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Editorial Team

Our brilliant, talented editors.

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Developmental & line Editor

Caitlin Landuyt

Caitlin is a fiction editor with experience working at big-five publishing houses in the US and the UK - Penguin Random House and Hachette, respectively.

 

Worked on A Land so Wide by Erin A. Craig. 

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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. 

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Proofreader

Arianne Cruz

Arianne worked with Entangled Publishing as a proofreader. Since then, she has polished several books, including fan favorites like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry. 

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Academy Instructors

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Our team of dedicated instructors includes local and international authors.

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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.

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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.

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Soul Instructor

Johnny Compton

Bestselling author of Devils Kill Devils, the Spite House, and Dead First.

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Soul Instructor

M.L. Feather

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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Professional Editor

Ela Brooks

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Author & Marketing Strategist

Terin Larkin

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Professional Writer and Editor

Kelli Diffenderfer

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Acquisitions Editor

Jordan Kippe

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MFA & Professor of Creative Writing

M.L. Feather

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Writer, Editor and Outreach Coordinator

Daleney Teske

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Author, English Teacher, Writing Professor

Angela Berent

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