Katrina Diaz Arnold

Katrina Diaz Arnold – Editor

Experienced developmental and line editor, formerly of a Big Five publisher, who loves helping authors refine their work into its best self.

Overview

Katrina is an editor and writer with more than ten years of professional publishing experience. She is an experienced developmental editor--both assessment and line--who loves nothing more than helping an aspiring author refine their work into the best, most vibrant version of itself.


She was previously part of the editorial team at Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, where she worked with numerous New York Times bestselling authors, before deciding to become a freelancer and an entrepreneur. Katrina now owns and runs her own editorial services company, bringing quality editing straight to aspiring and established authors alike.


Katrina specializes in a variety of genre fiction, mostly in the adult category, but edits some select young adult/new adult fiction as well. In particular, she loves editing works of Fantasy, Romance, Thriller, and Dystopian Fiction.


Passionate about books her entire life, Katrina has a BA in Creative Writing from Northwestern University and a MA in Shakespeare from University College London.

Services
Fiction
Fantasy Mystery & Crime Romance Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Northwestern University: BA in English in Creative Writing
  • University College London: MA in Shakespeare

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2013 — Present

- Manages a team of independent contractors to complete various edits on manuscripts prior to publication
- Personally specializes in developmental and line editing, editing manuscripts for big picture concerns like plot arc, character development, structure, pacing, believability, clarity, and writing style
- Refines and strengthens manuscripts through extensive editorial assessments and in-depth line edits
- Oversees copy edits and proofreads on manuscripts
- Edits query letters, synopses, jacket copy, book descriptions, and more
- Coaches writers through every step of the editorial process and on overall
submission strategy or book publication
- Runs all company business strategy and administration, including master scheduling

Scribner, Simon and Schuster

Jun, 2013 — Sep, 2015 (over 2 years)

- Edited New York Times bestselling and award-winning nonfiction and fiction books for structure, voice, and use of language by completing developmental, line, and copy edits
- Wrote promotional copy, book copy, sales tip sheets, editorial letters, and more
- Evaluated submissions for publication potential and researches competitive titles
- Communicated with writers and agents on a daily basis as the first response to all requests
- Managed projects from the onset through to publication, organized publication master schedules, monitored deadlines, payments, and contracts
- Strategically solved urgent issues for an average of 20+ projects at any given time
- Created original, promotional and/or shareable content for Twitter and Instagram
- Supervised minute-taking for editorial meetings and trained all new editorial assistants

Self Employed

Jan, 2013 — Jun, 2013 (5 months)

- Consulted collegiate and postgraduate applicants on personal statements and essays
- Wrote marketing copy, brochure copy, and website content for small businesses
- Edited manuscripts through developmental edits

Thomson Reuters

Jul, 2012 — Sep, 2012 (2 months)

- Proofread, copyedited, and completed multiple proof checks using BSI Proofing Symbols for legal loose-leaf and book manuscripts from initial copy to the final press proof
- Wrote filing instructions, edited checklists, and prepped texts for e-book transitioning

Chalke Authors/Endeavour Press

Nov, 2011 — Jul, 2012 (8 months)

- Copyedited, proofread, and formatted novellas and nonfiction essays for e-book publication
- Wrote press releases, inquiry letters, and interview questions
- Brainstormed, researched, and implemented two to four publicity campaigns per month

Browne and Miller Literary Associates

Mar, 2011 — Jun, 2011 (3 months)

- Reviewed several manuscripts per week and wrote reader's reports
- Managed and responded to all office email and letter queries
- Assembled potential proposals for evaluation every two weeks

Portfolio

A new fight for power and control begins now in the Murrieta Territory. Whose side will you take?** 2016-2017 BooksGoSocial Daily Book of the Year Award Finalist **Jeannie Morrell is on the run. Chasing behind her is the expanding Keagan gang that just burned ... read more
In the deep heart of the forest, there are places where no light ever shines, where darkness is folded by pale hands and jewel-bright eyes, where the world is ruled by the wicked and kept by the wraiths. This is where the Sprites of the Sihl live. But Sprites ... read more
She should never have said ‘yes’…When Beatrice said she wanted to publish her next novel under Emma’s name, Emma couldn’t believe it. Why on earth would Beatrice Johnson Greene, the famous crime writer, not want to publish her new book as herself?This time, Be... read more
The buried contents of a Nazi train. An aging SS killer—with a final sting in his tail. And the World War II secrets of a US presidential hopeful’s Jewish family, hidden in London for 70 years.In this epic story of revenge and justice with its roots in one of ... read more
SHE IS PLAYING A DANGEROUS GAME…When Lady Josephine accepts a wager to lure a kiss from the most scandalous and depraved rake in England, she thought it an easy enough task. But one glimpse at the man in question and she foresees her reputation going up in glo... read more
Dr. Cerissa Patel is a scientist, not a secret agent. But when the Lux order her to spy on the vampires she's trying to help, she has no choice, not with the fate of humanity on the line.Her cover story seems easy enough: become a vampire's envoy, visit the se... read more
Things are looking up for Lacey Becnel. A new job on the beautiful Central Coast of California and a budding relationship are the perfect escape from her tumultuous summer in New Orleans. She can't run from everything, though, and when she's sucked into a deca... read more
Kraken

David Arrowood

A U-boat that can change the course of the war. Otto Speer is a commander who knows which rules to break and which rules to bend. He is ordered into a battle that change history. He and his crew jump in feet first. Can he survive the battle that will alter the... read more
Caitlin Beck is a complicated twenty-one-year-old college student with a dark past. A past made elusive to Caitlin herself, after a traumatic event at the age of five had induced a highly complex case of Dissociative Amnesia Disorder. But all things considered... read more
The gripping action thriller with a shocking twistWhat price would you pay to know the truth?Kaden Baker, an elite hacker and covert ops specialist, finds her life turned upside down when she discovers that the parents who raised her were imposters. Were they ... read more
Missing Molly

Natalie Barelli

"Great plot and characters. I really enjoyed this author's writing style and will be reading more of her work. I highly recommend this book." Netgalley reviewer"A must read for everyone who loves psychological suspense!!!! Goodreads reviewer Everyone has secre... read more
The darkest secrets of a Russian oligarch—a legacy from Stalin. A hidden batch of the CIA’s Stinger missiles. And the insatiable Afghan thirst for revenge.Ex-CIA war crimes investigator Joe Johnson is sucked into an inquiry which delves into the deadly world o... read more
The explosive fallout from a top CIA man’s corruption and a US political leader’s aggression. The hunt for a mystery war killer. And a gripping British twist after a death on a ruined iconic bridge. War crimes investigator and former CIA officer Joe Johnson is... read more
When a Middleton causes a scandal, it's never by half measures . . .This was certainly the case with Willow Middleton, who had thrown every bit of care to the mid-May breeze and . . . married the imperious duke her sister abandoned at the altar moments ago.But... read more
An ultimatum goes unfulfilled. War is coming to the Murrieta Territory.The negotiations with the natives of the Riverlands have failed as Clovis Keagan heads north.However, the truth will finally be revealed to Daniel Keagan about the fire at the Morrell home.... read more
A resistance borne in a wolf's icy glare. Welcome to Harran!** A BooksGoSocial Gold Quality Mark Earning Novel **Turmoil continues to reign in the Murrieta Territory.Just as the Riverlands fall under control of the Keagan gang, Daniel Keagan is faced with a my... read more
"Sensual, sophisticated and sinfully addictive!" ~InD'tale Magazine A seductive spy. An alpha vampire. A deadly conspiracy...Research scientist Cerissa Patel has only one desire: to feel her lover's fangs slip into her neck for the very first time. Once they b... read more
How does a spirited lady bring nine overprotective brothers to heel? Rescue a dangerous looking gypsy, tend to his injury most ardently, and when he swoops in to steal a kiss, kiss him right back.A LADY IN A CASTLESassy, kind-hearted, and bored to death, Lady ... read more
The #1 international bestseller praised as “one of the most arresting thrillers I’ve read in years” (#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner), Woman of the Dead is the darkly thrilling tale of Brünhilde Blum, a successful undertaker whose happiness i... read more
Mata Hari Squad

Erin L. Jungdahl

Nothing can stop a spy on a mission, except maybe one of her partners.Miranda Watson wants two things in life: a good bottle of wine and a promotion. Not at her day job, her real job: espionage. The work makes her feel alive but her newest partner is killing h... read more
The Immundus

Christina Enquist

Would you sacrifice your humanity to save mankind?IT’S THE YEAR 2828, and Domus is the last remaining country. Divided into twelve walled cities known as genuses, Domus spans what’s known as the purist lands—lands unaffected by the genetic modifications that k... read more
After losing everything to a growing threat, the northman Fierd travels south looking for a new life. With the unknown ahead and certain doom behind, he takes on a young travel companion who may be able to help him make a fresh start somewhere safe.Proud, ambi... read more
HE WAS EVERYTHING SHE’D SWORN TO AVOIDLady Belle Middleton has never followed the dictates of society. She designs scandalous gowns, refuses to marry, wears inappropriate undergarments and answers to no one, most certainly not the dashing and irksome Earl of W... read more
All Sophie Bloom has ever known is a quiet, sheltered life with her abysmally normal parents. She has no idea that one morning will change everything about her ordinary life. Because by the end of her usual run, she’s seen something she can’t explain—something... read more
The Ulterior Motive

Jack Coleston

The fate of the United States hangs in the balance and only a select few can prevent the impending disaster. Stanley Carmichael is an intelligent and hard-working member of the Central Intelligence Agency. Yet, he never expected to be named Deputy Director of ... read more
From the author of Multiple Exposure, the second “intriguing…compelling” (Publishers Weekly) novel in the thrilling Sophie Medina mystery series that features a photojournalist as she races to find an international treasure before a murderer finds her.When fre... read more
The Crewmember

Marsha Volgyi

When twenty-four-year-old Lana Kramer accepts a six-month crewmember contract to perform as a dancer on a cruise ship, the experience is far from anything she could have imagined. The surreal vibe of being trapped between two worlds—rigid Navy-type crewmember ... read more

Katrina has 26 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

J.S. M.

J.S. M.

Jan, 2022

Katrina was willing to make adjustments to her delivery schedule as a result of changes in my travel schedule.
Michelle S.

Michelle S.

Oct, 2021

Katrina is a gifted editor. She gave me the needed content edit for my novel to help me see the big picture and she pointed out (with suggestions) plot, character and voice problems I have been struggling with for a long time. Her edits will guide me to the next stage in the process of completing my novel.
Kate E.

Kate E.

Dec, 2020

Katrina was really great! She gave me the feedback I needed to hear so that I could improve my style and help me strengthen my writing for the future. She's given me a lot to think about so that I can take action in my book.
Rohn F.

Rohn F.

Aug, 2020

I received your assessment. Harsh as reality presents itself, don’t discount the information you have afforded me. Since I can count on your honest assessment, would you be willing to likewise edit the next novel in this series called “The Bus Orphan?” If so, please send me an identical contract to the last one. This novel has less than 40k words, but needs the same viewpoint you can give me.
Laura H.

Laura H.

Aug, 2020

What you get from Katrina will make you a much better writer. She is thorough, perceptive, and professional. Her editorial assessment will give you the confidence to keep writing and continue improving. Hire her and believe that she will be the collaborator you need on the road to getting published! Laura H.

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