Ms Trista Smith |

Hello there

Experienced copyeditor and proofreader specializing in adult fiction (long-form and short stories) and narrative nonfiction.

Specialist genres: Crime, thriller, romance, general fiction, historical fiction, memoir

I have worked as an editor for 18+ years and am thrilled to be able to use my love of language to give writers confidence to put their work out into the world. 

My editing career began in the academic sector, which gave me a solid footing in the strict rules of copy editing and proofreading (and the experience to know when to break them). Since then, my work has run the gamut from novels and memoirs to feature-length scripts, recipes, and short stories, and I have widened my practice to work with authors on developmental editing and manuscript critique. 

I have an MA in oral history and am 100% committed to making the author's voice as transparent as possible, regardless of the medium. I love applying that concept to fiction and supporting both new and experienced writers to get the best possible result from their labour of love (and sometimes agony!).

I'd love to hear about what you are working on and see if I can be of service.

Services

Manuscript assessment
Developmental editing
Copy editing
Proofreading
Submission package feedback or editing
Blurb writing or editing
Research/fact checking
Proofreading works in translation (I was an editorial manager in translation/transcreation for five years, working with dozens of languages in translation)
Website proofreading/editing (including implementation in CMS as required)

Qualifications

BA English Literature, minor in Spanish Language/Literature, University of California, Los Angeles
MA Life History Research (Oral History and Media Representation), London Metropolitan University
MA Library and Information Services Management, University of Sheffield
TEFL certification

Training

Fiction Editing, Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
Memoir Writing, Seattle Central College

Testimonials

Trista was wonderful to work with. She went above and beyond what was required and offered some great insights into the story for me to consider. I would most definitely recommend Trista for your project and would certainly work with her again in the future.

Jonny Thompson, independent author

I have never written anything before. I wanted an honest review of my short story of 10,000 words. Trista delivered. She has encouraged me to expand this story into a novel. She put in an enormous amount of effort in reviewing and proofreading. I would highly recommend her. 

Margaret Mulder, independent author

Trista's professionalism, timeliness, expert editorial skills and judgment, and overall kind, friendly, and positive demeanor have made her an integral asset to our publisher's success. I am frequently forwarded emails praising her great work (varying from internal production editors and/or authors themselves). She is often chosen to work on projects with "high-touch," detail-oriented, sensitive authors who would benefit from her sharp eye and thoughtful querying.

Casey Hands, Cognella Academic Publishing

Quick response and excellent professional. I needed to improve grammar and sentences because English is not my fluent language. Trista was straight to the point and very attentive with any queries. 

Lily Moreau, independent author

• Editor
• Proofreader