Meet Our Team
Life is so much better with a buddy
…and here at The Author Buddy, we get to work with ours,
all while helping Authors on their journey to publishing success.
Our beta readers, editors, and designers specialize in Romance—all subgenres from Sweet & Wholesome and Contemporary to Dark and Taboo. Our team is also experienced in Thriller/Suspense, Fantasy, YA, Women’s Fiction, and more.
Take a look at our team members and their specialties below. Hover over each team member profile photo to view their specialties. Click each team member’s photo to jump down to read their full bio.
Our Reader Team
Our Design Team
Our Admin Team
☆ Perrin ☆
Order Processing
Accounting
Web Development
Rachel
Rachel’s Beta Subgenre Specialties:
- PNR
- Contemporary
- Steamy & Erotica (Not Dark)
- Historical / Regency
Rachel’s Design Specialties:
- Florals
- Original Illustrations
Rachel Christley, Queen of Fiction Finesse at The Author Buddy, has been in the book world for nine years. She is the original beta reader behind The Beta Buddy, which has now grown into an entire team of trained beta readers that help authors polish their manuscripts and make sure their stories shine their brightest.
In her seven years of Beta Reading, Rachel has had the pleasure of working with authors around the world and across the romance spectrum, from PNR to Sports RomComs, from baby authors to bestselling authors, and she has earned a reputation as an essential part of so many authors’ publishing process.
You may also know Rachel from her work as the head book lover at Steamy Lounge, Steamy Book Bargains, and Boxed Romance Bargains.
Rachel loves coffee, cats, gorgeous covers, and book mail, and is a sucker for a good epilogue!
Rachel founded Christley Creatives in 2020, and designs custom and premade covers for indie and traditionally-published authors, including gorgeous covers for bestselling authors like Charmaine Pauls and Carly Philips.
Rachel is available for the following services:
- Premium Beta Reading
- Platinum Read – Developmental
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
- Quote & Teaser Service
- Premade Cover Design
- Custom Cover Design
- Custom Graphics Design
I used the quote service from the Beta Buddy, and it was awesome!
There is no one I trust more than Rachel.
The Author Buddy is amazing!
Rachel was Amazing
10/10 experience
Perrin
Perrin’s Beta Subgenre & Trope Specialties:
- Steamy
- Monster/Sci-Fi/Fantasy
- Romantic Comedy
- Romantic Suspense
Perrin’s Design Specialties:
- RomCom
- Illustrated
- Dark
Perrin is a graphic and web designer with 20+ years of experience in the corporate and small business world, and now—as Grand Duchess of Design for The Author Buddy—six years professional experience in the realm of romance and fantasy…a land in which she is much more comfortable anyway.
Perrin read her first romance: at age 8, because her Mama just left books all over the house willy-nilly (it was Flowers in the Attic, and that should explain why Perrin is the way she is.) Now, she happily reads smut while waiting in the school carpool line.
If a romance character wanted to lure Perrin into a sexy trap, it would be most easily achieved with: unicorns, naps, bubble baths, a beard, anything purple, coffee, shrimp, “good girl,” and of course, allllll the steamy romances.
While Perrin loves small town, sweet, romcoms, and most other romance subgenres, her true specialty is diving into all of the more unusual romantic subgenres and tropes–the darker, weirder, and kinkier, the better!
Perrin is available for the following services:
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
- Professional Beta Reading
- Premium Beta Reading
- Platinum Read – Line Edits
- Proofreading
- Quote & Teaser Service
- Premade Cover Design
- Custom Cover Design
- Custom Graphics Design
- Custom Author Branding Design – Coming Soon
- Author Websites – Coming Soon
The line edits always …leave me confident to hit publish when the time comes with no worries.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Perrin from The Author Buddy and I could not be happier.
I am so very grateful for Perrin
The beta reading feedback provided by Perrin blew my mind.
I highly recommend this service to anyone who might be sitting on the fence.
I chose Perrin for my project as her bio fit my genre, and she has been amazing, going above and beyond with her comments and suggestions!
Going through the manuscript with Perrin’s notes was thrilling. I can only describe it as having a little angel on your shoulder cheering you on in the parts you thought you’d nailed (but weren’t quite sure of) until you see Perrin’s note in the margin confirming the reader’s reaction was exactly what you hoped it would be.
Having friends and family tell you what they think of your book is one thing, but having a complete stranger tell you, and their reactions to specific parts of your book, is a whole new level of help and encouragement.
I have officially found my place for book covers!
I had the chance to work with Perrin on this cover series. The response time is normal and her message tone has been professional from beginning to end. You’ll get a questionnaire with what you’re looking for and what’s expected of you to complete your project. I was able to submit everything she needed and she was able to start working right away.
I purchased a premade cover and asked for it to be made into a cover series. She was able to send me different options for the second cover because I wanted it to match with the first. I also purchased social media graphics as well. This is now my go to team for premade book covers but in the future I also plan on using the custom cover and editing services they offer as well. I am beyond excited to have found someone I can trust to deliver quality work and help me bring my vision to life!
Kelli
Kelli joined The Author Buddy team at the end of 2023, but she’s been a huge supporter since the very beginning!
As our Project Manager, Kelli is using her vast organizational skills to herd our little band of smut lovers, and we are eternally grateful for her help!
Our authors will occasionally see emails from Kelli during a project, but know that she’s always there in the background helping to make sure all of the projects run as smooth as your MC’s pickup lines!
Kim
Kim’s Design Specialties:
- Dark
- Sweet
Unofficially known as the Sorceress of Steam, Kim is a romance author by day and cover design darling by night. She’s been obsessed with artistic expression since childhood, and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t making up stories or doodling in the margins (and usually getting into trouble for it). Thankfully, she’s both stubborn and idealistic, and ignored all those people who told her that she could never turn art into a career.
In her spare time she hordes books, watches her favorite shows on repeat, guzzles coffee, and reads. Her guilty pleasures are disaster movies and most vampire related things. She’s never met a broody alpha book boyfriend she didn’t like. Especially if he’s the enemy we hate to love. Extra points if he’s also the villain. And if he has dark hair and blue eyes? Game over. Now if only she could meet one of those guys in real life…
Kim is available for the following design services:
- Premade Cover Design
- Custom Cover Design
- Custom Graphics Design
Working with Kim was an absolute delight!
Ashley
Ashley’s Subgenre Specialties:
- Fantasy
- Paranormal
- Mystery
Once stopped at the airport by TSA when she was 7 because they did not believe her entire suitcase was filled with books for a 3 day trip, Ashley has continued her obsessive habit of reading as an adult. If she is not at the barn with her horse or acting as a chauffeur for her dog to get his daily PupCups, she is probably working her day job in software sales.
Her first romance novel was a Nora Roberts’ book read over her mom’s shoulder while on a plane because her mom thought she could read fast enough to prevent her from seeing the naughty scenes. She was wrong.
She primarily reads fantasy (NA and YA) and contemporary romance novels in her free time with occasional dabbles into other genres like sci-fi, paranormal, mystery, and cozy books. She has a soft spot for enemies to lovers, one bed, friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and fake dating tropes. The only tropes she won’t read are step-siblings/incest and pregnancy (surprise or otherwise). She also reads all sorts of pairings with no preference for M/W, M/M or W/W or any combinations with even more (her Ao3 account would suggest otherwise but she would like to blame the shows for giving the characters such chemistry, #destielforever). She is not a specialist in unnatural anatomy, but does frequently get kink friendly offerings to read (and enjoy).
Ashley is available for the following services:
- Premium Beta Reading
- Professional Beta Reading
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
- Quote & Teaser Service
I loved working with The Author Buddy
Working with Ashley was extremely helpful
Bre
Bre’s Subgenre & Trope Specialties:
- Dark
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Why Choose / RH
- Cozy
Bre spends her days being queen of a side hustle delivering groceries, pet sitting and your random odd job here and there, all with her steamy audiobook playing all day. At night she switches to a classic Ebook to keep her going whether it is for beta reading or her own benefit.
She always has quite a few books going at once to keep things interesting. Bre has been reading romance books since she could steal them off her mom’s shelves. She has always loved a good steamy cover and a scene to make her giggle.
Bre loves a dark romance and a good enemies-to-lovers. However, nothing is better than a reverse harem. She loves when a woman can be the main love interest for several men willing to share.
And now, as a new mom, she loves settling in with a cozy romance or witchy read during late-night feedings with her little cutie.
Bre is a sucker for a “good girl” grumpy MMC and she flies through those books like they are going to be banned. It would not take much to have her swooning for the grumpy bad boy.
Bre is available for the following services:
- Premium Beta Reading
- Professional Beta Reading
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
- Quote & Teaser Service
Thank you, Author Buddy and Bre!
It’s like Bre wriggled her way into my mind (yikes, sorry!) and saw beyond the words on the page to the story I was trying so hard to tell. She pointed out what worked and what didn’t, but not in a way that made me want to poke her with a Q-Tip and yank her out of my head. I’ve made a cozy little nest for her there with panoramic views and her favorite beverages and snacks so she can visit the inside of my head anytime to give her sweet but honest feedback. She pointed out specific character conversations that needed another look and opportunities for more relationship growth that made perfect sense. Those were the kinds of things that were bothering me about this book in the first place, but I couldn’t figure out why.
Until Bre. 🙂
Anyway, the book is officially done, and you can bet your sweet head nest that I’ll be requesting Bre for the sequels. Thank you, Author Buddy and Bre!
I have to say the beta reading on this was fantastic.
Brandy
Brandy’s Subgenre Specialties:
- PNR
- Dark
- Romantic Suspense
Brandy is a romance lover who spends her days lost in a sea of medical charts and her nights devouring the passion found between the covers of the books she adores and writes.
Brandy can’t remember a time when she didn’t read romance. She loved Harlequin romance and can still remember getting in trouble in school for reading during class. Her teachers documented it well on report cards!
One of Brandy’s all time favorite books is Julia Quinn’s The Duke and I. She was a huge fan long before Bridgerton came out. One of her biggest dreams came true over a decade ago when she was tapped by Avon Books to be a part of a limited group of reviewers for all things Avon Books. She still continues to review for them and loves it!
Brandy loves all romance but can’t get enough of the wilder side. She can usually be found lost in a world of supernatural creatures, exotic worlds, dark and mysterious Anti-heros or flying through the universe. She has no problem hanging up her space boots or handcuffs and taking a leisurely stroll with her second chance romance down Main street. Romance for her has no boundaries, limitations or expectations. She loves it all.
Brandy is available for the following services:
- Premium Beta Reading
- Professional Beta Reading
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
- Quote & Teaser Service
Brandy’s suggestions were spot on!
I have to say the beta reading on this was fantastic.
Terri
Terri’s Subgenre Specialties:
- PNR
- Contemporary
- Dark
- LGBTQ+
- Erotica
- High Fantasy
Sinful. Supernatural. Southern. Does it get any better?
USA Today Bestselling author Terri A. Wilson, brings you supernatural stories with southern characters full of sin, sass, and sarcasm.
Terri considers herself a professional liar. That’s right. She tells stories for a living. She creates worlds and brings dreams to life. She loves love in all its many beautiful forms. She writes stories with the hope that readers will fall in love with love.
When she’s not writing, she stays connected to her inner hippie and searches the internet for funny memes. Her tribe includes a dog, two daughters, a ton of imaginary friends, and an incredible man who keeps her tethered to the ground while she flies and loves her unconditionally.
Her preferred genre is anything that makes her happy, which is almost everything. She is open to PNR, Contemporary, Dark, LGBTQ+, Erotica, and High Fantasy.
Terri is available for the following services:
- NEW Full Service Editing with Terri –coming soon!
Rachael
Rachael’s Subgenre Specialties:
- PNR
- Contemporary
Rachael is available for the following services:
- Premium Beta Reading
- Professional Beta Reading
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
- Quote & Teaser Service
Your book will definitely be in capable hands with Rachael!
Isabel
Isabel’s Genre Specialties:
- Non-fiction
- Historical
- Thriller / Suspense
Isabel is a book-loving, straight-shooting beta reader who’s down for just about any kind of story—whether it’s bone-chilling horror, steamy smut, mind-expanding non-fiction, or wild fantasy adventures. She loves getting lost in a good book and giving honest, helpful feedback to make stories even better.
When she’s not devouring books, you’ll probably find her at the gym, checking out real estate listings, crunching data, or keeping up with friends. She’s got a soft spot for sunshine, a good bet, and a glass of really nice wine (preferably with a cat curled up nearby).
Isabel is available for the following services:
- Professional Beta Reading
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
Testimonials Coming Soon!
Keeper
Keeper’s Subgenre & Trope Specialties:
- YA
- Sci-fi
- Fantasy
- Enemies-to-Lovers
- Why Choose / RH
As a kid, Keeper loved to diagram sentences and often got in trouble for reading when she was supposed to be doing other things. She has a love for travel, people, and creating, with a degree in art and a passion for design and making. Keeper is very thorough and detail-oriented and loves nothing more than to help people realize their creative dreams, so she is always eager to help you find the perfect wording.
If a romance character wanted to lure Keeper into a sexy trap, how would they do it? A trip to almost anywhere, a five-star meal, drinks and live music outdoors on a summer night, lavender flowers, a blindfold and handcuffs, a hot tub, or snuggly blankets with a storm outside.
Keeper loves to read young adult, sci-fi, fantasy, and steamy romances, with a fondness for kinky narratives and have-it-all endings.
What tropes make Keeper swoon the hardest? Call to Adventure, Community Comes Together, Assemble the Team, Enemies to Friends/Lovers, Why Choose.
Keeper is available for the following services:
- Quick Pass Beta Reading
- Professional Beta Reading
- Proofreading
Testimonials Coming Soon!
Becky
Becky’s Subgenre & Trope Specialties:
- LGBTQ+
- Erotica
- Cozy Mysteries
- Grumpy/Sunshine
Becky lives in Asheville, NC with her wife, twin 11 year olds, a dog, two fish, and a very angry hedgehog. She gets paid to test health care software but her real passions are books, animals, and nature. She can almost always be found with a book in her hand and since she began keeping track in 2022 she has read 903 romance novels, with a focus on LGBTQ+ romance. Her first M/M novel was Red, White, and Royal Blue and her interest in the genre blew up from there.
Her first romance novel was most definitely Flowers in the Attic in middle school but when she got to college she started reading the really spicy stuff when she discovered erotica. Her first job after college was at a Catholic thrift store to which someone donated the entire set of Anne Rice’s Sleeping Beauty trilogy which she quickly snatched up.
A romance character would lure her in to a sexy trap by having and taking care of a lot of animals, by cleaning her house and taking care of adulting tasks, by cooking for her, and by bringing her lots of presents including books, coffee, and warm jammies. The romance tropes she loves to read include Fake Relationship, Grumpy/Sunshine, Betting, and the Two Person Love Triangle.
Becky is available for the following services:
- Professional Beta Reading
Testimonials Coming Soon!
☆ Ready To Work With Us? ☆
Still Have Questions?
Fill out the form below to send us any questions you may have about working with us.
