Overview
I'm a lifelong reader and my love for books has translated into a rewarding career as an editor. My editorial work began as an in-house editor at ECW Press, where for 13 years I acquired and edited fiction & nonfiction and developed titles across the list. Now in my third year as a freelancer, I continue to edit both fiction and nonfiction, at all levels from substantive to proofreading for a diverse array of client publishers and writers. I've also written a dozen books on pop culture, which have been translated into seven languages, so I understand what it's like to be on the other side — staring at a blank page, feeling frustration with a draft, or seeing the track changes edits come in.
My skills do *not* include tooting my own horn, so I'll pass over the mic...
My skills do *not* include tooting my own horn, so I'll pass over the mic...
“As an editor (and, frankly, as a person), Crissy Calhoun is too good to be true. And not just because she’s brilliant and meticulous, but because she’s generous and patient. She’s the first to make the process of editing a collaboration, and she listened to me to ensure I still sounded like myself. And because of that, I ended up with a book I love and am proud of. I also ended up with a friend I’m very lucky to have and can’t wait to work with again.”— Anne T. Donahue, bestselling author of Nobody Cares
“Crissy has a great talent for story, character, dialogue, and an eagle eye for mistakes large and small that escaped my own notice. Her suggestions are made with tact and courtesy, and they all add up to a much better book in the end. I highly recommend Crissy as an editor.” — Anne Emery, author of the Collins-Burke Mystery series and winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel
“Crissy is a fantastic substantive editor, copyeditor, and proofreader. I send all of my most precious projects to her. She comes with my satisfaction guarantee!”— Jen Knoch, senior editor, ECW Press
“Crissy is an exceptional editor. During our years working together at ECW Press, she exuded leadership and acted as a mentor to me in many aspects. Crissy is truly a juggler, taking the initiative to get it done no matter what it takes while managing multiple projects at once. Since leaving ECW Press, I have recommended Crissy to my colleagues in need of freelance editorial work; they have been very satisfied with her astute attention to detail and the end result. I'm happy to offer Crissy my highest recommendation as an editor and as a colleague!”
— Samantha Dobson, director of marketing & communications, Sunrise Records
“Crissy's a skilled and conscientious copyeditor who brings a natural curiosity to every story.”
— Sue Carter, editor,Quill & Quire
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Entertainment
LGBTQ Non-Fiction
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
LGBTQ Fiction
Literary Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Women's Fiction
Languages
English (CAN)
English (US)
Awards
- Dundurn Press Award for Academic Excellence
Certifications
- Centennial Book and Magazine Publishing Certificate
Work experience
ECW Press
Apr, 2005 —
Dec, 2017
(over 12 years)
From an internship through various editorial roles — including managing editor and acquisitions editor — I spent 13 years in-house at ECW Press gaining invaluable skills working with authors and other editors, as well as developing a keen understanding of the nature of book publishing in North America.
Portfolio
#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLERTerry Fox defined perseverance and hope for a generation of Canadians. Forty years after Terry's run ended, Forever Terry reflects what Terry's legacy means to us now, and in the future.To mark the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope... read more
“Graceful yet precise, poetic yet deeply rooted in research, this exploration of an overlooked painter is gorgeous — a joy to read. Molly Peacock’s insights and empathy with her subject bring to life both Mary Hiester Reid and her luscious flower paintings.” —... read more
From Arthur Ellis Award–winning, Grand Master of Crime Writers, and “the queen of Canadian crime fiction” (Winnipeg Free Press) comes the newest installment in the Joanne Kilbourn seriesA dark secret threatens the future of the Shreve familyIt’s August 24 and ... read more
In this innovative and intimate memoir, a daughter tells the story of her mother, a pan-African hero who faced down misogyny and battled corruption in Nigeria. Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu — the importance of community over the individual — and... read more
A Publishers Weekly Notable Book 49th Shelf Recommended ReadA modern gay memoir exploring love, death, pain, and community that will resonate long after the last page.“This is an embodied story of love, loss, and recovery — raw, candid, and filled with a sense... read more
A Sunburst Award nominee: “Unease haunts this southern gothic . . . An intense debut bolstered by a powerful sense of place” (The Globe and Mail, Toronto). Gripping, fast-paced, gorgeously written, and with unforgettable characters, Cauchemar tells the story o... read more
The right reasons to fall in love with The BachelorWhen it debuted in 2002, The Bachelor raised the stakes of first-wave reality television, offering the ultimate prize: true love. Since then, thrice yearly, dozens of camera-ready young-and-eligibles have vied... read more
As 1995 dawns in the North of Ireland, Belfast is a city of army patrols, bombed-out buildings, and “peace walls” segregating one community from the other. But the IRA has called a ceasefire. So, it’s as good a time as any for Monty Collins and Father Brennan ... read more
The fourth and final book in the beloved Pippa Greene seriesIt’s senior year, and the college countdown is on. But instead of getting accepted to Tisch’s photography program, Pippa’s been waitlisted. Without a backup plan, and with the pressure from everyone a... read more
An official guide to the crazy science of Orphan BlackDelve deeper into the scientific terms and theories at the core of the Peabody-winning, cult favourite show. With exclusive insights from the show’s co-creator Graeme Manson and science consultant Cosima He... read more
A masterful and gripping novel from “an undeniably talented writer” (Globe and Mail)On a sunny May morning, social worker Jessica Campbell sorts through her mother’s belongings after her recent funeral. In the basement, she makes a shocking discovery — two dea... read more
“The internet’s best friend.” — FlareFrom the author of the popular newsletter That’s What She Said, Nobody Cares is a frank, funny personal essay collection about work, failure, feminism, and the messy business of being alive in your twenties and thirties.As ... read more
