Hi there!
I’m Michaela Delaney; owner, founder, and chief editor of The Wordsmith Editorial. Here, you’ll get a little glimpse into who I am, how I fell in love with words, and what led me to this extraordinary path of helping authors shape their stories.
MEET YOUR EDITOR
From as far back as I can remember, books have been the heartbeat of my world. My mother, a talented freelance copy setter and an avid reader, passed her love of literature on to me. It wasn’t long before I started creating imaginary worlds of my own; scribbling down characters, ideas, and stories that gave my thoughts a place to breathe. Writing became my quiet escape in childhood. And, truthfully, sometimes it still is.
At seventeen, life nudged me toward editing out of necessity. My father was going through a difficult financial time, and I wanted to do my part. What began as a way to support my family soon became a passion I couldn’t ignore. There was something profoundly fulfilling about helping writers refine their words and seeing their voices come to life more clearly on the page.
MY BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
I’m a proud member of the Professional Editors’ Guild of South Africa and hold a copyediting certificate from the University of Cape Town. With several years of professional experience, I’ve edited more than 125 books, from steamy romantic comedies to epic high fantasies.
I specialise in Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, and Sci-fi, genres I’ve always loved as both a reader and editor. But my experience spans much further than that. Every manuscript offers something new, and I approach each one with care, curiosity, and commitment.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I believe editing isn’t just about fixing grammar. It’s about honouring the author’s voice while shaping the story around it. My job is to elevate what’s already there: refining structure, smoothing pacing, deepening character arcs, and making sure every piece of the puzzle fits just right.
My approach is collaborative. I want you to feel like we’re in this together, as creative partners working toward the common goal of bringing your book to life in the best possible way.
I treat every manuscript with the same care I’d give my own writing. Books aren’t just projects, they’re labours of love. I know how much time, energy, and emotion goes into them, and it’s my job to help make all of that shine on the page.
WHY WORK WITH ME?
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Over 125 books edited and counting
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Member of PEG South Africa
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Certified copyeditor (UCT)
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Warm, honest communication and a friendly, professional partnership
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Deep respect for your voice, your story, and your goals as a writer