Leah Rambadt

The Crafty Fox Editing Services

I edit fantasy, dark fantasy, science fiction, and horror novel-length works and short stories. I provide developmental/substantive, line, and copyediting services to independent and querying authors, and publishers. I have a publishing certificate from the Denver Publishing Institute, and an MFA in Creative Writing from American University.

When you hire a freelance editor, you’re hiring a person who will help you take your story–the one you’ve put so much time and care into–to the next level. If we’re a good fit, I promise to do everything in my power to help you create the best version of your story possible.

You could spend hours self-editing your work by picking up editing tips, getting books on editing, or even buying editing software to help you along, and eventually work your way through the novel you already spent a good chunk of time and effort writing. But after writing your novel, reading over, and rereading it again to edit it, you probably know your story inside and out. You start skimming. You stop being careful.

And then, no matter how thorough, how careful you think you’ve been, you may miss an odd scene transition, a stray punctuation mark, an awkward shift in voice.

That’s where I come in. I’m here, offering my services so you have a fresh pair of eyes to look over your work, to catch those stray, awkward shifts you may have overlooked.

Here’s what clients have to say about working with me…

“I’m so happy with the revised edition of The Foreword to Insomnia’s Istanbul. I felt like a new visitor in a story I wrote–many years ago. I enjoyed visiting the story from Leah’s point of view! I saw character motivations and truths through the editor’s gaze–and Leah’s observations and recommendations made sense. We stood on the Galata Bridge–virtually. We connected dots for a story narrated by an unreliable narrator in media res…despite my protestations. We fleshed out the characters so vigorously, by the end of the story the antagonist–a poster child for any social justice movement–is a well-developed and sympathetic villain!”

– E Maria Shelton Speller, author

“Leah was recommended to me by a friend who spoke highly of her editing talents and professionalism. I felt at ease, and I enjoyed working with Leah from the beginning. She asked pertinent questions to fully understand my requests and expectations. I absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a creative editor. Leah was attentive by completing the project in a timely manner. Her work was detailed and meticulously executed. I have written and published two books prior to this one. I have worked with many editors and can attest to Leah being easy and a delight to work with. Above all, she goes beyond to understand the writer’s vision and voice. I highly recommend Leah for any type of editing-writing… You will not regret it.”

– Zlaikha Y. Samad, author

“Leah is 100% reliable and very professional.

Not only did she do a great job in due time, but her attention to detail and inquisitiveness also brought valuable insight into the project.”

– María Elena Alvarado, Co-Founder/Managing Editor at School Publishing Group, Inc.

“Leah’s editing style provides a thorough review of your manuscript with a personal touch. Her edits were personal, constructive, and comprehensive. She understood the genre, the story, the type of characters, and had a good grasp of their arcs early on.

Since I am developing a series, I wanted to work with someone who respected the time I set aside for writing and editing, who was motivating without being pushy. She provided a good mix of this support by emailing me to check up on my progress, whilst still giving me the space to work on the edits and the sequel. I was impressed by her attention to detail; she managed to spot continuity slipups which neither myself nor my several read-crits picked up on.”

– Rob Connah, Author

“In writing my first novel I realized fairly early on that I didn’t know enough to produce the quality of work I wanted to. It was clear that I needed a professional editor to look over my draft and help guide me forward. I contacted editors, and Leah was by far the best based on her timely communication and comprehensive grasp of my first chapter.

I’m so glad I proceeded with her to do a full developmental edit of my novel. Her insights and suggestions have really helped me to bring my story to another level. She saw a number of problems and inconsistencies that I would have never spotted on my own, and she offered some excellent solutions.

I would recommend Leah to anyone looking for editing services, and based on my own experience I’d especially urge a novice fantasy/sf novelist to give Leah a try.”

– Lawrence S. Truett, Author

You can learn more about my services on my website. If you’re interested in working with me, please get in touch!

https://www.leahrambadt.com/contact-me/

Years in the field: 6
Years freelancing: 4