Hi. I’m Alyse Bailey.
I’m a Connecticut native, but thanks to my awesome clients, I have the freedom to travel the world and live as a digital nomad.
Right now, I’m based in Belgrade, Serbia, eating my weight in pljeskavica and kiflice and exploring medieval fortresses.
When I’m not working through a client’s manuscript, I’m drafting my own–a contemporary lit. fiction story about a nomadic biker gang wreaking havoc in Eastern Europe.
In addition to writing, editing, and traveling, I’m also a lover of landscape photography, old-school tattoos, and all the music that your dad puts on at family barbecues.
Follow me on Instagram for more about my life as an expat novelist & editor.
Why did I become an editor?
During my last year of school, I worked at Curtis Brown Ltd. under a senior literary agent that taught me the real deal about the world of publishing. It was my job to sift through the query slush pile, read the promising full manuscripts, and write reports for all of the rejects entailing what revisions need to be done to their book prior to publication or representation. I loved it! But I didn’t love the “rejecting” part. These authors needed to receive the feedback I was writing in my reports before actually submitting their queries.
So, I ditched the New York City 9-5 and launched an independent online editorial to help writers fully work out the developmental aspects of their manuscript prior to publication, representation, or whatever their “finish line” goal is.
What are my favorite genres?
When it comes to clients’ manuscripts, I absolutely love fantasy, horror, romance, and contemporary fiction. And anything YA (obviously). But I’m not particularly picky. I’m quite proud of the fact that I’m able to put my editor’s eye on any manuscript that comes my way.
As far as my own writing goes, I’m partial to contemporary fiction and novels set in “the real world.” Slice-of-life stories are my go-to. I take lots of inspiration from insane people I’ve met during my digital nomad days.
What is my goal as an editor?
Above all else, it’s my goal to point you in the right direction. I want you to feel comfortable and confident with your book’s path. The revision process can be just as fun as drafting, especially if you have someone to guide you through it.
Hiring an editor is like buying a navigation system. It will help you find the fastest and most direct way through your revisions and to your end goal of publication, contest submission–whatever that final destination is. Sometimes the route has twists and turns; sometimes it’s straight. The road to success as a writer is different for everyone. Your personal reason for hiring an editor and the process that editor takes you through is going to be totally unique.
I aim to provide thorough feedback that’s carefully tailored to your book. My promise to every single client is this: I will never put your draft on an assembly line.