What Others Are Saying
Read the experiences of authors I’ve worked with.
Kayleigh’s skilled beta read of my epic fantasy manuscript yielded extremely helpful insight into details that I overlooked, or would never have noticed. Her feedback was thorough, and her in-line comments let me know what was/wasn’t working as she read, which I found particularly valuable for gauging how my scenes were coming across and knowing where calibration was needed. I would absolutely work with Kayleigh again on future projects and recommend her services to any aspiring fantasy authors.
Allen S., author of The First Martyr
Adult Dark Fantasy, Skilled Beta Reading
I wrote a testimonial for Kayleigh previously based on my experiences having her as a writing coach, but recently she completed a developmental edit for my first novel: Helena Gray and the Jaguar’s Fang. I wanted to provide an additional testimonial because I was blown away by what I received from her. The level of detail and depth of her analysis and editing work in the manuscript, along with a 30+ page report summarizing her overall thoughts and providing recommendations, was beyond my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by her ability to find even the smallest contradictions or timeline issues and details in my manuscript, and her guidance in particular on what areas I should focus on in my revisions were clearly communicated and well-reasoned.
Developmental editing, especially when hiring a competent professional with an established track record of excellence, can be a significant monetary investment. Personally I always see these things as investments in my writing career, and I can confidently say that I found my investment in Kayleigh’s services to be well worth my money. As I said, she exceeded my initial expectations, which were considerable. So much so, that I already retained her for a developmental edit for my second novel in early 2027.
I also would like to highlight Kayleigh’s attitude and personality. She is a kind, caring, and thoughtful person, who communicates clearly and honestly. I have found her to be highly professional and reliable. She really cares about her clients, and she treats them with respect. That has been my overall experience in the 16 months we have worked together.
I would not hesitate to recommend Kayleigh to any author in need of any of her services.
Jordan G., author of Helena Gray and the Jaguar Fang (expected 2027)
Adult Adventure-Thriller, Developmental Editing
Working with Kayleigh was one of the best decisions I made for my book. From the very beginning, she understood the heart of my story and helped me see its full potential. What I appreciated most was her ability to balance big-picture insights with detailed, actionable feedback. She didn’t just point out what needed improvement, she explained why and offered suggestions that inspired new ideas rather than limiting them. Each round of notes made my manuscript stronger and my confidence as a writer grow.
I also loved how collaborative the process felt. Kayleigh approached my story with care, enthusiasm, and genuine belief in its possibilities. Her thoughtful guidance and encouragement reminded me why I fell in love with writing in the first place.
Dana B., author of How to Make a Superhero (querying soon!)
MG Sci-Fi/Mystery, Developmental Editing
This is amazing—direct and to the point, with constructive suggestions. You expressed some of my reactions in words—so great.
Charlotte Pierce, Publisher & Producer at Pierce Press
On behalf of The Iceberg and the Penguin by Anne Spielberg (expected Spring 2027)
Picture Book Manuscript Evaluation
Kayleigh was my first point of contact with a professional in the writing industry, so when I asked her to complete a developmental edit of my work, I wasn’t sure how I would be received. I half-expected to be dismissed as a complete amateur, but the experience was nothing like that. The process was straightforward, and Kayleigh was incredibly generous with her time.
By the time I submitted my manuscript, I had been working on it for about a year and was very close to the project. It was surreal to go from being the only person who knew my story to having a stranger know it more deeply than I did. Kayleigh reads the manuscript twice, provides in-line edits, adds insightful notes in the margins, and also writes a detailed report. This combination of feedback reframed how I saw my story and gave me clear direction for revisions.
To say she is thorough is an understatement. Her analysis is surgical. You can try to explain your story to someone and hope they “get it,” but Kayleigh was drawing connections I hadn’t even considered and suggesting possibilities I never would have thought of. It was obvious she invested deeply in the work to understand it on that level.
Overall, the experience was excellent, and I can’t wait to have another project ready to send her. In fact, if you’re considering working with her, I’d book sooner rather than later because she books out so quickly.
Richard P., author of Hiragana Noir (August 2026)
Mystery/Educational, Developmental Editing
I had a bunch of things I was unsure about on my story, and our conversation was exactly what I needed. The thing I hoped for, and was prepared not to find, was someone who saw what I was trying to do and could help me see where I was struggling to accomplish it. In this I got very very lucky with you. After our call I was ramped up to get fixing, and I felt the (much needed!) confidence in the story required to keep going. I was prepared to tear it all down and start again if need be, but instead it felt like I had a good story on my hands that needed a little fixing. It’s out there in the slush piles now. If it gets published at all, it will owe quite a lot to our workshopping session.
Adam C., author
Sci-Fi Short Story, One-on-One Workshopping
I wanted to sincerely thank you for taking on my manuscript. From our very first 15-minute video chat to the thoughtful deliverables, your communication has been clear, professional, and incredibly helpful. I’m so grateful for the care you put into your feedback, formatting, and the additional resources you suggested to help strengthen my work.
As an amateur writer working on my debut novel, this process has been invaluable. Your insights have not only helped improve this manuscript but have also taught me so much about my own writing style and storytelling. I’m especially excited about the idea of leaning into a heist element rather than keeping it solely a mystery — my brain is already spinning with ways to deepen the plot and characters.
The level of detail in your notes far exceeded what I expected, and it’s going to make a huge difference as I move forward with revisions. Thank you again for being such a thoughtful, supportive partner in this process.
I’m truly looking forward to what comes next.
Rachel C., author of The Stork’s Secret (expected Fall 2026)
Adult Mystery/Heist, Developmental Editing
As a writer attempting to get his first book to a publishable state, finding an editor who wanted to help me grow my capabilities, instead of just get an easy paycheck, was very important to me.
I had several intro calls and sample edits from various editors. At the end of the whole process, one stood out. Kayleigh’s approach to editing was exactly what I was looking for. She challenged everything I was hoping she would and asked questions that I never thought to ask myself. Alongside all of that, off of that first intro call, I felt like we clicked, and that is important for picking an editor.
I can’t say how many times I almost scrapped my book during my first round of revisions. I had reached the point where I was beginning to hate my work. That is no longer the case, all thanks to an amazing editor.
Kayleigh was genuinely the perfect choice for my book. She did everything she could to help me make sure my vision came through. I feel like I got more than my money’s worth and recommend her to anyone who even slightly considers her for their work.
Lee Ackley, author of The Lion of Harmony (March 2026)
Adult Sci-Fi, Developmental Editing
The feedback I’ve gotten is invaluable! You were to point out things I had no idea I was doing, and other things I thought I had gotten right but didn’t work well on the page or could be improved. I’ve learned so much already in the short time working with you and can already see how I can improve my manuscript and other books in the future. I would highly recommend others to work with you! You were professional, timely, and so sweet in this new (and somewhat scary) process.
H.N. Fisher, author of Ghost in the Code (November 2025)
Adult Sci-Fi/Dystopian, Developmental + Line Editing
Though I initially connected with Kayleigh for a developmental edit, circumstances caused me to choose the beta reading service for my particular situation and it did NOT disappoint!
She was very clear and very thorough with her notes and focused on the main areas I’d wanted extra clarity on. Very clear communication and easy to understand where my story struggled and where it shined. It was an invaluable investment and has already elevated my latest draft to a level I’m even more satisfied with.
Kevin Krause, author of Shadowbringer: The Fallen
Adult Fantasy, Skilled Beta Reading
I find your social media content relatable, which led me to read up on who you are as an editor. Your vibe, genre interests, and energy levels seemed to match mine, so when I saw a chance to enter a giveaway for your services, I jumped on it. From there, I decided to submit a piece I wrote several years ago that I am still in love with. But it is clunky and needs fresh eyes.
I had questions in mind for a beta reader to answer, and it was great that you called out that as a BIG part of my submission—what did I want to know about how you felt about my work?
Receiving your feedback, I was not surprised to find that many of the problems I knew existed were present but perhaps not as enormous as I thought. I was thankful to read your comments about how the piece was well suited for the young reader audience I was writing for. I was also glad you found the premise interesting as an adult and could see how kids would dive right in.
Overall, I like how much time you spent on the manuscript and how well-crafted your feedback was. After giving myself a few days to digest all you wrote, I am eager to jump back in, polishing my MG bug-collecting tale even more!
Brooke C., author of Eerie Collector
Middle Grade Fantasy, Skilled Beta Reading
I decided to work with Kayleigh because I was looking for accountability from an expert to make meaningful progress on a children’s book idea I had marinating. I loved brainstorming chapter ideas with her before getting started and appreciated her ongoing encouragement and support as I wrote.
While I knew going into working with Kayleigh that her feedback would be thorough, I was (pleasantly!) surprised by how incredibly detailed it actually was. I feel even more motivated to make progress on my writing after receiving her input and am excited to see what happens next.
Reading through Kayleigh’s feedback feels like seeing someone who is living out their calling. When I say she is good, she is really, remarkably good. If you’re looking for a true expert for your developmental editing, I can promise you that Kayleigh will deliver.
Jennifer Bangoura, author of Patchy’s Perfect Bed Adventure
Children’s book, Developmental Editing
When seeking a Developmental Editor, I wanted to find someone who would take care of my characters the way I would. Someone I could count on for constructive ways to make my story better. And my assessment of Kayleigh was right on the mark. She was that person and so much more. Kayleigh was both professional and personable through every step of the editing process. She made me feel comfortable handing my manuscript over to her. Based on her feedback, Kayleigh connected with my characters exactly how I’d hoped a reader would. And the feedback she gave me was exactly what I needed to make my story fully-rounded. I can’t thank her enough for what she’s been able to help me create.
Kerry Lussier, author of Just for Kicks (querying)
Young Adult Romance, Developmental Editing
I’ve worked with editors before who helped revise my work and sent me on my way. It felt more like a transaction than actual guidance. Kayleigh is so much more than that. I was interested in her 1:1 because I am new to the industry and I NEEDED guidance. She helped me see outside of my writing, made herself available with all of my follow-up questions, pushed me to put myself out there during a Pitch Party (also reviewed and helped polish my pitches) and gave me excellent resources to understand the publishing industry on a higher level. Kayleigh’s expertise and professionalism is invaluable. I am so grateful to have met her and I hope/plan to work with her more as I continue my career as a writer.
Danielle Griffith, picture book author (querying)
Picture Books, One-on-One Workshopping
Your ability to read between the lines and pull things into the forefront of all plot points was outstanding. The editorial report provided was thorough, detailed and went above and beyond. It helped strengthen my world building and characterisation to no end.
Your work and precision had made me a stronger writer and I would recommend your skill set to any and all. Thank you, Kayleigh, for being part of my writing journey.
Shelly Mack, author of Landis (originally released November 2023)
Young Adult Fantasy, Developmental Editing
Thank you for your time today. This is a valuable service you provide to indie [authors] looking to get started on the right foot.
Adam P., author and artist
Self-Marketing Strategy Session
I got connected with Kayleigh through a Reddit post I made questioning when was the right time to reach out to a professional editor during the self-publishing process. Her advice and feedback has been exceptional on all fronts. All communications with her were professional and educating. I went into the this process unsure of where to start, but she provided some great articles as well as answered any questions I had. I would absolutely recommend working with her on any project you may have!
Samantha Treat, author
Virtual Craft Chat, General Advice
Just wow. Your developmental edits are out of this world. Specific. Detailed. To the point. Yet still felt encouraging. Very directive.
Jen Lowry, boutique publisher
Multiple Manuscripts, Developmental Editing
You provide so much value. Your comments and suggestions are spot on.
Sally Simon, children’s book publisher
Picture Books, One-on-One Workshopping and Editing
Jessica D., author
Opening Chapters, One-on-One Workshopping
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My clients trust me to uplift their voices, to provide them feedback to empower their stories, and to give them guidance to strengthen their skills.
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