
comprehensive services
Content editing, copyediting, proofreading, and book formatting: request a custom quote to get just the services you need. Learn more
expertise you can trust
Kristen Tate, owner and lead editor at The Blue Garret, has a PhD in English from Columbia University and a Professional Editing Certificate from University of California at Berkeley. Learn more
edits you can learn from
By focusing on the why and how of the changes we suggest, not just the what, we give you tools you can apply to your current project and all of your future work. Learn more
You have a vision for your book. We help make it a reality.
Selected Projects
“Many thanks to editor Kristen Tate, of The Blue Garret, for your tireless work on the book’s many, many rough spots and for your kind and patient handholding.”
Thank you to my editor, Kristen Tate, for doing a fabulous job once again to help me bring this novel up another notch.
“Kristen helped me turn my memoir into a best-selling book. Her editing is insightful, rigorous, and creative.”
“I greatly appreciate the heavy lifting done by my editor, Kristen Tate. Kristen used her exceptional editing skills and humor to help refine this story.”
“As I went as far as I could go, the heavy lifting began, and Kristen Tate, Ph.D. of The Blue Garret stepped in with stunning confidence.”
“An enormous thank you to Kristen Tate of The Blue Garret, whose edits, guidance, and suggestions taught me so much.”
“Working with Kristen Tate of the Blue Garret gave me the confidence to publish this book. Her work as Content Editor and Copy Editor is immeasurable.”
“Kristen is intelligent, experienced, and truly cares about her clients. I felt very well-supported and in good hands.”
“Working with Blue Garret was a phenomenal experience. I became a better writer, more knowledgeable and was encouraged to stretch beyond my perceived limits.”
“Kristen is a fantastic editor. Not only does she have a love for language and technique, but she expresses words in their clearest manner. Like a fond aunt, she connects with her writers and their works.”
“Kristen is exactly what I needed as a first-time author. She made the process easy, and not overwhelming. What she did not do was almost more helpful than what she did do - she let me continue my flow with subtle suggestions.”
We’re doing a deep dive into writing craft books in 2019. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to follow along!
From the Blog
Has an author asked you to be a beta reader for their novel? Here’s how to provide feedback that is kind, honest, and helpful.
Tips for using beta readers to improve your novel – with a list of questions to send them.
Are you struggling to complete your book? Try these four steps to increase your productivity and get that draft done.
The short answer: it depends. This post will help you make an informed decision about what is right for your book.
A roundup of news and announcements from the American Copy Editors Society conference, held this past week.
A deep dive into the dialogue tag: what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to bring life and magic to your fiction.
Did you know that some of the world’s preeminent libraries and museums have archives of public domain images that are free to use?
If you have started looking for copyediting services for your book, you have likely come across the term style sheet. What is a style sheet exactly, and why do you need one for your book?
Thoughts about why and how indie authors should consider targeting the high end of the book-buying market.
Punctuating dialogue is a fiddly job, and a typical novel has a lot of it. But the rules in this area are at least straightforward and easy to master. Here are three rules you should know.
Writing a book proposal will help you clarify what your book is about, why you are writing it, who your audience is, and what else they are reading.
Do you write historical fiction? You need to know about these three tools which can help you make sure you are using language that is historically correct.
Can it spot a cliché or catch a redundant phrase? Yes. Can it evaluate whether your syntax and diction are in line with other books in your genre? I think so. Can it predict whether your novel will be a bestseller or evaluate your story arc? Not yet.
Writing dialogue that sounds like natural speech requires a tricky balancing act between authenticity and artfulness. Find out how to use ellipses and dashes to create effective dialogue.
Don’t put your creative energy on hold while you are waiting for feedback. Here are five ideas for using that time well.
If you are a writer looking to build a community, get advice from experts and other authors in the trenches, and learn about the full spectrum of publishing options, then this conference is a great choice.
There are some days that the words just won't come. The blank screen waits patiently. The cursor blinks lazily. . .
“To say it's been a joy working with Kristen would be an understatement. She was incredibly patient, knowledgeable and present.”