Rali Editorial
Fiction editing and thoughtful guidance for writers who want to take their manuscripts further.
About me
I am Rali Chorbadzhiyska, a freelance fiction editor working with independent and corporate publishers as well as authors to provide expert, tailored editorial support. With previous in-house experience at Penguin Random House, Faber and Canongate, I bring a collaborative, creative approach and a deep understanding of the publishing process. Drawing on my passion for storytelling, I guide writers to refine and elevate their work, enhancing clarity, structure and the overall impact of the text. My greatest reward is seeing my clients succeed and in 2025, I was honoured to receive a Rising Star Award from The Printing Charity in recognition of my work.
Testimonials
I’m proud to support publishers and writers in crafting work that stands the test of time.
‘Rali’s editorial expertise has been tremendously helpful for my latest novel manuscript. She spent time with the work to understand what it was trying to communicate, and helped make it so much sharper and stronger.’
Farah Ali, author of Telegraphy
‘I had the enormous fortune to work with Rali on the publication of my debut novel, Monumenta. She has an instinctive talent for editing, allowing the writing on the sentence level to have its own life while ensuring the story stays on track.’
Lara Haworth, author of Monumenta
‘Rali is incredibly organised, detail-oriented and always thorough. Her passion for writing shines through in her remarkable ability to maintain clarity and precision.’
Ayobami Adebayo, 2025 Booker Prize Judge and author of Stay With Me and A Spell of Good Things
My Values
I help to create legacy for authors and publishers through bringing their projects to the world and I’m rewarded when I’ve contributed to that long-lasting creative work.
Integrity
A conscious and conscientious guide
Excellence
A constructive motivator
I value honesty and loyalty as part of my integrity. You will find that I am constructively straightforward while remaining understanding and empathetic towards the creative process. I am here to listen to you and help you on your journey, which can include putting you forward for new opportunities as part of my drive to nurture long-lasting working relationships and create a long-term cultural impact. My sense of fulfilment comes from knowing I have provided the best support for your needs possible.
I am driven by a strive for excellence in what I deliver and in what I help others achieve. My academic experience includes a BA in English from KCL and an MA in Publishing from UCL, where I was recipient of the David Tebbutt Scholarship. I have previously worked at Penguin Random House (Rights), Faber (Poetry Editorial) and at Canongate (Fiction and narrative Non-Fiction Editorial). I have Publishing Scotland certificates for Copyediting and Proofreading, and I am continuously seeking opportunities to elevate my skills so I can effectively empower others. In 2025, I was honoured to receive a Rising Star Award from The Printing Charity in recognition of my work.
Curiosity
A resourceful supporter
I believe that curiosity is key to expanding one’s view of the world and expertise. I read widely because for me, to be a good editor (and writer) starts with being a skilled reader. I am convinced that respect for different cultures and creative projects lies in being curious and open-minded. Curiosity for me fosters empathy and connection, it brings meaning to the human experience and is one of my strongest values that helps me succeed in understanding the needs of various projects and creators, and deliver tailored guidance.
Optimism
A vibrant collaborator
Optimism is an inseparable part of my personality and I bring it to work and play equally. Being optimistic has helped me retain gratitude and resilience on my professional and personal journeys, and I am happiest when able to pass the positive energy on to people around me. To explore the fun in work, I have created @Rali.Editorial on Instagram and Tik Tok. Did I also mention I am a dancer? Dance has always been my own creative outlet and I have dedicated years to various styles such as hip-hop, contemporary and most recently, bachata (@Dancing.Rali, to save you the Googling).