Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor

Fiction book editor of 500+ books, including Amazon bestsellers and award-winners.

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Happy April 1!

No April Fools here: I’m booked solid for the next three months! 🎉 (And I’m pretty happy about that.)

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Big news! When Things Pass Away, a picture book designed to help children process grief and loss by Dr. Tevis Harris, is published! ❤️ I'm so excited to have this book as part of my editing portfolio. https://t.co/LX9GjgMdjM

[Jonblair Books @JonblairB]

And a very special KUDOS to editor Kristen Hamilton @kristencorrects for the fantastic job she did editing this very special COLLECTION of Matt Duggan Thrillers. I'm especially grateful to her and Kingsman Typesetting Services.

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Bye, I’m going on vacation! 👋🏻

My husband and I are flying with our two-year-old to San Francisco to embark on a cruise to Hawaii. 🌺 I’ll be back to work on January 20.

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Q: What's the best way to format text messages in books?

A: To set text messages apart from your prose, the best (and most common) way to format them is using italics. You could also use a different font or use block formatting to indicate text messages. #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Your character’s dialogue should reflect their personality and background. Use contractions and make it sound natural! Bonus points if it reveals their emotions or subtext. #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

@CharlieRice That's exactly what you need in order to create well-developed characters! And that comes through in your books, too. Awesome job, Charlie! Keep doing what you're doing, because it works.

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

When developing your characters, start with the basics: name, age, physical description + background. Each character should have a past, a fear, and a dream—show these through action, dialogue, and memories. The more depth, the more real they’ll feel on the page. #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Want to create characters that stand out? Give them unique traits! Are they optimistic, cynical, or introverted? Maybe they use a quirky catchphrase or speak in slang. These little details bring characters to life. Draw inspiration from the people around you! #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Every character should have a clear goal—whether it's saving the world or finding love. But why do they want it? Motivations are key to making characters relatable. Goals move the plot; motivations add depth. What does your character want, and why? #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Perfect characters are boring! Give your characters strengths that help them succeed, but don't forget the flaws. Whether it's insecurity, arrogance, or fear of failure, these flaws make your characters relatable and engaging. Flaws are what keep readers hooked! #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Static characters are a missed opportunity! 🌀 Keep your story engaging by letting your characters evolve. They should change, grow, and surprise your readers as the plot progresses. #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Don’t forget: Your character’s voice should reflect who they are! Their accent, slang, and even emotional tone need to match their personality and background. Keep it consistent and authentic. 🗣️ #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Wow, has it really been 12 years?

A massive thank you to the incredible authors who trust me with their books and keep my business thriving. You make it possible for me to keep doing what I love! ❤️

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Characters need clear goals and relatable motivations to connect with readers. Give them unique traits, flaws, and strengths—no one wants a perfect or boring character! Balance is key. ⚖️ #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Every character needs a past, a fear, and a dream. Let these details shine through their actions, dialogue, and memories (including internal thoughts) to bring them to life. ✨ Make sure every scene drives their growth or pushes the plot forward. #writingadvice

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Characters and their level of development are key elements that will make or break a book—so it’s important to get them right. https://t.co/1xSCeS76qe

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

An editor is a support, a partner, your book's first reader. A good editor will (constructively) tell you the pitfalls in your book, even if you're not asking. (Because if they won't, who will? Negative reviews after the book is published?)

An editor is human—not AI.

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Hello! I’m Kristen, a fiction #bookeditor.

I’ve been editing fiction books full time since 2012, and in that time I’ve edited over 500 manuscripts (woohoo!). I am professional, communicative, and punctual.

Currently seeking general fiction, romance, sci-fi, and thriller. #mswl

[Kristen Hamilton, fiction book editor @kristencorrects]

Try Duotrope and The Writers’ Market for submission guidelines, and Publishers Weekly and Writer Beware to avoid scams.

Do you have a question about publishing your book? Leave a comment for it to be featured in a future post.