Lisa Gilliam
- Website
- https://www.lisagilliam.com
- Membership Grade
- Professional Member
About Lisa
Hiring a fiction editor can be a little overwhelming, so my goal is to make the process of working with an editor as comfortable as possible for you.
You’re looking for a fiction editor with experience in your genre, someone who will preserve your voice and your story, and someone who is skilled and trustworthy. I can provide you with all of those things, as well as offer a learning experience that will improve your writing as your writing career progresses. I specialize in copyediting and proofreading—working with the nuts and bolts of your words, sentences, and paragraphs. While I’m not a developmental editor, part of my service includes basic fact-checking and pointing out inconsistencies in plot and character.
Experience
I have over a decade of experience in editing and proofreading. After editing in the corporate sector for seven years, I made the switch to fiction in 2015. Since then, regular clients include publishers (Kensington Publishing [NY], Pegasus Books [NY], Podium [LA]) and 40+ indie authors.
To browse specific books I've edited or proofread, see my portfolio here: https://www.lisagilliam.com/experience.
Services Offered
I work almost exclusively in fiction, with occasional creative nonfiction projects.
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
- Interior book design
- Ebook formatting
Training and Certificates
Through various courses, I’ve continued to strengthen my editing skills and add to my qualifications. Aside from editing courses, I’ve attended the Writers’ Police Academy twice (in 2017 and 2018), where I took various hands-on courses taught by law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, and scientists that help with realism and fact-checking in stories that involve law enforcement or weapons.
I have training in both US and UK English, so I'm comfortable working with either.
- Publishing Training Centre (PTC) – Distinction in Proofreading (PTC’s highest score)
- Publishing Training Centre (PTC) – Certificate in Essential Grammar
- Poynter Institute/ACES – Certificate in Editing (scored 100% on the grammar assessment)
- Writers’ Police Academy – Various courses (2017 & 2018)
- Editorial Freelancers Association – Beginning Developmental Editing and Beginning Line Editing
- Formatting for E-book – Certificate
- InDesign: Styling Novel Interiors – Skillshare
- Davenport University – English Core Classes (4.0 GPA)
Subjects/Genres
- Fantasy: High, Mythological
- Science Fiction: Space Opera, Technothriller, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
- Mystery/Crime: Detective, Military, Cozy
- Literary: Family Saga, Western, Historical (generally 18th & 19th centuries)
- Horror
- Romance: General
- Thriller: Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Military
- Urban Fantasy: Paranormal, Supernatural
- Young Adult
Technology
Hardware
- Proficient in both Mac and Windows PC
Software
- Editing: Microsoft Word (preferred), Apple Pages, OpenOffice, LibreOffice, and Google Docs
- Proofreading: Adobe Reader/PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, OpenOffice, LibreOffice, Google Docs, and hard copy
- Interior book design and typesetting: Adobe InDesign
Client Focus
I'm happy to work with both indie authors and publishers. I’m a huge fan of indie books, and there’s nothing like the collaborative effort of working with an indie author to bring a new book to its readers. My schedule is usually booked a few months out, but I’m always available to take on new clients. I’d love to be part of your team.
Testimonials
I can confidently state that she has consistently produced stellar editing. Ms. Gilliam has proved herself to be an asset when working with some of Kensington Publishing Corp.’s top acquisition editors. She has more than earned her status as a vital member of my team.
—Renee Rocco, Managing Director, Lyrical Press (Kensington Books)
In every way, you gave us more than we expected. Your attention to detail and your obvious desire to make our book the best it can be was evident from our first contact. We are proud to call you a member of our team!
—LT Anderson, Author
Lisa is a consummate professional with a keen eye for detail. Though I redrafted my manuscript numerous times with a fine-toothed comb, Lisa managed to find errors and plot holes I overlooked. I wouldn’t trust anybody else with my work, and neither should you.
—Dean Kinne, Author
I had a wonderful experience with Lisa’s editing. She is meticulous and gave some great guidance. I highly recommend her.
—J.T. Patten, Author
Lisa has done two projects for us now. So prompt and thorough. She is now our go to for proofreading!
—Mary Claire Branton, Founding Director, Charlie's Port Press
You are an amazing editor, and without you my words would be full of nonsense. Thank you for believing in me, and my work. I absolutely love working with you and feel honored to have you as a part of my team. I look forward to many more novels that will have your touch to them.
—A.M. Willard, Author
Lisa thank you so much for polishing this book and making it shine. The book has improved so much because of you.
—Michelle McLoughney, Author
Lisa had a great eye for detail, and I feel confident my manuscript is in the best condition it can be. Her skills were well worth the cost, and I just love the style sheet she provided.
—Stephanie Mirro, Author
Service
Specialisms
Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.