting your voice Whether you're an author, academic, or small press, I bring a sharp editorial eye and a collaborative, respectful approach to every project. Let's Collaborate! Message me with your project needs and timeline. I’m eager to learn about your goals and help you achieve them.

  • Book Editing
  • Copy Editing
  • Creative Writing
  • Developmental Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Fiction
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Writing Critique
  • Line Editing
  • Academic Editing
  • Academic Writing
  • Academic Proofreading
  • Fiction Writing
  • Manuscript Editing Software
  • Book Writing
  • Essay Writing
  • Research Papers
  • English Tutoring
  • Academic Research
Breanda K.

Sweet Springs, Missouri

$30/hr
4.6
14 jobs

The year of 1990 Branda Lanyel Kuhler has been born. She takes on the nickname Ladybug, for the first time she says “hi” outside while a ladybug flies down beside her. Six years later (1996) I was diagnosed with medulloblastoma blastoma. The brain tumor only occurs in children with high IQs. I became paralyzed on my left side and found myself incapable of simply dressing up my own Barbie dolls. I spent most of my time on the computer. I was born an artist, and have always wanted to pursue the art field. I wanted to combine my strong art skills and computer technology's well-practiced mind. I came to this conclusion in the field of graphic design. Breanda Lanyel Kuhler entered the world in the year 1990 bringing bright energy with her. She was an inquisitive little human interested in all the world had to offer. The first time she spoke a comprehensible word was to say “hi” to a ladybug who landed on her blanket in the yard. Ladybug would become the nickname for this unique person. The sixth year of her existence proved challenging with the diagnosis of a brain tumor, medulloblastoma posterior fossa. The unwelcomed intruder only occurs in children of high IQs. I was left with temporarily one-sided paralysis (regained most through therapy). The simple task of dressing my beloved Barbies became undoable, ergo the computer became my outlet. I was born with inert artist talent and knew an occupation with this skill was something I desired. The opportunity to attend fine art school presented itself, it was logical to combine my knowledge of computers with my artistic talent. A BFA in Graphic Design was a great decision. I have a wide range of abilities with Adobe Suites (Psd.Ae.Id.Af.Pr), Illustration, animation, and branding needs including logos, advertisements, fliers, and posters. I am confident I can complete any of your design needs. I am a focused recent college graduate (3.8 GPA, Bachelor of Art) from the University of Central Missouri. After graduation, I worked several freelance jobs. The redesigning of the Battle of Lexington for Missouri State Parks, and branding a new logo for Sugar Creek Missouri. In both my academic and professional life, I have been consistently praised as results-oriented by my professors and peers. When I am working on academic, extracurricular, or professional projects; I apply proven research, creative thinking, and management skills. I have confidence i bring leverage to the Graphic Design position at your company. After reviewing my resume, I hope you will agree that I am the type of competent and competitive candidate you are looking for. I look forward to collaborating on how my specific skills and abilities will benefit your organization. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

  • Illustration
  • Logo Design
  • Adobe After Effects
  • List-Based Infographics
  • Advertising
  • Branding
  • CSS
  • HTML5
  • Animation Design
  • Adobe Premiere Pro

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