Get To Know The Founder Of Best Edition Editing
My name is Serena Smith, and I run Best Edition Editing. From a very young age, I have enjoyed writing my own worlds through words while also helping other people improve their stories. The latter passion, which I soon discovered was editing, is why I founded this company. I have a constant drive to help other writers improve their work. I love taking great stories and helping them blossom into refined literature that people can’t put down. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to have their stories told; however, an author with a lack of experience and expertise in the craft of writing can quickly turn readers away. This is where good editors come in. We can provide that expertise our authors don’t have. We can help shape and mold stories so readers are excited to learn more. Importantly, though, it is never my goal to destroy your writing and make it my own. Rather, I want your story to still be yours. I’m not seeking to ruin what makes it beautiful. instead, I am seeking to uplift it and make it even better. That is my main goal with this company.
-Serena Smith
Unlike most editors, I have experience in not only writing and editing but also acting. In fact, my associate's degree is in theatrical acting. You may wonder how this applies to editing, but actors actually have very specific experience in character development. To “become” characters on stage, I had to provide them with backstories, motivations, and strategies to achieve their goals. Interestingly enough, these same techniques can be used to help push your characters through their arcs in meaningful and believable ways. Here, you can find a picture of me in costume as Grace Fryer in the stage production of Radium Girls.
Personal Life
When I’m not writing or editing, I spend time with my two dogs. These little guys are my everything, and they are the best writing companions. Pippi, my cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy, has sat on my lap through many difficult writing sessions. Meanwhile, Kota, my 4-year-old Australian shepherd, is always there to help me unwind after a long day.
The majority of my education focused on learning what makes a good book and why. As I studied the craft of writing, I was able to improve my novel while building up the tools necessary to help other authors along the way. Throughout this time, I took second in my school’s short fiction contest and a faculty-judged creative writing contest. A professionally published piece of my work can be found in the October 2024 edition of After Dinner Conversation, which provided me with a Pushcart Nomination. If you’re at all interested in some of what I have gained as an author, you can follow along with my author’s blog.
My Writing Experience
Read “An author's Cup Of Tea” Now
Associate of Science
Snow College
Bachelor of Arts in English (Creative Writing)
Weber State University
Editorial Internship
Future House Publishing
Editorial Internship
Our National Conversation
“Exceptional Editorial Intern”
Our National Conversation Magazine
English Honors Graduate
Weber State University
“Outstanding Creative Writing Graduate” Weber State University
Minor in Literary Editing
Weber State University
National Pushcart
Award Nominee
One year of experience working
in a children's library
Education & Awards
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Testimonial
“Serena’s editing has really helped me understand how to write a sentence that’s clear and spot grammar errors I didn’t even know were a problem. Her feedback is also clear and concise, helping me know exactly what the problems are.”
-Melinda Strange
“During my internship as a policy content writer, I had the pleasure of working with Serena as my editor. Her reviews and feedback consistently elevated my work, whether I was drafting an op-ed, policy proposal, or infographic. Serena’s editorial insights are both constructive and thoughtful, aligning seamlessly with the message I aimed to convey. Her suggestions improved readability, bringing clarity and coherence to my work. Each remark was thorough, clear, and easy to follow, and her edits truly enhanced the quality of every piece. Working with Serena has been an invaluable learning experience, and I genuinely appreciate her expertise!”
- Ellie Bai
