Who we are
A LETTER FROM THE LEAD EDITOR
Hello, and thank you for considering Refine Editing in your search for an editor.
Editing is, at its core, a collaborative process. At Refine Editing, we approach every manuscript with care, insight, and a deep respect for both the author and the work itself. Our focus is on thoughtful, in-depth editing that strengthens narratives, sharpens writing, and supports authors as they move confidently toward the next stage of their publishing journey.
I founded Refine Editing around the core values that guide my work as an editor: a commitment to quality, a respect for craft, and genuine partnership with writers. When you work with us, you’re not just receiving expert editorial insight—you’re gaining an editor invested in the commitment and collaboration that support your manuscript’s success.
We look forward to working with you.
Katrina Diaz-Arnold
Founder & Lead Editor
Katrina Diaz-Arnold is an editor with over a decade of professional publishing experience. After working with the editorial team at Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, she founded her full-service editorial company, Refine Editing, in 2015. She guides writers from ideation through publication across both traditional and independent publishing paths and has worked with numerous New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling authors over the course of her career. She has been a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association since 2013.
An experienced developmental editor, line editor, writing coach, and writer, Katrina evaluates a manuscript’s needs within the broader publishing framework as well as at a detailed, line-by-line level. She is known for her thorough, clear, deeply engaged, and collaborative editorial approach, as well as her ability to lead editorial teams and manage complex, deadline-driven projects.
A passionate, lifelong reader, Katrina holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Northwestern University and an MA in Shakespeare from University College London. She is deeply dedicated to helping both aspiring and established authors refine their manuscripts into the strongest, most vibrant version of themselves.
Katrina's genres:
Fiction: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic, and Speculative Fiction
Katrina works with both Adult and Young Adult/New Adult fiction.
Alyse Bailey is an editor with roots in New York City publishing and has six years’ experience in professional editing. Tired of sending promising-but-undeveloped manuscripts to the rejection pile, Alyse used her experience at Curtis Brown Ltd. to launch an independent book editorial where she helps writers bring out the best in their books prior to querying or self-publishing. She provides both developmental editing and line editing to debut authors and publishing pros alike.
Her mission is to help writers gain creative confidence through the revision process by embracing change and constantly learning. She is a strong advocate of breaking the “rules” of storytelling in order to craft unique narratives.
Alyse has worked with over 90 authors, several of whom have landed deals with publishers such as Harlequin and MacMillan. She is wholeheartedly in love with book editing and aims to spread that enthusiasm to every client she helps.
Alyse’s genres:
Fiction: Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller, and Romance
Alyse works with both Adult and Young Adult/New Adult fiction.
Nonfiction: Narrative Nonfiction, Memoir, Activism & Self-Help
Jaime Brockway is an editor with more than 10 years’ experience in professional publishing. As a copy editor for Refine Editing, she scours manuscripts to correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, reduce repetition, ensure consistency of style, and address confusing and clunky language. Her ultimate aim is to improve every sentence while maintaining the author’s voice. Jaime also points out small, lingering developmental issues to ensure the story is airtight.
A freelancer since early 2018, Jaime has worked as an editor for publications such as The Atlantic Re:think and Tablet Magazine and for organizations including Elite Editing and Super Copy Editors. Before becoming a freelancer, she was national copy chief at Time Out North America, where she led a department in copyediting one weekly and seven quarterly magazines.
Jaime loves working with authors because they are unmatched in their passion for their work, and helping them bring their narratives to life is a fulfilling role.
She has a bachelor’s degree in English (with a concentration in creative writing) and Sociology from Goucher College in Baltimore.
Jaime's genres:
Fiction: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romance, Thriller, Mystery, and Fantasy
Jaime works with both Adult and select Young Adult/New Adult fiction.
Nonfiction: Narrative Nonfiction