About Me
Why you should hire me is a good question. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. So, here’s a little bit about me…
I’m Kara Starcher
I help authors transform manuscripts into published books that achieve their goals whether that’s securing a literary agent, launching a successful self-publishing career, or sharing their story with the world.
I bring deep editorial & design expertise and strategic publishing knowledge to every project. I’m not just an editor who fixes commas—I’m a publishing professional who understands how decisions affect your book’s marketability, reader appeal, and ultimate success.
THE PUBLISHING DEGREE DIFFERENCE
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Publishing—a comprehensive 4-year program that covered editorial theory, market analysis, production, design, and publishing business strategy. This isn’t a certification earned in a few weeks or months; it’s a foundation built over years of rigorous academic study.
What this means for you: When I work with you, I’m thinking beyond grammar, story structure, and color choices. I consider:
- How agents and acquisitions editors evaluate manuscripts
- What readers in your genre expect and respond to
- How choices affect production, design, and marketability
- Strategic positioning for your target audience
- Both traditional and self-publishing pathways
My degree program covered the same material that multiple editing certification programs attempt to teach separately. I learned it all comprehensively, with the theoretical foundation and practical application that only a full degree program provides.
Facts about me:
- Award-winning designer
- Published author and ghostwriter
- Judge in multiple annual fiction contests
- Educator with six years of middle and high school classroom experience
- Mom of three girls, including identical twins
- City girl living the country life
- Favorite genre: suspense and historical fiction (because I can’t pick one)
- Beverage: iced tea
- Favorite pet: cats, but I have dogs too
Words Edited as a Freelancer
Pages Designed
MY APPROACH
PARTNERSHIP, NOT TRANSACTION
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all editing. Every manuscript is unique, every author has different goals, and every project deserves individualized attention. When you work with me, you get:
✓ Initial consultation where I learn about your vision, target audience, and publishing goals
✓ Customized approach tailored to your book’s specific needs
✓ Multiple rounds to progressively refine your work
✓ Clear, actionable feedback that helps you understand not just what to change, but why
✓ Ongoing communication throughout the editing and / or design process
✓ Publishing guidance that goes beyond the manuscript itself
I’m invested in your success. When your book succeeds—whether that means landing an agent, hitting a bestseller list, or simply being the book you dreamed of creating—I celebrate that success with you.
HONESTY AND RESPECT
I will always be honest with you about what’s working and what needs improvement. But honesty doesn’t mean harsh or discouraging; it means respectful, constructive feedback that empowers you to make your book better. You’ve put your heart into your book. I honor that by giving it the serious, professional attention it deserves.
EFFICIENCY AND RESPONSIVENESS
Unlike many editors who book 3-4 months in advance, I prioritize maintaining availability for authors who are ready to move forward. I understand that launch timelines matter, that momentum matters, and that waiting months for editing can derail your publishing plans.
I maintain a “responsive availability” approach, often accepting new clients with immediate or near-immediate start dates while still ensuring every manuscript receives the thorough attention it deserves.
WHY I DO THIS WORK
My love for books started in early childhood. I was the kid with a flashlight under the covers, reading long past bedtime. I discovered that books could transport me anywhere, teach me anything, and help me understand the world and myself better.
That love never faded—it just evolved. I went from consuming books to wanting to create them and then to helping others create them. There’s something profound about helping an author find exactly the right words to express their vision or watching a manuscript transform from rough draft to polished book.
I created Mountain Creek Books because I believe every author deserves professional support in bringing their book to life. The publishing industry can be confusing, overwhelming, and full of conflicting advice. My mission is to be the knowledgeable, trustworthy partner who helps you navigate that complexity with confidence.
Whether you’re writing your first book or your fifteenth, whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or going indie, whether you need comprehensive editing or just strategic guidance—I’m here to help you succeed.
My Skills
I am an established ghostwriter, developmental editor, line editor, copyeditor, and book designer. I help individual authors plus small publishers. I also design 3D covers, advertising, bookmarks, postcards, banners, and other promotional materials for authors and companies.
In my work, I use the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), Christian Writers Manual of Style (4th edition, and only when applicable), Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs.
When I’m not helping authors navigate the publishing world, you’ll find me:
- In the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes
- Traveling whenever possible, collecting stories and experiences
- Spending time with my family, who patiently tolerate my tendency to critique every book and movie we encounter together
- Reading (always reading—some habits never change)
- Line Editing
- Developmental Editing
- Book Formatting
- Cover Design
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
If you’re looking for someone who brings both deep expertise and genuine partnership to your project, I’d love to talk with you. I work with authors who:
- Are serious about creating the best book possible
- Value professional expertise and guidance
- Are open to feedback and revision
- Have clear goals for their book (even if the path to get there isn’t clear yet)
- Want a collaborative, supportive relationship
Ready to discuss your manuscript? I offer a free consultation where we talk about your project, your goals, and whether we’re a good fit to work together.
The world needs beautiful books. I can help you share yours.
