Ms Tristen Bakker | genre fiction, women's fiction, memoir, arts-related non-fiction
Berlin, Germany, though I work with clients from the US, UK, and Europe.
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://www.tristenbakker.com/
- Job title
- copyeditor and proofreader
- Membership Grade
- Professional Member
About Tristen
I am a copyeditor, line editor, and developmental editor, based in Berlin, originally from Toronto, Canada. I have been doing this work full-time for eight years, though I have worked as an editor in various capacities for over twenty-five years. When I started editing, it was for film, but I have always been fascinated with the written word. I was the only kid in my grade school class who enjoyed English grammar lessons!
I live by the principle of “do no harm,” in life and in work. When I edit, I focus on retaining the author’s voice, as I feel this is one of the most important roles for an editor. I enjoy helping an author flesh out the uniqueness of their writing while at the same time adhering to a publisher’s stylistic guidelines. And I love finding continuity and plot holes—it always gives a me a little thrill to spot and then solve these.
I have worked with authors such as Kait Ballenger, Christine Riccio, Margaux Eliot, and Carrie Vaughn. To find out more about books I've edited, please check my website or my Reedsy profile—https://reedsy.com/tristen-bakker
I edit in US, UK, and Canadian English styles. I work with independent authors, trade and hybrid publishers, non-profits, and cultural organizations.
I am also a filmmaker and musician. I know how to work with creative people on creative work because I am one.
Subjects
Genre fiction; biography/autobiography/memoirs; music and musicology; film; poetry; song lyrics; personal development (self-help/popular psychology)
Training and Qualifications
Numerous courses in line editing, copyediting, developmental editing, and proofreading from the CIEP, Club Ed, and Louise Harnby
BFA from York University in Toronto, Canada
Testimonials
I was very pleased with Tristen´s attention to detail and professionalism during her editing of my new historical novel Desperate Valour. Of equal importance, she understood my genre and the need to balance two-hundred-year-old dialogues and culture while making the book appealing for modern readers. She was in regular contact with me, asking questions to strengthen the text.
—Timothy Ashby, PhD, JD, MBA · Author · Florida, USA
-----
Tristen’s corrections are the most detailed ones I have ever seen. I’ve also learned a lot from her comments.
—Anita Jóri · Author · Berlin, Germany
-----
Tristen’s thorough and diligent work improved this book very much! Her commitment to this project, in combination with very good communication, made this a fine publication.
—Dr. Benedikt Brilmayer · Research Associate, Musikinstrumenten-Museum (SIM PK) · Author · Berlin, Germany
-----
I loved working with her the most because of her great respect for others and her willingness to cooperate in solving some demanding tasks. Very kind and generous personality, with words and deeds.
—Marija Zdravkovic · Painter and Designer, Modern Times Review · Belgrade, Serbia
-----
Tristen is an incredibly responsible and professional editor who made the editing process stress-free and easy. Her attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines is impressive.
—Mayya Geo · Designer and Writer · Berlin, Germany
Service(s)
Specialisms
Client types
Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.