need help with your manuscript?

editing services, coaching tailored to your needs

Christine Van Zandt

need help with your manuscript?

editing services, coaching tailored to your needs

Christine Van Zandt

Write (or finish writing) your book with a book coach's help

Bio

Christine Van Zandt is an experienced coach and freelance editor who has helped writers achieve their publication goals since 2009. Her support and insight helps authors guide their stories from ideas until publication and beyond. In addition to coaching, she utilizes her editorial skills and education to provide constructive, developmental critique of the plot at a line level. Manuscripts are reviewed for story arc, character development, viewpoints, time lines, world creation, series oversight and consistency, first lines and first pages, word count, page turns, pacing, and more. She's able to help when a story is just an idea as well as with partial or full manuscripts. In addition to the manuscript, she analyzes and gives feedback on query letters and pitches. She also works on short stories (stand-alones or in anthologies) and articles.

References: recent and upcoming traditionally published books

Recent and upcoming traditionally published books she has worked on include Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice (2024 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Gold Medal winner, suspense, thriller, romance), Space Holes: First Transmission by B.R. Louis (2024, science fiction, humor, satire), Summer People by Sara Hosey (2023, YA contemporary fiction, romance, mystery neurodiversity), and Ricochet by Kellyn Carni (2025, YA historical fiction, alternative history, romantasy).

References: recent and upcoming self-published books

Recent self-published books that she has worked on include best-selling author Frank McKinney’s Adversitology: Hanging on By a Thread (2023, memoir, self-help, inspirational), Joypunks: Writing on the Wall (2025, literary fiction, "A philosophically stimulating novel crackling with emotional liveliness." --Kirkus Reviews ), Marketing Strategies for Everyone by the Harkey Group (2025, nonfiction, business), and Sacrifices Beyond Kingdoms, book two in series (2024, romance, intrigue, suspense, adventure).

More about Christine

Based in Hollywood, California, Christine understands what it takes to succeed in today’s crowded marketplace. Her education includes a master’s degree in English literature with a specialization in children’s literature (UCLA).

Christine is also an award-winning author; her traditionally published work for adults and children includes nonfiction picture books, fiction short stories, and both fiction and nonfiction articles. Find out more at ChristineVanZandt.com.

What she works on

Adult and children’s fiction: speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, magical realism, etc.), historical fiction, literary fiction, contemporary fiction, humor, romance, romantasy, and memoir.

Children’s books (board book, picture book, middle grade, YA) in prose or verse.

Adult and children’s nonfiction.

Achieve YOUR Goals

Book Coaching

Manuscript Evaluations

As book coach, I utilize my skills as a teacher, project manager, editor, and publishing guide. In this role, I help you define your goals, stay on track, and secure an agent or publisher. Even after you secure a deal, I'm just a phone call or email away.

Manuscript Evaluations

Detailed feedback on your manuscript, including strengths and weaknesses, areas for improvement, and suggestions for revisions. Evaluations are designed to help create a polished, marketable manuscript. Critique is actionable and constructive.

Experienced Editing

Manuscript Evaluations

Experienced Editing

Comprehensive editing services including developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading working with fiction and nonfiction, adult or children's books. Helping you achieve your goals and dreams whether this is your debut book or one of man

First Pages

Query Letters

Experienced Editing

Professional perspective on your book's first pages. Constructive advice on how to revise to hook the reader, where improvements can be made, and whether the content is relevant in today's competitive marketplace.

Query Letters

A query letter can be your first introduction to an agent or publisher. Thorough review and advice as to what's working and what may be changed to better engage the reader. Pitches and comps also assessed.

Ghostwriting

Query Letters

If you have a great idea for a book but don't have the time, experience, or desire to write it yourself, ghostwriting services can help. I work closely with you to develop your idea, create an outline, and write a book that reflects your vision and style.