Our Mission

To inspire and instruct writers by helping them share their unique stories and enrich others.

I am first, editor and publishing coach for award-winning independent authors. I primarily work as a developmental and substantive editor who works with independent authors. I am adept in fiction, including fantasy, thriller, horror, dystopian, YA, and children’s literature. I also specialize in nonfiction editing for inspirational, motivational, business, and self help books in a variety of subjects.

I have presented many topics related to publishing and writing for a variety of audiences, including the San Diego Comic Con and at the IWG Annual Conference. I graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communications and English, and have been an educator for more than 20 years. I am a member of the Idaho Writers Guild, the Northwest Editors Guild, the American Copy Editors Society (ACES), the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). I have a certificate in copy editing with ACES.

I have a natural talent for content, pacing, and character development and have developed a passion for grammar, writing, and especially story structure. I have over fifteen years of experience editing academic papers, ESL essays and personal statements, entrance essays and applications, fiction and non-fiction novels and short stories. I have extensive experience and knowledge, including but not limited to finance, special needs, business, fitness, education, marketing, medicine, and politics. My experience allows me to specialize in helping a story become a well-developed adventure that will excite readers.

  • Developmental editor, copy editor, and proofreader. 
  • Interior Formatter: creates ready to publish interior files.
  • Empowers authors by teaching them how to publish, whether indie, traditional, or self.
  • Coaches authors through the steps of crafting a dynamic manuscript that will meet industry standards. 
  • Presenter and public speaker who teaches the secrets of standing out above the competition.
  • Coaches authors on their author business.
  • President of Edits by Stacey, LLC
  • CIO of AuthorsZen

I create meaningful relationships with writers and help them to understand that their individual perspectives make them unique storytellers. I coach authors of all skill levels to produce an amazing book and distribute it so that it can be marketed and sold to readers.

The first step is for an author to contact me for an introduction and see if I am a good addition to their team.

Our Print to Pro Team is Amazing

Editors

Troy Lambert
Troy LambertEditor, Writing Coach, Publishing Consultant
Troy is the author of over 30 novels and several works of non-fiction. He's edited over 200 titles in a variety of genres, is a book coach and story nerd who loves to bring out your author voice. Your story matters, and his why is to help you get that story into the world. *** Ruthless, character driven, plot doctor, story analyst, and structure nerd *** Ruthless, character driven, plot doctor, story analyst, and structure nerd
Catherine Bellinger
Catherine BellingerEditor - AuthorsZen CEO
Catherine Bellinger is a word enthusiast who's equally at home in fantastical realms and all things otherworldly. As an editor, Catherine has a way of bringing out the best in a writer's work. When not immersed in the magical world of books, Catherine indulges in true crime podcasts, specifically Morbid, and explores diverse literary genres in all reading formats available to mankind. Occasionally, you may find she wanders about in the mountains in search of the "quiet mind" to help fuel her creativity. *** empathetic and makes the revision process an exciting journey. Encouraging and detailed when possible. She does not eat small children for breakfast - but maybe for dinner (just kidding). *** Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Paranormal
Jeremy Quist
Jeremy QuistEditor
Jeremy has been a freelance editor and writer for nearly a decade. He's worked in a wide variety of subjects for a range of audiences, from horror to historical fiction and from educational materials to technical writing. He is the author of six non-fiction books for a young adult audience, but much of his writing work has been related to high-tech fields. He earned a master's degree in international relations with a focus on the role of technology. He enjoys traveling and living around the world - you never know where he'll be working from. *** Jeremy has been a freelance editor and writer for nearly a decade. He's worked in a wide variety of subjects for a range of audiences, from horror to historical fiction and from educational materials to technical writing. He is the author of six non-fiction books for a young adult audience, but much of his writing work has been related to high-tech fields. He earned a master's degree in international relations with a focus on the role of technology. He enjoys traveling and living around the world - you never know where he'll be working from. *** Nonfiction, LGTBQ+ sensitive, technical, academic, horror, historical fiction, technology
Marco GaminoEditor
Marco Gamino is a freelance writer, proofreader, and editor. He has a bachelor's degree in creative writing for entertainment from Full Sail University. Since graduating, he joined a small startup game company, Underscore Games, as their lead creative writer. *** Instructive and straightforward, but encouraging. *** Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction
CJ Anaya
CJ AnayaEditor - Best Selling Author
CJ Anaya is an accomplished author and seasoned developmental editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for crafting compelling narratives. With ten years of experience in the publishing industry, CJ has honed the art of bringing characters to life and weaving intricate plots that captivate readers. As a developmental editor, she specializes in helping authors refine their stories, ensuring every element—structure, character arcs, conflict, and theme—works in harmony. She has worked with writers at all stages, from emerging authors polishing their first manuscript to seasoned professionals looking to elevate their craft. *** Known for her collaborative approach, CJ provides insightful feedback that not only addresses areas for improvement but also encourages writers to stay true to their unique voice and vision. ***
Kim Anderson
Kim AndersonEditor
Kim is a lifelong lover of books, champion of concise communication, and believer in the power of story. She earned her BA degree in English with an emphasis in professional writing from USU and started her career as an intern writing policies and procedures for a non profit then landed a job writing sales proposals. She has now spent twenty years using her love of story as an English teacher coaching teens in literature, writing, and editing. Kim has used her polishing pen to edit non profit grant proposals, marketing literature, fictional and historical books. She is a member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) and earned the Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing from Poynter Institute. *** An instructive style with an occasional hint of snarkiness. *** Education, Historical, Teen and Young Adult Fiction, Non Fiction, Academic, Business Writing, Grants And Sales Proposals
Wendy Christensen
Wendy ChristensenEditor
Wendy is a certified word nerd who knows how to help authors turn a good story into a great one and the difference between a gerund and a present participle. She is a copyeditor and developmental editor as well as writer of fiction and poetry. Her love for the written word began in elementary school where she developed a passion for monthly book orders. Middle grade and young adult titles still make up a significant portion of Wendy’s reading list. While she gets excited about well-written stories across many genres, fantasy is a consistent favorite. She is fond of carousels and eating ice cream straight from the carton. Wendy has a BA in English from the University of Utah and professional certificates in Copyediting and Creative Writing from UC San Diego Extended Studies. She is a member of ACES, Editorial Freelancers Association, and Utah Freelance Editors. She is a Plottr Certified Editor. *** Encouraging and instructive. Diplomatic, but honest.Encouraging and instructive. Diplomatic, but honest.Encouraging and instructive. Diplomatic, but honest. *** Fantasy and historical fiction. Some sci-fi, mystery, and romance. Especially fond of YA and MG, though she does read books meant for adult audiences as well. She prefers YA and MG because they tend have less profanity and open door bedroom scenes.

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Troy Lambert - Editor and Coach at Edits by Stacey

Troy Lambert

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An experienced performer who has numerous productions in his repertoire. He is a prolific author and teacher. Troy has a rich, deep voice that paints a vivid picture in several genres from mystery and thriller to westerns, sci-fi and more.

Alisha Shumway - Illustrator

Alisha Shumway

Cover Artist and Illustrator

Having a piece of art created just for you is a special experience, and Alisha will help you create something unique! She grew up in Southeast Idaho, completed murals and portraits, studied under professors Brian Call and Leon Parson, and now lives near Seattle, WA. Illustrating books and selling fan art gives her a wide array of artistic experience, and she is ready to work for you.

Meirawood Productions

Sydney Smekofske –
Video & Audio Editor and Producer

Creating a book trailer, need an audiobook produced, have a video tutorial or YouTube video that you need polished? Meirawood can help. Yes, Sydney is my daughter, so there is some nepotism here, but she has a degree in communications with an emphasis in video production. She has multiple award-winning projects in her resume already, and she has a passion for books. Imagine that.