Valerie Gray

Freelance Book Editor
Trusted, Honest, Experienced

Over Thirty Years of Book Editing Experience

100% Commitment

For over thirty years, I’ve been helping writers tell their stories—from a young student’s first written words, to a New York Times bestseller, from an author’s debut to someone writing his or her twentieth book. But no matter whom I’m working with, my commitment remains the same: to help each and every writer develop their best work.

About my Career

I have always been passionate about books and writing and reading, and I’ve been fortunate my career in communication has led me from teaching on the Canadian Prairies, to working in radio and television, to producing films, to editing at Canada’s largest publishing house.

Storytelling

As a young girl growing up on the Canadian prairies I used to wonder what it would be like to be an editor—although back then I wasn’t even sure what an editor did. I just knew that if Jacqueline Onassis worked as an editor, it had to be a pretty great job.

And I was right.

Everyone Has a Story to Tell, And I’d Love to Help You With Yours.

Some Inspiration For You

“For me, writing something down was the only way out.”

Anne Tyler, in Janet Sternburg, ed., The Writer on Her Work, vol. 1, (1980)

“I’ve been working with Valerie at Editabook.com as my editor for years now, and I simply cannot exaggerate how indebted I am to her for her amazing skill and talent. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project, and her insights and suggestions always improve my manuscripts immensely. She is an invaluable and integral part of my writing process, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough.”

--Jasinda Wilder—New York Times, USATODAY, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, Amazon.com, and international bestselling author of more than 90 books.

“Valerie Gray took my broken manuscript and helped me stitch it back together into a book that was quickly acquired, a book that sold beautifully and, most important, a book that I absolutely love. Valerie is a total class act. She is a joy to work with, she knows both the craft and the business of writing, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

--Kimberly Stuart,author of Sugar: A Novel

“Valerie Gray is a joy to work with! Her keen insight brought into focus the problems in my manuscript that I knew were there, but could not see. Better yet, she provided concrete suggestions on how to solve them, identifying ways to strengthen the story, all while respecting my own unique vision and voice. She also calmed my panic during a very stressful time and reminded me that I can do this!”

--Roxanne Snopek,USA TODAY bestselling author

“Valerie and I have worked together on seven books, and in that time she has proven herself to be a gifted, generous, and immensely talented editor. With her elegant style and attention to detail, she is adept at guiding a book from the merest wisp of an idea to a fully realized and beautifully complete novel. I am a better writer for knowing her.”

—Deanna Raybourn,New York Times bestselling author

Selected Portfolio

Love is Murder

You Can Do It

Sugar