I’m Erin Parker—a lifelong voracious reader who’s now a professional editor.

As an editor and writing coach with extensive literary training and over nine years of freelance and in-house publishing experience, combined, I take great pleasure in collaborating with authors to develop and refine their fiction and non-fiction books for traditional and self-publishing.

I have a BA (Western), MA (Western), and PhD in English Literature (Toronto) and taught several undergraduate literature courses at the University of Toronto. This educational background has given me a comprehensive appreciation of literary traditions, genres, and techniques, as well as deep empathy for other writers. I know firsthand how much passion and grit are needed to tackle long writing projects and all the revising that is required to transform a rough draft into a polished book.

I have taken courses through Ryerson’s Publishing Program, including “Trade Publishing,” “Copy Editing,” and “Editing Books for Children and Teens”; facilitated seminars as co-chair of Editors BC’s professional development committee (2016 to 2018); and honed my skills by completing three internships at HarperCollins Canada and Penguin Random House Canada, with whom I have since worked on contract and as a freelancer. Other clients include Arsenal Pulp Press, Greystone Books, Harlequin, House of Anansi, Page Two, and many independent authors. I’m currently a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

In 2015, I moved from Toronto to the Vancouver area with my husband. These days, my spare time is spent reading books with our kids, Max and Felix; playing board games (current favourites include Decrypto, The Crew, and Creature Comforts); and exploring neighbourhood hiking trails.

Contact me to discuss your coaching and editing needs—I hope we get a chance to work together soon!