"For when plot spackle isn't enough."
Lydia (she/her) studied novel writing and editing at Stanford University. She specializes in helping authors create character-driven stories, increase emotional impact in scenes, sharpen plot points, nail their themes, and heighten tension for books readers won’t be able to put down. Lydia believes working with an editor should be fun and as low-stress as possible. She provides lots of praise for the parts of a manuscript that work well. This way, her authors know their strengths and can maximize them in their writing.
When she’s not editing, Lydia moonlights as a professional game designer. She applies the same principles she’s learned in this field to her editing process. Characters and their choices should always be the heart of a story.
Sensitivity / Expert
- Chinese-American culture
- The mixed-race experience
- Children of immigrants
- Tiger parents
- Complex family relationships
- Interracial romance
- Faith transitions
- Archery
- Gamer culture
- San Francisco Bay area
- Ancient Chinese magic systems
Preferred Genres
Young adult Adult Urban fantasy
Avoided Genres
None!
What Clients Say
The editor I worked with at Salt & Sage was lovely! Her feedback was always super helpful and the back ad forth we shared over the course of our consultation made the character in my story feel much more fleshed out and human. I’m definitely saving the work she did to helo guide my future writing process.
Very positive! Salt & Sage reached out to me on Twitter, and offered fast and insightful services.