About

I’ve been editing fiction, creative nonfiction, and marketing copy since 2016.

I have a degree in English Literature (PSU) and a Certificate in Editing (UW).

I served as a Senior Prose Editor for Typehouse Literary from 2017 to 2021.

I live in Portland, Oregon with my boyfriend and cat.

I am currently writing a novella.

Client Testimonials:

Essay & Memoir: Since 2017, Lily Blackburn has been my trusted developmental prose editor— the most trusted steward of my words. With kindness and compassion, she pushes me towards my best work as a writer. I trust her vision in grounding and guiding my writing process, no matter how challenging the content is. Lily is versatile and highly experienced with editing both traditional and experimental prose. She has a refined ability to locate the exact moments in need of development and adjustments. The changes she suggests and the questions she proposes always encourage me to delve further toward the true meaning and purpose of my words. Working with her has helped me identify root issues that were blocking the essence of my writing. I credit her with helping me create stronger relationships and connections within my prose. Her aptitude and ethics for work is unmatched. Also, she is super-fun to work alongside and always authentic. I’m grateful to have an editor who values keeping it real! I have the highest respect for Lily.

-Julia Laxer, Poet, Essayist

Fiction: I was extremely impressed by Lily’s editing and revision of my story. Her feedback was SO helpful, very thorough, and really helped me see blind spots in my story and how to deepen the characters’ motivations. Her communication was so great throughout this process. She’s especially good at constructive criticism and seeing the bigger picture of what’s working or not in a story. I have no doubt my story will be so much better thanks to her editing and feedback! Would 100% work with her again.

-Megan Thorson, Novelist, Travel Writer, Illustrator

Fiction: Lily is a deeply thoughtful and considerate editor. I trust her completely with my work. Her edits are always constructive, thorough, and insightful. Most of all, they motivate me to improve my writing. It’s clear that Lily knows her stuff and she’s my go-to when I’m in need of an editor.

-Shannon St. Hilaire, Novelist, Author of To Look Upon the Sun, Winner of the Forge Flash Competition 2020

Contact me to learn more.