About Betsy

Freelance Editor

Hi, I’m Betsy—the editor behind Golden Editorial.

I work with authors of speculative fiction, meaning imaginative works that in some way depart from reality. This covers subgenres like fantasy, science fiction, romantasy, and litrpg, as well as even more niche book types. I also work with historical fiction and historical speculative fiction.

I also work with authors of educational and academic materials. If you would like to discuss this type of freelance project, please contact me!

Work with me

My Story

Reading grabbed my interest when I was very young and has gone on to influence every aspect of my life. I can’t pinpoint exactly when it started, but it feels like I’ve always been obsessed with books and stories.

I’m that kid reading under her desk during math class, the girl with a thick novel propped up in front of her at lunch, the college kid writing literature review papers in German and English. When I go to the library I bring an Aldi bag and leave with it full. When I’m not reading for fun I’m reading to learn.

I have been a voracious reader all of my life, and I pursued that interest in college with a degree in English Literature. After college I earned several advanced degrees in education and then spent 12 years working as a teacher.

I am ecstatic to work with writers full time through Golden Editorial. I look forward to getting to know you and your project!

My approach

I’m always so excited when an author includes me in their creative process. That trust is a gift, and I don’t plan to waste it. I work hard to provide my authors with honest and actionable feedback with a sensitive and friendly approach.

I am flexible and open to various modes of communication. I understand phone conversations can be challenging or uncomfortable, so I offer communication via email, text messaging, or Zoom.

I value collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, and open communication. These values permeate everything I do. I’m compulsively honest, obsessed with language, compassionate, and a bit of a nerd.

Education, Training, & Qualifications

  • Copyediting Certificate, University of California - San Diego, 2026

    Bachelor of Arts - English

    Master of Arts - Education

    My two greatest loves are reading and learning, so it is no surprise that I’ve devoted my life to both. My education experience has given me invaluable practice helping others, while my English degree laid a solid foundation for my work with words.

    • The Art of Feedback (Editorial Freelance Association)

    • Guiding Your Clients to Successfully Self Publish (Editorial Freelance Association)

    • Radical Copyediting: Prioritize Care over Correctness (Editorial Freelance Association)

    • Trans Allyship for Writers and Authors (Editorial Freelance Association)

    • Editing Emotionally Challenging Content (ACES: The Society for Editing)

    • Tips for Editing Genres that Include Violence, Suicide, and Mental Illness (ACES: The Society for Editing)

    • Proofreading 101 (ACES: The Society for Editing)

    • The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition by The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff

    • The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communication by Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz

    • The Copyeditor's Workbook: Exercises and Tips for Honing Your Editorial Judgment by Erika Buky and Marilyn Schwartz

    • Developmental Editing, Second Edition: A Handbook for Freelancers, Authors, and Publishers by Scott Norton

    • The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors: How to Take Care of Your Business, Your Clients, and Yourself from Start-Up to Sustainability by Erin Brenner

    • The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction by Amy Schneider

  • Member of:

    The Editorial Freelance Association

    ACES: The Society for Editing

    Freelance Editor’s Club

FAQs

  • My heart was captured by the fantasy genre in 3rd grade (thanks, C.S. Lewis), and that is still my absolute favorite. I love speculative fiction in general. As a history nerd, I do love a good historical fiction or time travel book. Mystery, crime, and suspense are next on my list. I’ll read a few romance novels a year (likely Romantasy but not exclusively).

    I enjoy nonfiction as well, with special interests in psychology, education, philosophy, history, and cookbooks.

  • I’m very reading-adjacent in my other interests! I love video games, especially RPGs with powerful stories and the ability to influence the outcome of the game. Listening to audiobooks while playing cozy video games or doing chores usually takes up the rest of my time. I’m a mom of two young children, so I can’t say I’m rolling in free time…hobby time is limited.

  • Hey, okay. I get it, working with an editor is an intimate situation, so you want to know as much as you can before contacting me.

    I live in Minnesota with my husband, our two hilarious daughters, a doodle puppy, two guinea pigs, two hamsters, and some random amount of fish (that’s one of my husband’s hobbies).

    I’m an elder millennial, which means I’d rather text you gifs than talk on the phone. My love for flare jeans and emotional-support tank tops is strong.

    Musically, I’m listening to Taylor Swift, Broadway showtunes, or kids music these days, but I’m a 2000s pop-punk girl at heart.

    I love spicy food and cooking new things from new places. Chocolate is very important to me.

    I’m not personally religious but believe in treating everyone kindly, helping those in need, and being a good person. I volunteer at my children’s school and am looking for nonprofits in need of free or discounted editing services.

  • I won’t work on discriminatory material. If your text is racist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory towards any group of people, please find another editor.

    I will not edit fiction work featuring gratuitous sexual assault or violence towards children. I’m just not comfortable with these as plot points.

    If your manuscript is super duper scary, it is not for me. I’m a big baby about horror.

    If your book is about math or finance, I’m probably not your girl. I can edit for grammar and flow but my content understanding will be low!

    Otherwise, I’m really open. If you have specific questions about your manuscript in this area please email me at betsy@goldeneditorial.com

Ready to work together?