Rachel Carter
Developmental & Line Editor
Rachel Carter is the author of three young adult novels published with HarperTeen, including So Close to You, which was nominated for a Teen Choice Book Award, This Strange and Familiar Place, and Find Me Where the Water Ends. Her nonfiction and journalism has appeared in The New Republic, The Faster Times, and Booktrib.com, where she has published over 500 articles. She holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University and is currently a visiting professor of creative writing at Montclair State University, specializing in young adult fiction writing. She has also taught in the MFA program at SNHU, including courses on editing and coaching.
As an editor, Rachel is equally comfortable editing and proofreading fiction and nonfiction. Within fiction, her genres of interest include historical fiction, speculative fiction/sci-fi, literary fiction, and young adult. Within nonfiction, her areas of interest include: memoir, self-help, and general nonfiction intended for a mainstream audience.
Rachel was formerly an instructor at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, where she taught courses in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and copyediting. She has also taught young adult fiction and composition at Columbia University and has tutored grammar and academic writing at Baruch College, Columbia University, and the University of Vermont. She copyedits for a number of websites and businesses, including Booktrib.com, Burton Snowboards, and Words by Jen.
AREAS OF SPECIALTY
Literary and genre fiction (including Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi—especially books involving time travel!)
Middle Grade & Young Adult novels
Nonfiction, including memoir and self-help
AVAILABLE FOR
Copyediting & Proofreading
Content/substantive line editing
Manuscript critiques and developmental editing
Private writing coaching
“Thank you so much for your help on the first section of my book. I've got an agent now, hooked by that book, and it's out on sub to some major publishers. I couldn't be happier with your work.”
- Paige E. Roberts
"I've been working with Rachel for more than a year on my first novel. She has provided some great insight on my characters and on story development, which has helped to propel me forward with confidence. She provides some much needed encouragement while giving me good and objective advice that I have found valuable in the effort to improve my writing. I would highly recommend her services."
- Patty Meglio
"I am currently writing my second book and Rachel and I have been working together for more than a year. My first drafts were, as first drafts are, a little rough. With each submission, Rachel and I discussed the goal of the chapter and I went back to re-write with her comments and guidance in my head. My writing improved immediately with Rachel’s help and my story has been enhanced by her guidance. Rachel’s style and personality make it easy for me to openly share as I feel she is a supportive ally and an enthusiastic cheerleader for my writing and cause. I highly recommend her as an editor, fellow writer and creator, teacher, and compassionate human who makes the hard work of writing more meaningful, powerful and purposeful."
- Laura Noe, author of Travels with My Son
"Rachel Carter has been my editor for the past six years, helping me publish one book and collaborating with me on a second (my autobiography). She has helped design and manage my social media accounts (my website and blog), allowing me to introduce my collection of short stories and aphorisms to public view. At the same time she has been diligent in teaching me how to be competent in posting on social media on my own. Rachel communicates with me on a regular basis by email, text and phone, in a timely manner. Best of all her editing supports what I want to say, nudging me toward my own truth."
- Stephen Zuckerman, MD, author of three published works
"Rachel is editing my current cookbook; her personality and editing style works well for me. First she gives praise when the writing is good and points out where the writing is off target. She understands the development of narrative and keeps the client focused on the ideas that propel the story. She is strong in pointing out sections of the draft that should be omitted because the writing takes the reader off course. She gives suggestions for rewording and encourages the writer in her commentary. Importantly, she is attentive and responsive. Her email notes and word Doc comments are elaborate. When it comes to grammar, punctuation and sentence structure, she is fast and efficient. And she keeps to the schedule and timeline agreed upon. Her pricing is fair and honest. I enjoyed working with Rachel and will use her editing services on my next book project."
- Virginia Baltay, author of the forthcoming A Steamy Affair with a Pressure Cooker
"This is just to let you know, I got a letter back today from the New York agent who requested my manuscript saying he liked the first part and asking for the rest of the book. Your feedback on my first chapter was PRICELESS!!"