Lindsey Alexander – Editor

*BOOKING FOR 2026*

At the heart of my editorial practice is the belief that books make us better at being human, and I'd love to talk to you about yours.

Whether you've got the spark of an idea, a completed draft that needs a professional perspective, or a manuscript that's ready for fine-tuning, I will meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.

Here's how: With 20+ years of industry experience, I have an expert understanding of various publishing pathways. As a developmental editor and book coach, I'll identify your project's unique potential, offer actionable solutions to story and organizational issues, and keep you on track toward your goals. Expect feedback that's clear, constructive, and reflective of your intentions. You'll leave our sessions feeling invigorated and prepared for your next step.

As a seasoned and formally trained line and copyeditor, I'll use best-in-class practices to make your manuscript shine. Retaining your voice and respecting your style, I'll ferret out errors and inconsistencies, eliminate redundancy and repetition, and facilitate flow. Expect meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive style sheet that documents what's been done during editing.

AI disclosure: I occasionally use AI to research competing books. I do not use AI for writing, editing, or fact-checking otherwise.

ABOUT ME

At HarperCollins, I learned the art of editing from some of the most respected people in publishing. My clients have included hundreds of authors and numerous publishing companies: HarperCollins, Abrams, Bloomsbury, Chronicle, Scholastic, Lake Union, Little A, Dave Burgess Consulting, McSweeney's, Yale University Press, and others.

Titles I’ve collaborated on have garnered thousands of five-star reviews; been New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon best sellers; and won multiple awards.

I've taught multiple writing masterclasses, including through Reedsy, and I'm a lead instructor with a premier writing education organization. A number of my mentees have gone on to land agents and book deals.

I received an MFA in Fiction from the New School (key mentors: Sigrid Nunez and Helen Schulman), and since then I've continued to develop my skills and craft. In 2022, I was accepted to and joined Rebecca Makkai's selective Novel in a Year cohort through StoryStudio Chicago, and I attend the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) conference annually. In 2025, I attended the Gotham Ghostwriters conference in NYC.

Advocating for books and supporting the people who make them is a big part of my life. I’ve volunteered with the PEN American Center, Scholastic’s Art & Writing Awards, and Girls Write Now. I served for five years on the board of the Editorial Freelancers Association.