Editing Portfolio
I have been privileged to work with many wonderful authors who trusted me to help develop their books. This page highlights some of the published books I have worked on.
“She didn’t just help my story become stronger, but the improvements in my writing skills have been significant.”
Note that the covers below link to these titles on retailers using a universal link, and I am an affiliate of Amazon and Kobo. That means if you choose to click through to one of those stores and make a purchase, I receive a few cents at no extra cost to you. However, I strongly encourage you to support your preferred platform or even ask your library to bring a title in if you wish to read it. I provide links as service to you and the authors I work with.
Jessica Renwick
Middle grade fantasy and horror and sweet romance author Jessica Renwick.
Jessica Renwick is an award-winning independent author publishing middle grade fantasy and horror, as well as sweet small-town romance as Jessica Anne Renwick. She and I have worked together since she completed her first manuscript (The Book of Chaos) in 2018, and on nearly every title in her catalogue since.
On her first projects, Jessica had me do multiple passes of her work to help her develop her writing and style. These days, Jessica usually has me do a manuscript assessment to catch plot and character issues, and we often have a coaching call to help her nail down her ideas while she’s planning or writing.
Here’s what Jessica has to say to anyone considering working with me:
“Do it! And don't expect someone who will just whiz through the manuscript offering basic structural guidance. Talena will make you work hard, but it is so worth it because she’ll teach you how to improve your skills and truly make your manuscript the best it can be.”
Adam Dreece
Adam Dreece is the author of the internationally best-selling Yellow Hoods series.
I worked with Adam to beta read his manuscript for The King’s Horse twice and, later, to line edit a revised version. In fact, it was Adam’s encouragement after doing the beta reading passes that gave me the confidence to hang out my shingle as a developmental editor. He appreciated my work, and, since this is now one of my callings, I appreciate his inspiration and vote of confidence to dive into this career!
Adam Dreece:
The King’s Horse
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
An all-new steampunk-meets-fairy-tale series of heart, legacy, and duty.
Kaylea Prime
Author Kaylea Prime used feedback I gave her during the developmental stages of her debut portal fantasy novel, A Spark from Embers, to revise the project and get it ready for publication.
Kaylea Prime: A Spark from Embers
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Eighteen-year-old Sadie’s fiery ambitions of adventure and heroism have faded to embers. But after she steps through a portal into a magical land she once read about in a book, she’s stuck with Tristan, an enigmatic and frustrating man sent to guide her through the parallel world of Arwé. Soon, she’s caught in a civil war she inadvertently accelerated. Walking through that portal should have been freeing. So why does she feel more trapped?
“Talena’s thorough understanding of story structure and character motivations coupled with an attention to detail that will exceed your expectations make her an invaluable asset for any writer at any stage of their craft.”
Shari Chelack
I was thrilled to help Shari Chelack shape the book of her heart into a publication-ready manuscript through multiple editing passes.
Shari Chelack:
Flawed and Fabulous
Genre: Memoir
Like many millennials, Shari Chelack began adulthood trying to live up to the perfect image she saw on her Instagram feed. Little did she know, it would be on the yellow brick road of motherhood that she would learn her most invaluable life lessons.
With humour and raw honesty, Chelack shares her journey from being a successful but miserable briefcase-carrying career woman to discovering she already possessed the magic to create the balance and happiness she’d always wanted.
P. D. Workman
P. D. Workman is a prolific writer of thriller, suspense, and paranormal cozy mysteries for adult and young adult audiences.
For these manuscripts, I did developmental beta reads.
Endless Change
Genre: Young Adult Suspense
She was a broken bird. He was a mender of wings.
Chloe (Between the Cracks #4)
Genre: Young Adult Suspense
There had been two Chloes for a long time. But the harder she tried to be perfect, the worse the abuse got.
Jessica L. Jackson
I developed my editing chops as a critique partner for experienced author Jessica L. Jackson as she wrote one of the last books in her Winsome Regency Romance series.
Jessica L. Jackson:
That Wicked Earl
Genre: Regency Romance
Otaheitian princess Phillipah captures the heart of ladies’ man James Pearlington, Earl of Strathmoor—but can she win the heart of England, too?
“Talena Winters’ advice and direction during the crafting of That Wicked Earl proved invaluable. Every writer needs good feedback and Talena’s selfless attention to detail helped me enormously.”