I was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, where I still live with my two dogs and three cats (I know…). I also share a farm in West Virginia with my two adult children, and there we have even more dogs and cats, but also chickens! If you happened to Google my name and found some disturbing results, rest assured I am not that Lisa Gilliam. I’ve never lived in Kentucky, have never allegedly murdered anyone, and have never been the subject of an episode of Snapped!

Now that we have that cleared up, I got my start in editing and proofreading in the corporate sector almost twenty years ago. I’ve always been the resident Finder of Typos, but when I wanted to make the switch to fiction in 2013, I quickly realized that being “good at English” didn’t make me a good fiction editor—not yet. I spent the next two years reading, studying, and taking classes in creative writing and story structure. In early 2015, I applied for a proofreading position with Booktrope Publishing, passed their test, and was hired. There, I combined what I’d learned with the knowledge of many other editors and learned how to be a great editor. Booktrope unfortunately closed their virtual doors in mid-2016, but I had already started my own fiction editing business, and thankfully, many of my Booktrope clients chose to continue working with me as they pursued their indie careers.

Through various courses, I’ve continued to strengthen my editing skills and add to my qualifications. From the Publishing Training Centre, I’ve earned an Essential Grammar certificate and a Distinction in Proofreading (PTC’s highest score). I’ve also earned a Certificate in Editing from Poynter University in association with ACES, scoring 100% on the grammar assessment.

I’ve attended the Writers’ Police Academy twice (in 2017 and 2018), where I took various courses taught by law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, and scientists that help with realism and fact-checking in stories that involve law enforcement or weapons (I even took a class on how to kill people with insects!)

To date, I’ve worked on more than 400 books. In addition to working directly with indie authors, I work as a copyeditor and proofreader for Kensington Publishing and Pegasus Books, both traditional New York publishing houses, as well as Podium Entertainment, Severn River Publishing, and several other small presses (Booktrope, Dragon Moon Press, Charlie’s Port). I’m a subcontractor for two professional editing companies, Pikko’s House Editing and Enchanted Ink Publishing. These hiring processes included passing their respective editing tests, so my skills are tried and true.

I’m a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), formerly SfEP, which means my experience, training, and references have been verified and vetted by the Institute. I’m also a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). I’m currently the EFA – Michigan Chapter coordinator.

Though I enjoy working with New York publishers and small presses, I love working with indie authors! I’m a huge fan of indie books, and there’s nothing like the collaborative effort of working with an indie author to bring a new book to its readers. My schedule is usually booked a few months out, but I’m always available to take on new clients. I’d love to be part of your team.