If you’re a writer curious how to lose the overwhelm, transform your writing and editing skills, and find more motivation and balance . . .

Then I’m so glad you’re here! Hi, I’m Stacy.

I’m an author, freelance editor, and online course creator dedicated to helping you reach your full potential as a writer.

Let me know if this sounds familiar.

You’re tired of:

☑️ Staring at your manuscript and trying to figure out what needs rewriting

☑️ Feeling scattered from too many ideas and projects vying for your attention

☑️ Being dependent on editors and critique partners

☑️ The discouragement that comes from negative feedback, writer’s block, and unproductive (or nonexistent) writing sessions

You’re ready to take your writing and editing skills to a higher level—without adding more stress to your life

I know how this feels because I’ve been there myself.

I didn’t choose to write. It chose me. I started writing fiction in third grade and never stopped. When the call beckoned, I’d get a nagging pull to write a story. It distracted me from the chaos of the real world and gave an introverted girl a voice.

Writing truly has given me everything; I met my husband while working as a newspaper reporter, and we now have two children. I don’t know who I’d be without writing in my life. However, it wasn’t an easy path.

At times, I questioned whether my book publishing dreams were worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Family and friends suggested making it a hobby rather than a career, but that just didn’t feel right.

When I look back, it’s mind-boggling to reflect on the highs and lows of my writing journey.

If you’d like to read my official media bio, you can visit my Press Page, but first let me take you through some of the highs and lows that went on behind the scenes.

High Moments

Selling my young adult book Face-Off at age 18, doing book signings, and getting fan mail from kids.

Winning the Malice Domestic Grant for my mystery-in-progress, attending the Agatha Awards Banquet in Maryland, and meeting one of my closest friends, the other grant winner. I used the money to take my first online course, a class on writing mysteries.

Selling my mystery/romantic suspense novel Twenty-Five Years Ago Today to a publisher 15 years after the publication of my first book.

Earning over $3,000 in royalties after an ad campaign. I remember the excitement of checking my Kindle and Nook sales every ten minutes (okay, every five minutes!) and seeing the numbers rise at an amazing speed.

Publishing each future book brought more highs such as collaborating with my dad on The Flag Keeper; writing ‘The End’ on Fooling Around With Cinderella, a project I’d put aside for a year during a stressful time; hearing my books performed as Audible audiobooks; making bestseller lists; and finally writing and publishing the sequel to Face-Off—25 years later.

Low Moments

Struggling as a teenager to do the rewrites on my first published novel so it would be worthy of the $5,000 advance. The editorial director kept sending it back for more rewrites, and I feared losing the contract.

All the rejection letters over the years. The worst was when an editor wrote that she’d seen enough of my work and that I should stop submitting to her. Ouch!

When I got my hopes up after a Pub Committee at a major house passed on my book to the Mass Market division. It sat on a desk for a year despite my agent’s gentle nudges and finally got rejected. During that year, when the editor couldn’t take the time to read my book, I had a baby. (The baby did cheer me up!)

When the perfect book editor quit the business. She and her Pub Committee loved my YA paranormal thriller and said they would be seriously interested in a rewrite. When I submitted the rewrite, my editor contact had left publishing. Meanwhile, her replacement shut down the YA paranormal line. He returned my manuscript to me, unread, the day it arrived.

Getting a moment of stage fright when speaking on my first author panel. I stumbled over my words, blushing, until an acclaimed mystery author, the late Sue Grafton, made eye contact and gave me a slight nod. I wasn’t exactly smooth, but I got through it.

What a crazy business, right? Exhilarating highs and disappointing lows.

As someone who has been in the book publishing trenches since my teens, going through many ups and downs while I fine-tuned my craft, I’d be honored to help you on your writing journey. 

Over the years, as a freelance editor I’ve developed a reputation for being honest, friendly, organized, and thorough. My editing clients have given testimonials like these:

“She has made the editing process much easier than I ever thought possible.” Courtney Kristel, romantic suspense writer

“You are a true professional and obviously an authority at your craft.” Kevin Schwartz, suspense writer

“Stacy was a pleasant person to communicate with, and I enjoy how she talks to me like we’ve known each other for years!” Kimberly Gruenbacher, YA fantasy writer

“I’ve learned so much and am so glad I’m on a good track as I’m getting back into writing again.” Marty Rayne, romance author

“You are the best editor out there! I really admire your attention to detail.” Nicole Kuruszko, historical author

I’m kind of, sort of addicted to buying planners, journals, pens, and office supplies.

I have rules in the car regarding the radio—no one changes the channel on Bon Jovi.

I cried during the finale of Supernatural.

I don’t like to cook, but I love watching cooking and baking competitions.

Every day, I pull an oracle card, check what sign the moon is in, and write 3 things I’m grateful for.

My cat enjoys watching me do yoga.

I’ve never been allowed to help my kids with their math homework.

Clients and students are my friends. They’re creative dreamers and doers with amazing stories and a weird Google search history.

Want to know more about how we can work together?

My students and clients get results! For my official bio and media mentions, visit my Press page.

To read more testimonials, visit my Results page.