Over the course of my career, I’ve completed 400+ editorial projects and 150+ writing projects across fiction and non-fiction. From developmental editing that transforms manuscripts to ghostwriting that captures the authors authentic voice, I bring both creative insight and editorial precision to every project I collaborate on.
Due to client confidentiality agreements, the majority of my work cannot be publicly attributed. Below you’ll find representative samples of my creative writing and editorial work, along with select projects I’m able to share.
Fiction
From atmospheric horror to heartwarming children’s tales, my fiction work spans genres, age ranges, and formats. Whether writing under my own name or ghostwriting for clients, I create stories with emotional depth, careful pacing, and authentic character voices.
Published Short Fiction
My personal creative work has appeared in literary magazines and publications, with a focus on atmospheric horror, gothic romance, and dark fantasy. I champion stories that explore trauma and the supernatural.
Additional published work and work-in-progress novels can be viewed here at ELA Literary Magazine. I co-founded this magazine with two fellow publishing professionals. We publish the work of talented fiction writers who explore the edges of genre fiction. You’ll also find writing prompts, author spotlights, and submission opportunities there.
Fiction Ghostwriting
I’ve ghostwritten 50+ fiction projects across diverse genres and age ranges, capturing each client’s unique voice while delivering commercially viable, publication-ready manuscripts.
Genres and formats include:
- Fantasy and supernatural fiction
- Contemporary romance and office romance series
- Children’s fiction and middle-grade adventures
- Young adult (contemporary, fantasy, and romance)
- Short stories for seniors and anthology contributions
- Cozy mysteries and women’s fiction
Representative Ghostwriting Projects (Client confidentiality maintained)
Steamy Office Romance Series
Scope: 3 novels, 60,000-70,000 words each
Challenge: Create chemistry-driven plots with workplace tension and satisfying character arcs
Approach: Developed recurring characters, balanced professional and romantic storylines, maintained series continuity
Outcome: Client self-published series with strong reader engagement
Children’s Chapter Book Series
Scope: 5 books, 15,000-20,000 words each
Challenge: Age-appropriate adventure stories with positive messages and relatable characters
Approach: Created engaging plots for 7-10 age range, incorporated humour and heart, ensured each book worked standalone while advancing series arc
Outcome: Client published through educational market
Young Adult Contemporary Novel
Scope: 55,000 words
Challenge: Authentic teen voice addressing mental health and friendship dynamics
Approach: Researched current YA trends, crafted realistic dialogue, balanced serious themes with hope
Outcome: Manuscript completed to client specifications for submission
Short Story Collection for Seniors
Scope: 12 stories, 25,000 words total
Challenge: Heartwarming, accessible stories celebrating life experience and resilience
Approach: Focused on themes of connection, nostalgia, and finding joy; kept prose clear and engaging
Outcome: Used by client for community programming
Fiction Editing
I’ve edited 100+ fiction manuscripts across all genres, from developmental edits that restructure entire novels to line edits that polish prose to publication-ready standards.
Specialties include:
- Science fiction and fantasy world-building
- Horror, gothic fiction, dark fantasy, and supernatural thrillers
- Romance (contemporary, gothic, paranormal)
- Literary fiction exploring complex themes
- Middle-grade and young adult fiction
Developmental Edit: Dark Fantasy Novel
Scope: 95,000-word manuscript, full developmental edit + line edit
Challenge: Strong world-building but inconsistent character motivations and pacing issues in the second act
Approach: Restructured timeline, strengthened character arcs, tightened middle section by 8,000 words while maintaining atmospheric world-building
Outcome: Author revised and subsequently secured representation with literary agent
Line Edit: Horror Short Story Collection
Scope: 12 stories, 45,000 words total
Challenge: Uneven tone across stories, some strong openings with weak endings
Approach: Focused on consistency of voice, enhanced atmospheric descriptions, strengthened story resolutions
Outcome: Collection accepted for publication by independent press
Manuscript Critique: Gothic Romance
Scope: 72,000-word manuscript, comprehensive feedback report
Challenge: Beautiful prose but unclear plot structure and underdeveloped romance arc
Approach: 15-page editorial letter addressing plot holes, character development, and romance pacing; included chapter-by-chapter notes
Outcome: Author implemented revisions and entered manuscript in writing competition
Non-Fiction
Clear, compelling non-fiction requires both research and storytelling. I bring narrative craft to memoir and biography, strategic thinking to business content, and accessibility to complex subjects—always with an eye toward engaging the reader.
Non-Fiction Writing
I’ve completed 100+ non-fiction writing projects including ghostwritten books, articles, web content, and business materials. My non-fiction work spans memoir, self-help, business content, and personal essays.
Due to the nature of ghostwriting and having signed NDAs, many projects cannot be attributed.
Non-Fiction Editing
I’ve edited 200+ non-fiction manuscripts including memoirs, self-help and personal development books, business books, biographies, and academic works.
Specialties include:
- Memoir and biography
- Self-help and personal development
- Business and leadership content
- Narrative non-fiction
- Content structure and clarity for general audiences
Below are some examples of my work currently available on Amazon:
Money & You: Principles That Power Success
by Dame Doria Cordova | Edited by Emma Stead
Developmental and copy editing for entrepreneurial education guide based on nearly five decades of Money & You® program teachings.
View on Amazon
Sex, Power, and Transformation: The inside story behind the rise of the self-help empire – told by the woman who helped build it
by Marcia Martin | Copy edited and proofread by Emma Stead
Copy editing and proofreading for this memoir chronicling the rise of the Human Potential Movement and the author’s journey from devoted follower to independent force in the transformation industry.
View on Amazon
The Unmasking Effect: Awaken, Unmask, and Realign – Your Path to Wholeness & Inner Mastery
by Ike Anderson | Copy edited and proofread by Emma Stead
Copy editing and proofreading for this life-changing guide combining memoir, spiritual practices, and ancestral healing drawn from the author’s decade-long journey across 100+ countries.
View on Amazon
Fire Focus: Your Guide to Quantum Living Manifestation for 3x Infinite Money, Impact & Legacy
by Marjah Simon | Developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading by Emma Stead
Comprehensive editorial services for this entrepreneurial guide presenting a framework based on the power of three, including the Trinity of Transformation and the “3-3-3 Method” for accelerated business growth.
View on Amazon
Ready to discuss your project?
Whether you need developmental editing, ghostwriting, or content creation, I’d love to hear about your project. With experience across 550+ projects, I bring both versatility and expertise to every manuscript.
Emma Stead Writing & Editorial 