Kirsten Bakis

Kirsten Bakis – Editor

I am an award-winning novelist who teaches at Yale Writers' Workshop, with 25 years experience as a writing coach and developmental editor.

Overview

I'm an experienced book coach, editor, and author. (My latest novel is listed in People Magazine's "20 Books to Read This Halloween," 10/5/24; and Esquire's "Best Horror Books of 2024," 10/25/24). I love to help writers bring their goals into focus and create a path to reach them.


I'm happy to work with manuscripts at many stages, from conception to final edits, and I also offer coaching and submission package reviews for those looking to query literary agents.


I especially love working with writers of literary, popular, and genre-bending fiction; and talking about character, suspense, and plot. I'm also the the author of the Reedsy post "How to Outline a Novel in 9 Easy Steps," and can offer help with outlining and structure at any stage.


Please note that my rate is on the higher end because when you hire me, you’re hiring an award-winning, working author with over two decades of professional experience, who is currently a resident faculty member at the Yale Writers’ Workshop. I love this work, and give each manuscript close, personal attention




Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Horror Mashups Short Story Steampunk Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Iowa Writers' Workshop Teaching/Writing Fellowship; Michener-Copernicus Society of America Award, Bram Stoker Award, Whiting Award
  • 2021 Sustainable Arts Foundation Award

Work experience

Yale Writers' Workshop

Jun, 2012 — Present

Self employed

Feb, 1997 — Present
Author, KING NYX, Liveright/Norton 2024; LIVES OF THE MONSTER DOGS, 20th anniversary edition with new introduction by Jeff VanderMeer, Macmillan FSG classics 2017; FSG 1997.

Self-employed

Jan, 2003 — Present

Kirsten has 60 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jeffrey B.

Jeffrey B.

May, 2025

Off to a very promising start in working with Kirsten. She is an excellent communicator, very responsive and seems like a great asset to your team of editors. I am looking forward to continuing to work with her! Jeff Betz
William S.

William S.

May, 2025

Absolutely wonderful. In her comments and suggestions, it's clear she soaked up every single detail of a 62,000 word MS and knows it as well as I. I've never been more pleased,
Kathy A.

Kathy A.

May, 2025

Kirsten Bakis reviewed my nonfiction essay "Russia's Black October" and sent me her helpful editorial comments and margin notes. In addition, she sent me where to find a big selection of personal essays, places to send my essay, including Reedsy. Although she was busy with other reviews, she g...
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Robin L S.

Robin L S.

May, 2025

The editor's changes, suggestions, and corrections were exceptional. Ms Bakis was very thorough in her work, and very responsive with any questions that I had. Though I am not a writer by trade Ms Bakis was very professional and courtesy in her suggestions.
Mona A.

Mona A.

Apr, 2025

I absolutely loved working with Kirsten. Because this was just a query letter / first chapter / synopsis review, I worked with several professionals. Kirsten stood out by far. Not only did she ask me many in-depth questions to get to know my needs and my book before she started, but she also incl...
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