KAYLX

“[Her] notes were great. The write-up [she] did was outstanding. Loved all the points [she] made and made those corrections. Great catches.”

-Jackie Cannon, Editor & Writer

“Kharysa’s edits were exactly what I needed! She pointed out areas where I was doubting myself and muddling the words when I needed to boldly state my intentions and lean into my message. She also brought attention to places that might come across the wrong way to readers and offered a recommendation that maintained my meaning and my voice. I highly recommend her for helping you see the big picture of your writing!”

-Lauren Alexander, Editor & Writer

“As a writer who is highly protective of their work and critical of the critique provided to them, the fact that I have been working with Kharysa for over fifteen years now is a testament to her talent.

I have been writing stories which fall beneath the umbrella of romance for the majority of my life, and thus have experience with many different kinds of editor. A good one has an impeccable eye for spelling and grammar and other such errors. They can tell you if a sentence or a paragraph makes sense, or whether you use a certain word too frequently. A great one does all these things, yes, but they are not simply a correcting force, they are an encouraging and collaborative one. This is precisely the kind of editor she is. Her queries are always posed in a thoughtful, constructive manner; well-articulated and clear, with the full willingness to elaborate if needed. Recommendations to relocate or remove something are always presented with a reason as to why the adjustment was made from a reader’s perspective as well as from a technical one. If something is confusing or difficult to follow, she will ask for clarification before suggesting alterations. She is incredibly adept at recognizing and working with a writer’s individual style, learns the structural patterns they use, and tailors her suggestions in a way that best compliments these things. Maintaining a writer’s voice is incredibly important to her, and it shows clearly in how she approaches her work. 

One of her particular strengths – and one of the things I truly lean on her for the most – is problem-solving. Every writer has those moments: when you realize you’ve written yourself into a corner, find yourself unable to choose between two potential paths to get to the same plot point, or get stuck trying to shape a character or event in a way that suits the narrative, makes sense, and fits your vision. Sometimes these things resolve easily. Sometimes you stew and stress over them for weeks. When I’m struggling with something like this, Kharysa helps me workshop potential solutions – sometimes by delving into deep and intricate details if I need her to. Her capacity for recalling characters and their motivations, complex relationships and backgrounds, setting details, and events that I haven’t written yet (but mentioned that one time in passing), is quite honestly nothing short of incredible, and has helped me more times than I’m capable of recounting. More often than not we can find a fix for any snag – no matter how tangled or complex – in one sitting, because often all the situation requires is someone to ask just the right question. 

As important as all of these things are, the quality that sets her apart is the passion she has for the work. It is the kind of dedication that cannot be taught or manufactured, and its value cannot be overstated. You will never find a steadier shoulder to lean on when needed. She will be the strongest fighter in your corner, and your loudest cheerleader. 

I am a writer, and as such, my knowledge of editing as a craft is minimal. But I can attest that it is a craft, and one which takes skill and commitment. Though I have clearly written a small essay on the subject, the actual words to express how highly I recommend her do not exist. And so, I will simply say: if you’re looking for an editor who will be these things for you, you need look no further. “

-Mary Freeman, Writer

---