Hi, I’m Lindsay. My pronouns are she/her. I’ve spent my life with my nose in a book, a tendency that has grown over time into a discerning love of story, grammar, etymology, and the Oxford comma.
I am happiest when I am exploring the written word and the craft of writing, and I have done so in an official way (English literature at the University of Guelph, Simon Fraser University’s Editing Certificate) and through self-study and professional development (here are some of the important things I have learned from a bunch of very smart people). I am a member of Editors Canada.
I love books across genres, but my favourites are skewed towards sci-fi and fantasy, old-fashioned detective fiction, queer romance, and the so-called middlebrow vintage novel. I am in love with stories that paint a world with words, that make me ride or die for a character, and that meander, sprint, or climb to moments of illumination.
When I am not editing, reading, or writing, I am probably listening to my favourite podcast while drinking too much Earl Grey tea.
I have two bad cats as my editorial assistants; I do my best to keep them off the keyboard.
Editing values
My personal editing values are rooted in ethics of care and collaboration.
I believe strongly that words are not neutral; for that reason, I advocate for conscious language use. In the words of Alex Kapitan, I strive to “help language live up to its most radical potential—serving the ends of access, inclusion, and liberation, rather than maintaining oppression and the status quo.”
Topaz Literary is an inclusive space that welcomes every flavour of neurodiversity, is LGBTQIA+-friendly, and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and decolonization.
AI Statement
I believe that AI is irredeemably unethical due to its reliance on plagiarized work, its environmental impact, and its inherent bias, along with a host of other reasons. I will not use AI at any stage in the editing process, nor do I accept manuscripts that have been created with the use of generative AI. By submitting a manuscript to me you attest that it was created by a human being and that you have not used AI at any stage of the process.
Ready to get in touch? You can find me at [email protected].
Some writing craft books I always recommend:
Meander, Spiral, Explode
by Jane Alison
Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird
by Henry Thien
Steering the Craft
by Ursula K. Le Guin
If You Want to Write
by Brenda Ueland
Testimonials
"I trust Lindsay as an editor more than anyone. In her articulation of how to develop fascinating characters and what makes for immersive storytelling, she is the real deal. She is a dream editor with both a passion for story and the professional editing chops to pull a book together. I recommend her every chance I get."
— Alyssa Graybeal, award-winning author of Floppy: Tales of a Genetic Freak of Nature at the End of the World
"We had a truly wonderful experience working with Lindsay. Her eye for detail was incredible, and she knew how to change our words without changing our meaning. Most of all, she believed in the project and treated our work with love."
— Zilla Novikov and Rachel A. Rosen, authors and co-creators of Night Beats Extended Universe
"Lindsay went beyond all expectations. When I handed her my book I stopped worrying and knew it was in good hands with someone who not only has an eye for detail but is so obviously switched on she could help steer this book in the right direction."
— Gabrielle Harris, award-winning author of Lessons in Meditation
"Working with Lindsay has changed my business. She is professional, knowledgeable, open and honest, and concise in the work that she does."
— Jodene Wylie, Editor-in-Chief, Cloud Lake Literary
"Lindsay hits the nail on the head without damaging the board. Her insightful and truly thoughtful feedback injected new energy into my story. I have a strong sense that I've found an editor who will take me to new levels in my writing career."
— Cindy Long, author of Dear Bill
"Lindsay is direct and easy to work with. She has assisted me with insightful creative criticism on my projects, and her support for my kidlit and prose compositions has been invaluable."
— Noelia Marziali, author of The Fantastical Eyeball Exchange