A woman with glasses, long dark hair, and colorful tattoos on her arms, smiling and holding a decorative purple and gold book, standing on a bridge with lush green foliage in the background.

Book Editor for Books About Animals

Hey, I’m Rachel! I’m an animal lover with a passion for editing books about them.

I have edited hundreds of manuscripts as a developmental and copy editor. I have a special passion for books about animals, pets, and the human-animal bond. From pet care guides to animal behavior insights, from heartwarming pet memoirs to transformational stories about healing through animals, these books light me up! I also edit in categories like self-development, personal development, and creativity.

I specialize in holding space for authors to channel their unique stories and expertise, whether they're sharing essential knowledge about animal care, documenting remarkable animal behaviors, or exploring the deep connections we share with our animal companions.

I, Centaur by Christen Schweizer

I am so grateful that I was able to do a developmental edit for Christen Schweizer’s incredible book, I Centaur: Coregulation Mentorship for Horses, Humans, and Mastery.

This one was an absolute joy to edit. I, Centaur is a beautifully original and thought-provoking book that blends horsemanship, psychology, mentorship, and personal growth in a way I’ve never seen before. In her book, Christen offers a powerful framework for how deep, attuned relationships can lead to true mastery, whether you're working with horses or people.

In my conversations with Christen throughout the editing process, I was constantly struck by the depth of her knowledge—and even more so by the depth of her heart. Her passion for horsemanship, mentorship, and human development runs deep, and it shows in every page of this book.

II got to witness just how much heart Christen pours into everything she does. She’s not just writing about connection—she lives it. Her passion for Straightness Training, Adlerian psychology, parenting, and mentorship runs deep. And her commitment to becoming a better rider, leader, and human being is both humbling and contagious.

A woman with blonde hair smiling and holding a book titled "I, Centaur" by Christen Schweizer. The book cover features a woman in riding attire reading a book while standing next to a person riding a horse in an outdoor arena.

This book is part manifesto, part memoir, part masterclass. Christen’s writing has a unique voice—loving and fierce, intellectual and emotionally honest. She wants you to grow, and she’s not afraid to challenge you to actually do the work. As she puts it, "Thinking and dreaming is great, but connecting and doing is the magic."

As we worked together, I got a behind-the-scenes look at how seriously Christen takes her own training process—not just as a rider, but as a lifelong student of psychology, connection, and compassionate leadership. She embodies the very principles she writes about, which makes I, Centaur feel both intellectually rich and emotionally resonant.

Drawing from Adlerian psychology, personal anecdotes, and hard-won wisdom from the saddle, Christen explores the importance of mentorship, emotional connection, and coregulation as keys to both excellence and healing. This book is smart, grounded, compassionate, and full of heart. I learned so much about horses and humanity alike while working on it.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who values thoughtful leadership, somatic learning, and the kind of wisdom that changes how you show up—for yourself, your animals, and your community.

Christen also writes a fantastic monthly newsletter on Centaur riding if you’re interested in learning more about the topic.

A smiling woman in a brown jacket holding a book titled "I, Centaur" in a room filled with bookshelves and framed artwork.

I provide professional guidance and editing support for books about animals.

Animal books are some of my favorite manuscripts. I’d love to work with you on yours!

Let's Connect

Animal Books I’ve Edited

Unleashed by Rebecca Fitzsimmons

Here are a few examples of other books about animals that I’ve edited.

In Unleashed: Holistic Leadership Insights from Our Canine Companions, Rebecca Fitzsimmons offers a refreshing take on leadership. Combining proven tactics with the profound wisdom of dogs, this guide shows you how to master leadership from the inside out. Through actionable strategies and real-life examples, you’ll learn to lead with purpose, grit, and authenticity, creating a legacy both at work and beyond.

I provided developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and marketing support. The book was a #1 for Business Motivation & Self-Improvement and continues to have more and more 5-star reviews on Amazon. I was fortunate to get to meet Rebecca in person right around the time of her launch and now have a signed copy. This is a beautiful and uplifting book and I feel so grateful I was able to be a part of it!

Animals Speak by Rommie Buhler

In Animals Speak, Animal Communicator Rommie Buhler will open your mind, expand your heart and unlock your spirit to this wisdom that animals are determined to share with us all.

Through storytelling Rommie shares insights into how our animals feel, what they are thinking and how we can love them into a life of exceptional health, meaning and enjoyment. The book covers options to deal with anxiety if your animals are struggling, the importance of feeding in a species-appropriate way, how to understand the needs and behaviours of cats, an often overlooked solution to horses in pain, and ways to manage unresolved grief when an animal is lost and never found or dies tragically or unexpectedly.

If you are someone that cares about the welfare of animals, that genuinely has their best interests at heart, you will find this book an enlightening, revealing and insightful read—one that will open your mind to how Animals Speak.

I provided developmental editing and copy editing as part of the Inspirational Book Writers team that published this book. It was a #1 Amazon bestseller in 6 categories in Australia, 2 categories in the United States, 2 categories in Canada, and 1 in the U.K. Rommie is a rockstar of a human, so talented with animals, and a wonderful author to work with. I continue to tell friends about this book and just how special it is!

Are you writing a book about animals? I’d love to hear about it. 🐾📘

In the early stages of writing a book, it helps to have caring, compassionate people in your corner— especially writer types who understand and appreciate the creative process.

I would be honored to have a conversation with you about your book and provide insight and encouragement. Send me a message and I’ll reach out within 48 hours.

My Background

English degree from Northwestern University with a focus in creative writing/poetry
15+ years of experience as an editor and writing coach
Dog mom of 2
4 years of experience as a professional copywriter
8-time independent author with ghostwriting experience
200-hour Yoga Alliance certified Vinyasa yoga training
50+ hour training with Yoga for First Responders
Master level Reiki certification (Usui lineage)
The Beauty Way shaman apprenticeship training (in progress)
Personal passion for animals, animal behavior, loving animals and caring for them well
Interested in helping produce the books of our future that imagine humans in right relationship to animals

I am often sought out by animal lovers, pet professionals, and healers who are first-time authors.

I am so grateful to be your writing cheerleader, a voice of confidence in your corner who believes in you and in the powerful message of your book, especially when that message helps create better lives for animals and the humans who love them.

If you’re writing a book about dogs, a book about cats, a book about horses, or a book about other types of animals or animal care, I’d love to work with you!