Yoanna

Editor and Book Coach

Bookish with Yo • Self-employed

Feb 2025 - Present • 1 yr 6 mos

I founded Bookish with Yo, an editorial and book coaching practice dedicated to helping authors strengthen their manuscripts and navigate the publishing process. Through my work with writers at various stages of their careers, I provide editorial guidance, developmental feedback, and industry insight to support the creation of compelling, publishable books. Key aspects of my work include: • Providing developmental editing, manuscript assessments, and copyediting for fiction and nonfiction authors • Working with 400+ writers through editorial feedback, coaching, and manuscript evaluation • Guiding authors through story development, structure, character arcs, and narrative clarity • Creating educational resources and content that make writing, editing, and publishing more accessible • Developing workshops and one-to-one coaching sessions to help writers improve craft and finish their books This work combines editorial expertise, teaching, and publishing knowledge to help authors elevate their manuscripts and approach the industry with greater confidence (and is my absolute favourite thing to do!)

Beta reading and editor

Fiverr • Freelance

Feb 2021 - Present • 5 yrs 6 mos

My work on Fiverr initially started as a beta reader, and then gradually progressed to editor as I gained the necessary qualifications and experience.

Editoral Assistmant

Penguin Random House • Full-time

Jan 2024 - Mar 2024 • 2 mos

I completed a work placement at Penguin Random House, working with the Editorial team at the Viking imprint, where I gained hands-on insight into the acquisitions and editorial process within one of the major publishing houses. During my placement, I contributed to the editorial workflow by: • Reading and evaluating 100+ manuscript submissions, assessing their potential against editorial and market criteria • Drafting professional turndown correspondence to authors and agents (least favourite part) • Supporting the team with editorial and administrative tasks, including research, mailings, and internal documentation • Writing reader discussion questions for a proof copy to support marketing and book club engagement • Attending cross-departmental meetings, gaining insight into how editorial, marketing, publicity, and sales collaborate throughout the publishing process This experience deepened my understanding of manuscript evaluation, editorial decision-making, and the collaborative nature of publishing, and significantly shaped my development as an editor.