Isabella Skellenger is more than just a developmental editor—she’s a violinist, writer, and tea-loving bookworm with a passion for helping authors bring their stories to life. In this exclusive interview, Isabella shares how her faith in Jesus Christ shapes her editorial work, the instincts that guide her process, and the joy she finds in both music and words. Whether you’re a seasoned author, just starting your writing journey, or a reader who loves behind the scenes tours, her insights will encourage, and possibly mesmerize, you.
Heidi Gray McGill (HGM): Welcome, Isabella! Let’s start with the basics—who is Isabella Skellenger when she’s not wielding the red pen of editorial justice?
Isabella Skellenger (IS): Thank you for the welcome and for having me! I am a violin teacher by day, editor by night. I am the proud auntie of three nephews whom I absolutely adore and spend as much time with as possible. If I’m not teaching music or hanging out with my nephews, you can probably count on me to be curled up somewhere cozy with a blanket and a cup of tea.
HGM: That balance between music, editing, and family gives us a glimpse of your heart. Let’s go a little deeper. If I had to describe you in three words, they’d be: vivacious, insightful, and always smiling. How would you describe yourself in three words—and be honest!
IS: In three words, I would describe myself as a cozy-loving, perceptive bookworm.
EDITORIAL LIFE & PROCESS
HGM: What exactly does a developmental editor do, and how is it different from a copy editor or proofreader?
IS: Developmental editors look more at the big picture of a book. I’m always asking myself questions as I edit like, “Does this make sense? Would this character actually do/say this? Does this timeline work? Is the plot moving quickly enough—or perhaps too quickly?” It’s my job to make sure that, as a whole, the books I edit are believable, that the characters beat with life, that everything has good continuity (if Sam’s eyes are brown in chapter three, they can’t be green in chapter seventeen!), and that things could actually happen the way they’re written. This is different from proofreaders and copy editors, who are more focused on the finer details like grammar and punctuation.
HGM: It always amazes me what you catch in my stories. The way you notice details others might overlook feels like such a gift. I’d love for readers to see what your process looks like.
When you’re editing one of my books, what’s your process? How long does it take, how many passes do you do, and what do you look for on the first read-through versus the final one?
IS: When I edit one of your [Heidi’s] books, I typically do two passes of every chapter. How much time I spend on each chapter varies pretty wildly depending on what that chapter needs—anywhere from thirty minutes to two and a half hours. On the first read, I’m looking for more general things, like pacing, plot, and character consistency. On the second/final read, I’m looking more at the flow of the chapter or scene as a whole, including where specific lines or language could be strengthened or improved.
HGM: That careful balance of detail and big-picture flow makes such a difference. You’ve got this amazing gift of telling me something needs to change… without making my skin crawl. How do you balance honest critique with kindness? (And what’s your secret sauce that makes suggestions feel like encouragement instead of condemnation?)
IS: I think it’s important to not only tell an author that something needs to change, but also to explain why it needs to change. So usually I won’t just say, This scene is too slow, fix it. I’d rather explain that it’s too slow because there’s too much description at the beginning, or that a character is thinking too much without saying or doing anything, or whatever the reason. That way, the author doesn’t only take away what could be better for this specific scene or book, but they can take these principles and apply them in their later writing endeavors. A good editor isn’t just a critiquer, but also an educator of sorts.
HGM: That combination of honesty and grace is powerful. Speaking of gifts, let’s talk about your editing superpower. What makes you uniquely gifted to see the spots where a story can blossom and grow stronger? Is it instinct? Training? A secret pact with coffee?
IS: I think it’s largely instinct for me. I’ve read a lot of books in my lifetime, of so many genres and styles, and through that I’ve picked up what does and doesn’t work in stories. I’ve read books that do things really really well, and ones that don’t, and through my extensive reading have become more familiar with not only what works, but with how they work.
HGM: That instinct clearly shows in how you approach stories. What’s your favorite kind of story to edit, and what kind makes you want to throw your red pen across the room (in love, of course)?
IS: If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I love stories with good characters. I love reading and editing (and writing!) stories that center around realistic characters who grow and change throughout the course of the story. Those are my favorite to edit. As far as stories which make me want to throw my red pen across the room… I’ve never had an entire book I’ve wanted to throw across the room, but maybe some scenes here or there. 😉 Usually, it is scenes which I find to be unnecessary for the story that I find difficult to edit—probably because a large part of me is saying the editing isn’t a good use of my time, since (hopefully) the scene will end up on the cutting room floor anyway!
FAITH + WORK
HGM: How does your faith in Jesus Christ shape the way you approach editing and working with authors?\
IS: My faith in Jesus Christ shapes everything I do, I hope. When I’m editing, I’m working in the pursuit of excellence, for the glory of God. I also try to be both truthful and kind, as Christ himself was, when I give my comments or critiques.
HGM: That perspective adds such depth to your work. Have you ever had a moment while editing when you felt God show up in an unexpected way—either in the story or in the process?
IS: Sometimes I think the stories I edit are tools God uses to change or challenge me in some way. I remember one time editing a book with a character who I just did not like for some reason, and I just could not figure out why. But then, about halfway through the book, I realized that that character was dealing with selfishness in her heart, and it made me really see some of the selfishness I had in my own heart. That sort of self-reflection has come about from multiple stories I’ve had the pleasure to edit, and always challenge me to grow.
WRITING + CREATIVITY
HGM: You mentioned earlier that you are also a writer. What do you write, and what’s your goal or mission as a writer?
IS: I do write! I write in various genres, and would eventually like to break into traditional publishing. When I write, no matter if it’s fantasy, romance, or detective fiction, I always like to focus on creating real characters—people with flaws and strengths, people who develop and change in some way throughout the course of the story. I think it is those stories, more than any other, that stay with us, that change us from the inside out.
HGM: It’s inspiring to hear how you pour into characters as both an editor and a writer. When you’re not editing (or reading for fun), how do you like to spend your “free” time? Any hobbies, quirks, or odd collections we should know about?
IS: I’m a violinist, so I spend a lot of my time practicing and performing. I play with a local symphony orchestra in my area, which performs every six weeks or so. But if I’m not reading, writing, editing, or playing violin, you might want to check the local pickleball courts—I love playing pickleball, and am even going to be playing in my first tournament in October!
FUN + PERSONALITY
HGM: I’d be in the hospital if I tried pickleball, so I’ll stick to something safe. What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order while editing? Bonus points if it’s always accompanied by chocolate. By the way, milk, dark, or white?
IS: I love editing at local coffee shops, and my favorite thing to do is to order something from the seasonal menu! I had a Peaches and Scream latte a couple weeks ago from a Halloween-themed menu, and might just have to go back for another one of those soon. If I’m not feeling like coffee though, I love a good chai latte. Also, for those who are curious, Lindt’s Intense Orange Dark Chocolate is the best chocolate bar out there!
HGM: I love how you savor the simple joys—coffee, tea, chocolate. Each reflects a bit of who you are. So if your editing style were a story genre, what would it be, and why?
IS: I think my editing style would be a romcom. It starts off with my two opposing halves—one, the hot mess scrambling through the day armed with nothing but her spotty memory and a steaming latte, and the other more organized and polished half trying to straighten up the notes and ideas. Throughout the course of the book I’m editing, the two halves reluctantly work together, eventually finding they each have strengths where the other is weak. Almost invariably there’s some sort of miscommunication somewhere along the way—but then in the end, they’ve helped to make something even more beautiful by learning to find the beauty in each other!
HGM: I can see that movie now—equal parts caffeine and comedy! Since you’ve played a leading role in so many authors’ stories, what encouragement do you offer writers who dread the editing process? (No pressure, but this one might be printed and taped above a few desks.)
IS: A developmental editor just wants to help you find what you want to say, in the best way you can say it. We’re not out here to tell you you’re not good enough or your book is terrible—we want your words to take off and soar on wings of their own. We will strive to get you there, and to show you the depth that was within you all along.
HGM: That reminder will breathe courage into so many.
WRAP-UP
HGM: You’ve shared such beautiful insights today. I have a feeling readers are going to adore you as much as I do. For those who’d love to keep following your story—or maybe snag your editing wisdom firsthand—where can they find you online?
IS: If you’d like to help me reach my goal of becoming a traditionally published author myself, I’d love to have you join my newsletter!
HGM: Subscribing (and reading!) an author’s newsletter might seem small, but it’s one of the biggest ways to help a new writer thrive. And let’s be honest—it’s always fun to say, “I knew her when she was just getting started!”
Where else can readers find you?
IS: I’d love to connect with your readers on social media! You can follow me on Instagram: @IsabellaSkellengerWrites.
HGM: For the author interested in your services as a Development Editor, where can they find more information?
IS: For editing inquiries, please email me at isabella@isabellaskellenger.com.
HGM: Working with Isabella reminds me how God weaves the right people into our lives at just the right time. If you’re an author seeking an editor who approaches every project with excellence and grace, reach out to her—you won’t regret it. And if you simply love cheering on someone who serves the Lord with her gifts, subscribing to her newsletter is a wonderful way to help her ministry and message grow. Email her and let her know to put you on the list!
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