Meet the Team
Our Story
Of all the places in the world, our team actually originally found each other through TikTok! It all started when Rachael posted a video about how she would love to edit books for a living. The comment section was flooded with people who seemed very interested in doing the same thing, and that's where we all connected. There is such a wealth of readers, writers, editors, and book lovers on BookTok, so it was only a matter of time before a few of us with similar interests and career dreams found each other.
The Inkwell is an editing co-op, which means that while we all work together, we are each responsible for choosing our own clients and managing our own projects. This is why we always recommend that you reach out to multiple editors to ensure you choose the right person for your book. It also means that our rates are direct and don't include the huge overheads that bigger agencies include. Now that's a win-win!
Whitney Bridwell-Lewis
Developmental Editing | Copyediting | Proofreading | Beta Reading
With over 15 years of editorial experience, I specialize in bringing clarity, consistency, and polish to every project I touch. From developmental editing to meticulous copy editing, to thorough proofreading and beta reading, I help authors, publishers, and businesses elevate their content while preserving their unique voice.
My editorial journey began at Bridwell Publishing Co., where I honed my skills in proofreading and copy editing, eventually serving as Managing Editor. It was during this time I was introduced to book editing and I fell in love with the work. Since then, I’ve expanded my expertise across diverse genres—including fiction, romance, fantasy, thrillers, and academic works—offering everything from in-depth developmental/substantive editing to copy editing, proofreading, and beta reading.
I’m passionate about guiding authors through every stage of the editing process, ensuring their stories shine while meeting industry standards. Whether you need a detailed developmental edit or a final proofread, I’m here to help your words make a lasting impact.
I accept work in the following genres:
fantasy (high fantasy, romantasy, historical, paranormal), literary fiction, romance, middle grade, coming of age, YA, mystery & crime, suspense, action & adventure, horror & thriller, and absolute smut.
Alexandria Delcourt
Manuscript Evaluation | Manuscript Critique | Developmental Editing
My background is in the academic and craft elements of creative writing. I earned my MFA in 2014 specializing in full-length fiction, and focused my studies on contemporary multicultural writing, both fiction and nonfiction.
I served as the Editor-in-Chief of Stonecoast Review for two years, and then taught Creative Writing and English courses at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for eight years. Since then, I have worked as a full-time author and Editor and run my own series of creative writing workshops and classes.
My academic background, teaching experience, editorial work, and personal writing practice have given me a deep understanding of contemporary fiction, as well as the skills necessary to guide any writer through the writing process, no matter where they're starting from.
I accept work in the following genres:
Contemporary literary fiction (including short fiction/collections), poetry (collections or chapbooks), multicultural/diasporic/immigrant fiction, contemporary/urban fantasy, magical realism, romance/erotica (contemporary, cozy, romantasy, open/closed door, paranormal, fantasy), memoir, creative nonfiction
Allison Fulcher
Manuscript Critique | Copyediting | Proofreading | Beta Reading
Query Letter & Synopsis Review | Line Editing
Your manuscript is more than just words on a page—it’s your passion, your hard work, and your story waiting to be shared with the world. As a professional copy editor and proofreader, I specialize in refining your writing to meet industry standards while preserving your unique voice. Whether you're preparing a novel, memoir, or nonfiction manuscript for publication, I provide meticulous attention to detail, correcting grammar, punctuation, and style inconsistencies while enhancing clarity and readability.
Publishing is a competitive landscape, and polished writing sets your book apart. I work closely with authors to ensure their work is not only error-free but also engaging, cohesive, and ready for readers. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of storytelling, I help transform your manuscript into its best possible version.
I accept work in the following genres:
Literary fiction, thriller & suspense, history (historical fiction, historical nonfiction, true crime, biographies/memoir), children's books (picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade), travel (travel memoirs, guidebooks, cultural exploration)
Mel Hammond
Manuscript Evaluation | Manuscript Critique | Developmental Editing Query Letter & Synopsis Review
Hi, I'm Mel! I’m a former editor at American Girl and current author of middle grade and young adult fiction. At AG, I developed and edited contemporary fiction (the Corinne series), historical fiction (the Isabel and Nicki series), and nonfiction (Smart Girl's Guide: Body Image and more). As a lifelong writer, it is no surprise that I identify as a Kit.
My debut YA novel Lucy, Uncensored (co-written with my sister, Teghan) came out with Knopf in October 2024, and I’m currently working on my second novel with Knopf, a YA horror, scheduled for publication in spring 2027. I have a master’s degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University, and I teach MG/YA writing workshops in Madison, Wisconsin.
Let's dig into your novel to strengthen the voice, up the stakes of your plot, and get it ready for submission or publication.
I accept work in the following genres:
Middle grade fiction (any genre), young adult fiction (any genre), middle grade nonfiction, young adult nonfiction
