Kendra Langeteig PhD
Kendra Langeteig, PhD, is a book doctor/editor, writing coach, and publishing consultant
Memoir, literary fiction, personal growth/self-help, mind-body health, science and spirituality, how-to guides, developmental editing, manuscript evaluations
Books do change lives. It’s a privilege to work with the wonderful authors who contribute to positive change by sharing their wisdom and experience. More than ever, we need the fresh perspective, insights, and courage that books can inspire in us. As a “New Age” book editor, I am grateful to participate in the exciting work that is slowly but surely transforming our world.
Now in my second decade as an editor, I specialize in supporting first-time authors, including non-native English writers. Books with a powerful heartfelt message resonate with me as an editor, whether the genre is fiction, memoir, or self-help. Many of my clients are life coaches, healing practitioners, or spiritual teachers who have decided to write a book to share their stories and provide expert guidance. Publishing a book enables authors to reach a wide audience and opens the door to exciting professional opportunities. Besides providing written feedback on manuscript drafts, I offer online conferences during the revising process. I also serve as a consultant to help my clients evaluate the best publishing route for their books.
Reinventing myself as a “book doctor” in 2011 was a natural step in my career path. It marked a return to the publishing world. Before serving on the English Department faculty at Indiana University (1991-2000), I worked as an editor for a Boston publisher. From 2008-2011, I taught in the Writing Program at Fort Lewis College in Colorado. My eclectic publications include literary essays, articles in lifestyle magazines, a book on contemporary design (The New Asian Home, Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2008), and an edited collection of stories by various authors (Everyday Miracles: Moments of Healing and Transformation, Quiet Fire Press, 2016).
Ph.D. in English Literature, Indiana University
M.A. in English Literature, University of New Hampshire
B.S. in Fine Art, University of Wisconsin
Working with Kendra was a pleasure. Kendra has both a keen eye for detail as well as a wide lens for substantiating the overall message of the project. She offered extensive knowledge throughout the process in both editing and the book industry at large. Her expertise, professionalism, and encouragement were a tremendous support in the completion of my book.
—Kelly Van Zandt,
Author Powerful Postpartum: Exploring the Spiritual Significance of Early Motherhood (2021)
With a caring yet astute editing style, Kendra helped me to craft and polish a novel that was subsequently picked up by a publishing company, Chiron Books. Kendra brings considerable editing experience to the process as well as a wide knowledge base, including the Jungian and feminist theory central to my message in this novel. I cannot thank her enough for her encouragement and support through it all. She is an editor extraordinaire!”
—Lauren Sleeman
Author Behold (2021)
Book Editing, Writing, Coaching, and Submission Services
- Manuscript critiques for fiction and
nonfiction - Copyediting
- Developmental editing
- Writing, co-writing / ghostwriting (fiction and nonfiction)
- Book proposals
- Book design and publishing support
New Age / Spirituality
- Self-development guides
- Inspirational journey / memoir
- New thought / conscious evolution
- Holistic medicine
- Metaphysics
- Sacred design
- Esoteric wisdom
- Science and Spirituality
- Fiction with a metaphysical element
Writing Capabilities
- Conceptual and structural editing
- Rewriting
- Ghostwriting
- Collaborative book projects
- Fully referenced manuscripts
- Literature reviews
- Journal articles (academic/trade)
- How-to guides
- Book proposals
- Fiction writing
Writing Coaching / Publishing Consultation
- One-on-one writing & editing sessions
- Manuscript assessment
- Conceptual and structural revision
- Work on voice and style
- Craft of writing (fiction and nonfiction)
- Proposal development
- Author platform
Testimonials
“Kendra’s editing of my three self-published books exceeded my expectations. When I first found Kendra’s website profile, I was drawn to her interest in both spirituality and science. While I expected her technical abilities to be outstanding because of her academic and educational background, I had no idea how her insights and suggestions would substantially overhaul and improve my books. Without hesitation, I believe Kendra is one of the best editors in the business.”
—Donna Fridrych
Author, The Year of the Butterfly (memoir), Women Must Save the World! A Call to Action, and Reflections on the Glass Ceiling: How to Reach It, How to Breach It
“When I came across the listing for Kendra while scanning the Internet for an editor, I noted that she had often taken on books of unusual, even mystical, content, reflecting a certain adventurous spirit. A smile began to spread inside, and that was all I needed to get in touch.
“As a fledgling author, I deeply appreciated how patient and thorough Kendra was as she explained the process we’d be going through together over the next weeks and months. Unflinching integrity wove through every edit and subsequent rewrite. We were not just in a business partnership; we were more like kindred spirits and fellow travelers. This went a long way in bolstering a dynamic and happy working relationship. My belief in what I’d written grew, and I felt encouraged to improve my writing at every opportunity. After a year of give and take, painstaking attention to detail, and many moments of laughter, we produced a book to be proud of, and my life has been enriched by a new friendship.”
—Rich Flanders
Author, Under the Great Elm – A Life of Luck & Wonder (2022)
—Lauren Altman
Author, Coping Creatively: 30 Exercises to Transform Difficult Emotions Through Art (forthcoming 2023)
—Lauren Altman
Author, Coping Creatively: 30 Exercises to Transform Difficult Emotions Through Art (forthcoming 2023)
“Kendra is a professional and kind editor who is a joy to work with. Her recommendations and reorganization of my book were on point and created a far more empowering manuscript. Her advice and guidance stretched me to become a better writer. She truly helped birth my book into being, and I feel fortunate to have worked with her. I highly endorse using Kendra as your book editor.”
—Lynn Lok-Payne
Author, Wake Up! Change Up! Rise Up! Practical Tools for Personal Transformation (2021)
“Kendra offers exceptional editorial services. She pays attention to details and produces flawless quality editing. She also takes time with new authors, providing encouragement and support. I would highly recommend her services. I will certainly be using her for future projects.”
—Sandra Cavallo
Author, Mountains Have Ears—Speak to Them (2021)
—Peter Mond
Author, of The Life of a Stone (agent contract)
