Get to know me
So what qualifies me to check your spelling, anyway?
My professional bio would read something like this:
Stacey Clair has worked with books and writers in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand for almost two decades, and has worn many hats in that time. Now a freelance editor and the manager of The Coalition for Books, she was previously an editor at Hachette Australia and New Zealand, a book buyer, bookseller and award judge, as well as a literary event manager and reviewer. Stacey is now based in Tāhuna Queenstown, NZ.
But what that doesn't tell you is that I have a BFA in Creative Writing and a GradDip in Writing, Editing and Publishing, and have learned my trade from some of the publishing industry's most talented experts. Some of the books I've been lucky enough to work on have won awards, been critically acclaimed or commercially successful (some all three - bonus!). All this to say, I know a little bit about books.
My approach to editing is simple: honesty couched in kindness. If something in your story isn't working, my aim is to help you uncover an alternative way in without sugar-coating the issue.
Each book is its own unique universe. If you'd like to work on yours together, please get in touch.
Testimonials
As an aspiring writer, it can be daunting seeking and receiving feedback but working with Stacey was a dream. She made an effort to understand my motives and the story I wanted to tell. She gave clear, helpful critiques while ensuring that she encouraged my autonomy and creative process. It was incredibly useful to have someone in the industry share their insights. I would undoubtedly choose to work with her again.
Nikki Keen
authorWorking with Stacey was an incredible learning experience. She didn’t just edit the pages; she helped develop and shape my story in such thoughtful and impactful ways. She also assisted with my synopsis and added some key elements and reworked. Stacey was so easy to work with—supportive, friendly, and always quick to respond. It felt like a real collaboration, and I’m beyond grateful for her guidance. Highly recommend her!
Yasmin Knight
authorStacey has been amazing with her kind and detailed analysis of my work. I appreciate her for all the hard work she put in - and for being so communicative with all of my questions! Thank you so much!
Livvy Skelton-Price
authorStacey brings sharp insight, clarity, and care to every manuscript, helping authors shape their stories into the strongest version possible.
Daniel Pilkington
agentWorking with Stacey on my query letter was such a game-changer! She crafted it from scratch, taking my ideas and turning them into something compelling and polished. The hook she created is so strong, that it really grabs your attention and keeps you interested. If you're looking for someone who knows how to make your work shine, Stacey’s your person!
Yasmin Knight
authorStacey has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Her knowledge was invaluable and her suggestions were both insightful and endlessly supportive.
Claire Benson
authorStacey helped me tighten up the dialogue and get rid of stuff that didn't belong. All in all, well worth the paltry sum it cost me to have an expert of her calibre provide feedback.