Editor Testimonials

Tessera worked on my book from start to finish, and they did a phenomenal job. I will absolutely be back with more projects. The whole team is fantastic and so talented. Highly recommend.
— Ann Aguirre, NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author
Working with Tessera Editorial has become an essential part of my editorial process at Tor. Every editor and mentee I’ve worked with has brought invaluable perspective and creative energy to their projects as well as insightful criticism and a sharp eye for errors. They consistently meet deadlines and they make it look easy. Reader, it isn’t.
— Ali Fisher, Senior Editor, Tor Books
I’ve had Manuela from Tessera Editorial work with me on 2 projects now. She’s got book #3 already, and I’m so pleased to have added her skills to my publishing process. If you’re looking for great editors/copyeditors, this is the place.
— Vivian Arend, NYT Bestselling Author
I’m deeply appreciative of the sensitivity read provided by Tessera Editorial, as well as their thorough copyedit. They gave me so much peace of mind for my book.
— Sarah Albee, NYT Bestselling Author
Manuela with Tessera Editorial is a thorough, compassionate, and professional copyeditor. I highly recommend her.
— Tamsen Parker, USA Today Bestselling Author
We’re so very impressed with Johanie’s insight and perspective. She did a wonderful job and we can’t wait to re-hire her.
— Jaye Green, author duo
Working with Tessera Editorial has not only helped me in gaining perspective to represent diverse characters respectfully and accurately, but my editor also pointed out places the story as a whole could be improved with further development. I asked for a sensitivity read, but what I received was that and more: a comprehensive view that will help me grow as a writer. I would absolutely recommend Tessera’s editors to others, and hope to work with them again in the future.
— Katrina Ariel, author
I had an editing emergency (my regular editor had a crisis a few days before I was to turn my book in to her in order to get it released on time). I contacted Tessera Edits, and they paired me with Johanie Martinez-Cools. My experience with her was wonderful from beginning to end. She’s warm and approachable, thorough, and her editorial suggestions never infringed on my voice. Even though this particular book contains some very edgy and potentially triggery material, she dove right in, asked questions when appropriate, and handled the short time-frame beautifully. Johanie is absolutely lovely to work with—I cannot recommend her—and Tessera Edits—highly enough!
— New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Eden Bradley
I’m incredibly grateful for the time and care Johanie gave to my manuscript. Her insightful questions, observations, and suggestions strengthened my writing and my characters. I would highly recommend her as an editor.
— Julie Carrick Dalton, author
I’ve worked with a large number of copyeditors in various capacities over the years, but when I needed a top-notch, professionally trained copyeditor for a personal project, my top choice was Tessera Editorial.
— Jeanne De Vita, Owner, Romance Writing Academy

Mentorship Testimonials

I am so thankful to be a part of Christa’s POC Mentorship program. The Q&A sessions from experts in the field with advice and honest feedback were invaluable. Christa strives for excellence and encourages each of us to become intuitive, professional editors which publishing houses and authors can trust.
— Aria Gmitter, mentee
With an abundance of webinars, guides, and well-paced assignments, the Tessera Mentorship Program is perfect for all levels of editors and writers. The mentors are gracious with their time, and everyone in the program is quick to share their own resources and experience with one another. It’s a welcoming environment for everyone to grow at their own speed.
— Ronnie Garcia, mentee
I am so grateful for the time Christa and Yas have put into training BIPOC for the future of publishing. The feedback is detailed and phenomenally helpful, and the webinars are invaluable opportunities to learn from innovative, forward-thinking experts in the industry. Not only that, the mentee group itself is positive and supportive, and these people are now an important part of my professional network. It’s hard to believe the mentorship is over so quickly, but I’ve gained so much knowledge and practical experience in these three months. Thank you, Christa and Yas, for supporting BIPOC in publishing!
— Gladys Qin, mentee
Tessera Editorial’s mentorship program has been the most valuable experience I have had in the publishing industry. Its unlike other programs, providing insider knowledge and advice for every stage of the writing process from pitching to publication. In three months under Christa’s guidance, I’ve learned more than I have in years. Tessera Editorial has a bright future because they approach the industry not only with an astute analysis of craft and business, but also with genuine intentions and energy to help promote diverse perspectives, develop unheard voices, and invest in authentic representation. I’m completing the mentorship with more than just skills though. The people I have met along the way are now friends and colleagues! I can’t thank enough the two powerhouses that made this experience possible: Christa and Yas! Publishing world here we come!
— Sarosh, mentee
Joining the Tessera Editorial Mentorship program was one of the best decisions I made for my career in publishing. I was able to learn insider publishing information from experts in the field, and I was able to refine and expand my own editorial skills. The opportunities that presented themselves through, and as as result of, this internship have proved invaluable, and bonus! I made new friends along the way. Christa is supportive and generous with good information and feedback. If you’re a BIPOC looking to get into publishing, this mentorship is the way to go.
— Ronni Davis, mentee
Before I became a part of the fifth cohort for the Tessera Editorial Mentorship Program, I wasn’t entirely sure of the editorial process when it came to how books were created. Compared to the internships and odd jobs I took on, I felt like I gained a plethora of knowledge from Tessera. Christa, Yas, and the other awesome participants during our webinars are rock stars! They’re out here doing the groundwork, helping BIPOCs like myself and so many others find their place in the publishing industry. I will forever be grateful to them and their entire team for teaching me and giving me the tools to thrive and be a better editor.
— Viveca Shearin, mentee
Being a part of the fifth cohort for the Tessera Editorial Mentorship Program was a blessing. Not only did I learn about the basics of publishing, but I also learned so much more. Christa and her team are truly supportive, and not with regards to working on homework assignments. They go above and beyond to help us understand the industry as a whole. From John and Molly to Mary and Deeba, I cannot thank you enough for the time you took for us all. I wish the mentorship was longer because there is still so much more to absorb. Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover the gratitude I have for Christa and the team at Tessera Editorial.
— Tanya, mentee
The Tessera Editorial team offers a warm, welcoming environment where all BIPOC mentees are primed for success at their own pace. Christa is a wonderful mentor who not only excels in the art of editing but also leverages her years of experience in publishing to provide us with Q&A sessions and webinars from industry pros. I am proud to call myself a mentee of the Tessera Mentorship Program, which has given me invaluable resources to keep growing professionally as a writer and editor.
— Mabel Yang, mentee
Tessera’s BIPOC Editor Mentorship was a game changer for me. Christa provided invaluable information, resources, and tips. The program brought in industry professionals to give us more insight into all the pieces of the publishing puzzle. The program also provided a safe place to discuss issues centering BIPOC and give each other encouragement and advice. Christa helped me to hone my skills and gave me the chance to gain paying work in publishing. I am now more knowledgeable and have more experience in editing. I would recommend this program for any BIPOC interested in becoming an editor. Christa is a great mentor and understands the value of BIPOC in publishing and Yas is an excellent organizer and consultant. Christa and Yas were a phenomenal team. I cannot thank them enough.
— Margeaux Johnson Weston, mentee