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


Whether you have a complete manuscript ready for a final edit, or are in the draft stage, or even the idea stage, I'll help you bring your novel or story collection to the next level. I especially love working with writers of literary, popular, and genre-bending fiction. I love to talk plot, character, suspense, and voice.


I'm the author of the Reedsy Blog post "How to Outline a Novel in 9 Easy Steps," and am also happy to coach you on outlining and planning your novel.


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 38 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tyler E.

Tyler E.

Sep, 2024

I chose to work with Kirsten based on her reviews, her work experience, and her quick response to my quote request. She came through as such a friendly, experienced professional. I can't thank her enough for the work she did for my synopsis, query letter, and opening pages. I would 10/10 recommend working with her and hope to do it again!
Michael C.

Michael C.

Sep, 2024

I've worked with Kirsten on five projects and will be reaching out to her for a sixth one. What a find! Her skill and insights exceed even what one would expect from someone with her credentials, which include twice-published novelist (at major houses). If you haven't yet worked with Kirsten, get cracking.
Caitlin C.

Caitlin C.

Aug, 2024

Kirsten was great to work with. Her comments were positive, but many great critiques and ideas for improvements. She was very responsive when I sent follow-up questions. I think my stories will be improved greatly when I put her comments and suggestions into practice.
David V.

David V.

Aug, 2024

She did a wonderful job! I learned a great deal and will use her comments/advice in rewriting my work. I'm indebted to her.
Tiffany B.

Tiffany B.

Jul, 2024

Kirsten, She was helpful and insightful in pushing this novel along. I have worked with several editors on this story to make it come alive. I am confident that after her revisions and one more rewrite, including her instructions, I will have a novel to write out for query.

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