Testimonials

As I was preparing my second full-length collection of poetry for publication, I realized I needed a brilliant copy-editor. On the suggestion of my friend, poet and novelist, Carla Panciera, I asked Rebecca Kinzie Bastian if she would take on my book. I was expecting a few line edits, some proofing. Rebecca took this collection and found its heart and its heat. The poems, individually, were given close readings, and under her discriminating eye and ear, tightened, allowing for a wonderful tension that was accentuated, pulled almost to a delicious breaking point! Rebecca also made strategic re-arrangements of the poems, to guide the reader to the book’s “furnace.” I felt as though she “got” my book: what needed to be made more beautiful, which poem resonated with another. My managing editor loved what happened to the collection. I wholeheartedly recommend Rebecca Kinzie Bastian! Your work will be in the hands of a master!

— Jennifer Martelli
Author of The Uncanny Valley and My Tarantella

She never forgets the writer behind the writing.

— Carla Panciera
From a letter of recommendation

Carla also wrote about Rebecca in Fugue: Read “What I Will Say About Rebecca” →

Rebecca is a dream to work with. She always comes up with an original and exciting angle on any project, but she’s also truly open to exploring her clients’ ideas. I’ll approach her with a half-conceived notion, and she’ll grow it into a fresh, focused, fully-formed piece, adding her own creative flair. I don’t think there’s a limit to what she can do when she works her magic—but I certainly haven’t seen it. She’s reachable, communicative, efficient, and just straight-out the loveliest person, too. I will definitely enlist her expertise for future projects.

— Miranda Field
Author of Swallow, winner of the Discovery/The Nation and Katharine Bakeless Nason Literary Publication Awards

Rebecca Kinzie Bastian is a poet, so it's no wonder she's an extraordinary wordsmith with a laser-sharp eye for detail. In precise language, she can bring the most inanimate alive. Whether writing or editing copy, she is meticulous and skilled. I wouldn't write a book without her.

— Sarah Yaw
Author of You Are Free to Go, winner of the 2013 Engine Books Novel Prize and the 2015 CNY Book Award for Fiction

I’m so glad I found Rebecca! She made the editing process smooth, stress free, and fun. I felt like I had a friendly collaborator working with me to make each poem better. She took the time to understand my voice, and her edits advanced the work without losing the spirit of my spoken word style. She was thoughtful, flexible, professional, and encouraging. My initial experience with her was so positive that I extended the project’s scope and continued working with her. She truly enjoys editing poetry and helping writers take their work to the next level.

— Tara Bracco
Producing Artistic Director, Poetic People Power