About Melissa Kanouff
Author, editor, and the founder of a small Louisiana studio that has quietly helped hundreds of American writers finish the books they once thought they'd never finish.
I've spent my career listening to writers before I edit them.
I'm Melissa Kanouff. I grew up in southern Louisiana, where storytelling is part of how families remember themselves. I started writing for community papers in high school, worked my way through editorial roles at regional magazines and independent presses, and in 2017 I opened my own studio to take on the work I cared about most: developmental editing and consulting for serious writers.
What began as a one-desk operation in Rayne now supports clients in more than forty states — memoirists, founders, academics, faith leaders, novelists, and educators. I still work directly with every client myself. That's the only way I know how to do this work well.
Credentials & affiliations. Member, Editorial Freelancers Association · Member, ACES: The Society for Editing · Continuing education in narrative nonfiction craft and indie publishing operations.
Mission, vision, and values.
Mission
To help American writers and organizations produce work that is clear, honest, and worth a reader's time — without losing the voice that made the project worth starting.
Vision
A publishing landscape where serious independent authors have the same standard of editorial care historically reserved for traditionally published writers.
Values
Craft over output. Honesty over flattery. Respect for the writer's intent. Plain pricing and plain talk. Confidentiality as a default, not an upgrade.
A short professional timeline.
Regional reporting & feature writing
Began as a contributing writer for community publications across Acadiana, covering education, small business, and the arts.
In-house editorial roles
Joined the editorial team at a regional lifestyle magazine, then a small independent press, working on long-form features and nonfiction acquisitions.
Freelance editing & ghostwriting
Built a referral-based practice supporting independent authors and small-press titles with developmental editing and ghostwriting.
Studio founded
Melissa Kanouff Author LLC opens in Rayne, Louisiana, expanding the practice into publishing consulting and educational resources.
Multi-state practice
The studio supports authors, founders, and organizations across more than forty U.S. states, with a deliberately small client roster each quarter.
Ready to bring your manuscript to life?
Schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation. We'll discuss your project, your timeline, and the support that fits where you are right now.