I love to edit! I began my career in 1990 as a court reporter in San Diego County, which included editing court transcripts. For approximately eight years I honed my skills in that capacity and have been editing in some form or another ever since. I have always loved to read, especially Christian Fiction, and in 2009 I started exploring what it would take to start editing books. Being a part of helping others reach their dreams of becoming a published author is what I enjoy the most.
In 2010, I attended the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference and published a book with my husband, Dan. I am a Gold member of the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network and am also a member of the Christian Editor Connection. I currently freelance for various authors and work with Penguin Random House in their Zeitgeist imprint.
Here's what people are saying about my work ~
"Denise Harmer’s love of fiction and attention to detail have freed me to do what I love most—write. When I send Denise my work to read, edit, or proof, I know that she’ll not only correct my errors, but she will also give me her honest assessment of the story. I trust Denise’s judgment, and I appreciate her willingness to offer suggestions to make my work better."
- Julie Carobini, Author of five seaside novels, including the recent Walking on Sea Glass
"I’m so grateful to have had Denise’s professional work on my manuscript. Kind, professional and timely, Denise is a joy to work with. Though I’ve authored several novels with a major publishing house, the rules of grammar have always been my greatest weakness. With Denise’s strengths, she was the helping hand that finessed my story to be its best. At the same time, she lent a gentle enough touch that the story very much remained my own. One of the highest marks of an excellent editor."
- Joanne Bischof, Award-winning author of the Cadence of Grace series, To Get To You, and The Lady and the Lionheart (2017 Christy Award winner, INSPY Award winner, and ACFW Carol Award Finalist)
"I have nothing but good things to say about Denise's work on my books! Her keen eye, timeliness, and professionalism are top-notch, and I'm looking forward to working with her again."
- Melissa Tagg, USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author
"I've come to depend on Denise's keen eye for detail to help every book become the vest version of itself. Her input is timely, thoughtful, and always insightful!"
- Lori Bates Wright, Author of A Matter of Intrigue series
"Denise Harmer is an adept proofreader, editor, and wordsmith with an eye for detail and a heart for maintaining the author's story. Highly recommended."
- Ashley Ludwig, Author of Mammoth Secrets, Pelican Group Publishing
"Denise is reliable, thorough, and timely with each project I send her. She's an avid reader as well, which is a valuable asset because she knows how to prepare a professional manuscript for publication or submission."
- Beverly Nault, Fresh Start Stories
"Denise was willing to take the time to not only make me a passable grammarian, but to help me be a better writer. She provided me with prompt, detailed markups clearly stating rights and wrongs versus opinions. And her opinions (I learned) carry a great deal of weight. I cannot fathom my manuscript being as tight with such an easy flow without her input. Denise is an editor with patience, skill, teaching abilities, and patience. Lots of patience. I probably would have given up without her help and encouragement."
- Fred Tingler
"It has been a blessing to have Denise copyedit and proofread my novels. I have learned that both are invaluable before publication. She catches mistakes my eyes glaze over, as well as knows the correct formatting I don't have time to research. I also love that she knows my voice as an author and doesn't attempt to change it, simply helps me to relay my message in a more dynamic and understandable way."
- Kelly Harrel, Author of Running in Such a Way: Josh's Story
