Editorial Team
Our brilliant, talented editors.

Acquisitions Editor
Jordan Kippe
Jordan started out in publishing, earned an MFA from Ashland University, spent ten very successful years in sales, and returned to the literary scene to found The Third Coast Literary Press. Jordan is an avid reader, a writer, a wife to the goofiest guy, and a dog-mom to two golden retrievers.
Academy Instructors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our team of dedicated instructors includes local and international authors.

Seedling Series Instructor
Dany Crooks
Dany is the author of the Cursed Gods Series, and is about to debut her highly anticipated rom-com, MAKE ME LAUGH.

Skeleton Instructor
Melanie Hooyenga
Multi-award winning young adult author Melanie Hooyenga writes about strong girls who learn to navigate life despite its challenges. She first started writing as a teenager and finds she still relates best to that age group. When not writing books, you can find her wrangling her Miniature Schnauzer Gus and shredding the mountain bike trails with her husband Jeremy. The Quiet Unraveling of Eve Ellaway is her tenth novel.

Soul Instructor
Johnny Compton
Bestselling author of Devils Kill Devils, the Spite House, and Dead First.

Soul Instructor
M.L. Feather
M.L. Feather is a creative writing professor in Arizona, received his MFA from Ashland University.

Editorial Instructor
Susie Finkbeiner
Susie Finkbeiner is the author of ten novels including The All-American and All Manner of Things -- which were both selected as Michigan Notable Books. Susie and her family live in West Michigan.

Editorial Instructor
Ela Brooks
Ela Brooks is an editor, writing educator, and founder of Pen and Polish, where she helps fiction and nonfiction authors craft stories and messages that resonate with readers. Through developmental editing, line editing, and educational resources, she specializes in helping writers strengthen character depth, emotional impact, reader immersion, and narrative momentum. Ela has worked with authors across a variety of genres and is known for providing thoughtful, actionable feedback that helps writers strengthen what is already working while identifying opportunities for deeper impact and clarity. She has also served as a judge for novel contests, evaluating submissions and providing editorial feedback to emerging writers. Her teaching focuses on the storytelling techniques that create emotional investment, compelling characters, and unforgettable reading experiences. Through Pen and Polish, she has helped hundreds of writers develop stronger revision skills, grow in confidence, and continue pursuing the stories they feel called to tell. When she's not editing or teaching, she's usually reading, writing, or spending time with her husband and dogs.

Professional Instructor
Jessica Berg
Jessica Berg is the founder and agency director of Rosecliff Literary, a boutique agency built on the belief that ambitious writers deserve transparency, strategy, and a seat at the table. She earned her MFA from Spalding University and brings more than a decade of experience to her work with clients. In addition to her agency role, Jessica serves as a contributing editor for Writer's Digest, where she writes and consults on topics related to querying, craft, comp titles, and the business of authorship. She teaches globally on query letters, positioning, and sustainable author careers. Jessica serves on the board of the Historical Novel Society and is a chair for the National Women's Book Association. She lives online at @jessica__berg, where she talks about querying, writing life, and the realities of publishing with transparency, humor, and a touch of glam. Connect with Rosecliff at @roseclifflit. Free download: How to Pitch Your Book in 30 Seconds at https://www.jessicaberg.me/the-30-second-book-pitch
Our Readers.
Every manuscript submitted for the Book of the Year goes through a rigorous vetting process. These are our professional readers & editors.

Professional Editor
Ela Brooks

Author & Marketing Strategist
Terin Larkin

Professional Writer and Editor
Kelli Diffenderfer

Acquisitions Editor
Jordan Kippe

MFA & Professor of Creative Writing
M.L. Feather

Writer, Editor and Outreach Coordinator
Daleney Teske

Author, English Teacher, Writing Professor
Angela Berent


