Publishing Industry Q&A with Kristen Susienka, Editor at Booked with Kristen
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I’m always thrilled to meet other editors out in the wild, and it’s even more fun to be able to chat about the work we do. I chatted with Kristen Susienka, editor, writer, and owner of Booked with Kristen, about book editing and my experiences not too long ago, and she was kind enough to share that conversation on her blog. (You can read my interview here.) I was keen to hear her answers to the same questions, especially since she works in a few genres that are outside my wheelhouse. We share a love for YA and fantasy, but she works with women’s fiction and romance too! So pull up a chair and maybe a cozy beverage. I hope you enjoy this insight into a fellow editor, how she approaches her editing, and a bit behind the scenes of editorial work.
Thanks again, Kristen, for inviting me to participate in the blog swap!
Describe your editing background. How did you get started? What made you focus on editing?
I was first introduced to editing during my freshman year of college, when I became a research fellow for a literary journal called North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies. I worked as the journal’s layout designer, proofreader, and copyeditor and fell in love with the publishing process. While I’ve always wanted to write novels, I felt drawn to the editing field and thought it could make a viable career alongside my writing dreams. After graduating, I interned at Penguin Group USA (Berkley imprint) and then got my graduate degree in publishing studies. Since then, I’ve been a book editor in some capacity at publishing houses in the US and UK, and most recently freelance. To date, I’ve helped over a hundred authors bring their books to life. I’ve worked with debut novelists, best-selling authors, indie authors, journalists, and celebrities to craft their books, and I have genuinely enjoyed each experience offered me.
Is editing a full-time job, a side gig, or a hobby?
Editing is my full-time job. I primarily edit romance, young adult, fantasy, and women’s fiction novels, though I’ve also taken on some thrillers and sci-fi projects. I run my own business, Booked with Kristen, and love helping all of my clients!
How do you attract new clients?
I’ve had the most success through social media such as Threads and Instagram, though Reedsy is also a platform I use frequently. I’m always trying to engage with people online to promote my services, and so far, my efforts are paying off.
Describe your editing team and which services you offer clients.
I provide a wide range of editing and writing services to my clients. Most of my clients work with me from draft to publication (my Publish Perfect Package) and self-publish following our time together. My most popular services are developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading. I also enjoy manuscript assessments, book-blurb writing, and copyediting. Ghostwriting is an area I have yet to dive into fully, but it’s intriguing and something I’d love to tackle if the right client comes along!
What is your editing process like?
Each process depends on the service, but generally, I work in Microsoft Word and Track Changes to comment on and highlight aspects in the novel that are working and that could benefit from improvement. I host several rounds of edits for my clients too. In essence, I offer the type of editing experience you’d receive if you were working with a traditional publisher but without the gatekeeping. For self-publishing clients, your novel and vision stay your own.
What genres do you specialize in?
Romance, young adult, women’s fiction, and fantasy.
What is your greatest accomplishment as an editor? Your greatest challenge?
Editing several 12-book series in the romantic suspense genre. It was super fun! My greatest challenge was overcoming a fear of talking to celebrities or journalist ghostwriters when I was just starting out as an editorial assistant! I’ve come a long way since then, though, and love to chat with my authors as much as they want!
What is your perspective on AI in the publishing industry? Do you work with AI yourself? Do you have an AI clause/anti-AI clause in your contract? Have authors ever requested you work with AI? How did that make you feel?
I have an anti-AI clause in my contract that promises I will never use AI to do my work or run your work through any AI software program. My work is my own. AI has no place in it.
What is your current Manuscript Wish List? Any genres you don’t want to work with?
I really want to work on a sports rom-com or pet-focused rom-com and a romantasy. I don’t want to work with horror or horrormance (they’re just not for me), but a thriller is okay!
What are your hobbies outside of work? How does that help you as an editor?
Running, chasing after my toddler, exercise classes. They help me come up with great analogies to life situations and also prepare me mentally for the editing process!
What can authors expect from working with you?
A hardworking, slightly sarcastic, kind, supportive professional who LOVES falling in love with books. Each novel I work on is special to me, and I will sing your praises as much as possible whenever I can!
What is one thing you’d like authors to know before they start working with you?
I love getting to know my clients as more than just business deals. We are people, and I love to have a relationship with each and every person I work with. That said, I promise to be as communicative as you prefer (or not). I’m here to help you and hype you up on every step of your publishing journey.
How can authors get in touch with you (website, social media handles, blog, email, etc)? List all contact links/@s you feel comfortable sharing.
Website: www.bookedwithkristen.com
IG/Threads: @editor_writer_kristen
Facebook: Booked with Kristen
Email: kristen@bookedwithkristen.com
