Hello, my name is Mandi . . .
. . . and I’d love to be your editor!
Meet your editor! Get to know me on a professional level to discover why choosing me for your editor is a wise investment, and if you’re interested in getting to know me on a personal level as well, I’m an open book (pun intended)!
Meet Your Professional Editor
Experienced Professional Editor
I have been a freelance editor since 2020, when I officially launched Red Quill Editorial LLC. Since then, I have edited over 65 books (updated November 2024) for traditionally and self-published authors alike, many of which have become repeat clients and even friends. You can check out Red Quill Editorial’s Bookshelf to view some of the books I’ve worked on and read client testimonials to see what they have to say about working with me.
Qualified & Passionate About Editing
Being an editor is more than just a paycheck to me; it’s my passion. I have always loved the written word, from reading to writing to editing. In 2010, I graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s in English and a concentration in creative writing. Nearly a decade later, I finally made the decision to pursue my lifelong dream of being a book editor and signed up for an intensive Proofreading Course. Once I received my certificate of completion, I set to work forming my business and designing a website. You can view my qualifications here.
Ever Expanding & Enhancing
I believe you can never know too much, so I continually hone my editorial skills through webinars and courses taken through Reedsy and my membership with the Editorial Freelancers Association. I also perform my own research and have firsthand experiences of the author journey, and compile it all into free Tips for Writers articles!
Editorial Code of Conduct
As a proud member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, I am required to always act with professionalism, inclusivity, and respect for privacy. Taking this a step further with my own editorial code of conduct, I promise to deliver only the highest quality edits to all my clients, respect each individual and demonstrate empathy, provide my clients with solid deadlines and adhere to them, and communicate clearly and regularly.
Excellent Communication
I pride myself on excellent communication. In a world where this basic courtesy is quickly dying, you can count on me to respond quickly, clearly, and regularly. Before, during, and after our contract together, I will respond to you within two business days or less (though it’s typically only a few hours if it’s during my office hours). If our project lasts longer than a week, you will receive weekly updates during the editing process. I also welcome any questions for clarity you may have, if you want to bounce an idea off me, or even if you simply want to say hello.
High-Quality Editorial Feedback
As an empath, I will provide you with detailed feedback that balances positivity with constructive criticism in an honest yet gentle editing approach. Rather than vague statements, you can expect specific suggestions and examples for how to hone your craft and enhance your book, all while honoring and maintaining your unique authorial voice.
Bodyguard & Cheerleader
I ensure that all my projects have a contract in place, which includes an NDA and an intellectual clause, both of which protect your hard work as the author. Not only will I safeguard your manuscript while it’s in my hands, I will also act as your personal cheerleader as you approach publication by offering moral support and encouragement, and even after by promoting your book via Red Quill Editorial’s Facebook page, monthly newsletter, and Bookshelf.
Relates to Your Authorial Journey
In 2023, I published a book of my own (Horse Cents). Through this process, I hired another editor (yes, even editors need editors), hired an illustrator/cover designer, published through IngramSpark (Barnes & Noble), learned how to market my own book online and locally, and so much more. I used this knowledge to create several Tips for Writers articles so I could share it all with you.
Tips for Writers
As you search for the perfect editor for your manuscript, I’d like to specifically direct you to my Tips for Writers article titled Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Book Editor. Another great article to check out is The Four Rounds of Editing, which summarizes what each type of editing entails so you can be clearer on what your manuscript requires and what you should expect when hiring an editor. You can also check out Red Quill Editorial’s YouTube channel if you prefer to watch.
Who Is Mandi Outside the Office?
The Basics
I am a wife, mom, equestrian, and lover of the written word. My husband, Lane, and I got married in 2007 and have been through a lot together, which has only made us come out stronger than ever (start with my blog post titled The Fire to see what I mean). We had our first daughter, Ember, in 2016, and our youngest daughter, Karissa, in 2019.
Horseback Riding & Other Hobbies
For as long as I can remember, my favorite pastime has been horseback riding. I currently have a palomino Morgan named Kaylee (who I trained myself!), a miniature black-and-white paint named Blue (who is on a care lease where she gets lots of love and attention), and a cremello pinto quarter horse/Welsh pony cross named Jack (who truly belongs to my youngest daughter). I also love camping, hiking in the redwoods, Christmastime, homemade popcorn and ice cream, spreading positivity and smiles, stargazing, spending time with my family, pet adoption, and the quilt my mom made for me.
Reading, Writing, Editing
Another constant in my life has been my love of the written word, from reading to writing to editing. I majored in English with a concentration in creative writing, was the go-to in-house editor for all my friends and coworkers at my previous jobs, and published my first book Horse Cents in 2023. It made perfect sense when I decided I wanted to be a book editor!
The Birth of Red Quill Editorial
I launched Red Quill Editorial LLC in 2020 to pursue my dream career. I’m passionate about editing and love when people ask me what I do because I get to announce, “I’m a book editor!” That’s right, I get paid to read books. Well, that’s not all I do, but semantics, am I right? 😉
Learn More About Me!
My goal is to help you to feel at ease when you reach out for my editorial services. I know how soul-baring it can be to hand over your hard work to a virtual stranger, and that’s why my blog has a personal touch. I want to return the vulnerability and allow you to get to know me first. Check it out if you’d like to learn more about me on a personal level.