Get to know the passionate individuals behind the new NYC Metro Chapter. Our first meetup is tomorrow, December 11th, at 6:00 PM! But first, we asked the coordinators a few questions to help you get acquainted—everything from their backgrounds and why they joined the EFA to the question everyone struggled with: “What’s your favorite book?”

 

Hilarie Ashton

Hilarie Ashton specializes in line editing, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, fact-checking, academic editing, and fiction editing. Her subject-matter expertise includes gender studies, literary studies, queer studies, Black studies, sound studies, as well as public policy and education.

What inspired you to join the EFA?

I wanted to connect with other editors and with potential clients. Both of those goals were immediately met and continue to be reinforced and renewed!

What do you hope to gain or contribute through your participation in the NYC Metro Chapter?

I’m so excited to be helping to coordinate this group. Editing work can be so solitary, and I want our chapter to be a vibrant space for tri-state area editors to gather, learn, network, and build community.

What’s your favorite book of all time?

This is like asking a parent of multiple children to choose their favorite. My top slots go to: Toni Morrison’s Sula, Torrey Peters’s Detransition, Baby, Judith Butler’s Undoing Gender, Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, Louise Erdrich’s LaRose, Angela Davis’s Women, Race & Class and James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new editors?

Editing is a crucial skill that you’ll keep developing over your career, but there are a lot of important adjacent skills you can weave into your editing work, from clear and kind communication to subject-matter expertise and second or third-language knowledge.

Favorite place to visit or spend time in New York?

This is as hard as choosing a favorite book: BAM, Central Library, Prospect Park, and Greenlight Bookstore.

Favorite hobbies/interests/animals.

I love kickboxing, reading, and wandering around New York. My favorite animals include cats (especially mine—a tuxedo named Señora), dogs, pygmy hippos, elephants, and tiny monkeys.  

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Rozi Doci

Rozi Doci specializes in developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and multilingual editing, with a focus on cross-cultural communication for fiction (romance and psychological thrillers by female authors) and nonfiction (research and white papers on international relations, military strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and organizational efficiency).

What inspired you to join the EFA?

Working freelance has its perks, but I missed the shared experiences and collaboration that come with being part of a team. The EFA seemed like the perfect place to connect with other editors and foster a sense of community. Plus, I need someone to talk to about the cool, nerdy aspects of editing—because, let’s be honest, no one in my house wants to hear about them. So far it’s been a terrific experience.

What do you hope to gain or contribute through your participation in the NYC Metro Chapter?

I’m looking forward to contributing my marketing and social media experience to help grow the NYC chapter and amplify its reach. Whether it’s through creating engaging content, increasing our online presence, or brainstorming creative ways to promote events, I hope to help the chapter connect with more editors and expand our community.

What’s your favorite book of all time?

I can’t pick a favorite, but if I could relive the experience of reading a book for the first time, it would be Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new editors?

Misaligned expectations can make or break a working relationship. To avoid this, start every project by understanding your author’s needs, defining the scope of work, and clearly communicating what you will deliver. Make sure you and your author/publisher agree on the meaning of key terms and deliverables. You might do an excellent copyedit, but if your author thought a copyedit meant rewriting sections, developing the plot, or fixing formatting issues, they’ll still likely feel disappointed.

Favorite place to visit or spend time in New York?

Walking around the East and West Village.

Favorite hobbies/interests/animals.

I’ve always had a passion for learning languages. In 2025, I’m hoping to begin studying Farsi. I have three dogs—two Cavaliers and a German Shepherd mix.

 

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Michael Gumeny

Michael Gumeny specializes in proofreading, with decades of experience in IT project management and business analysis. He’s proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style and New York Times style guide, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office.

What inspired you to join the EFA?

Getting started as a proofreader.

What do you hope to gain or contribute through your participation in the NYC Metro Chapter?

Proofreading work, networking with other editors, and building a career in the field.

What’s your favorite book of all time?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new editors?

I’m a newbie, so I’m all ears.

Favorite place to visit or spend time in New York?

Central Park.

Favorite hobbies/interests/animals.

Reading, music, and spending time outdoors.

 

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Hannah Hicks

Hannah Hicks specializes in academic editing, with a focus on supporting fiction and nonfiction authors, academic researchers, and other writers. She offers a range of services, including developmental editing, copyediting, and beta reading.

What inspired you to join the EFA?

It has all the tools and resources for expanding your editorial business.

What do you hope to gain or contribute through your participation in the NYC Metro Chapter?

I’d like to share the various publishing events I attend and learn more about the diverse work of other editors.

What’s your favorite book of all time?

A classic, Ethan Frome, because it has so many layers of meaning.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new editors?

Have confidence in yourself and be bold!

Favorite place to visit or spend time in New York?

The Elizabeth Street Garden in Soho is such a lovely hidden spot.

Favorite hobbies/interests/animals.

I have a chihuahua mix named Bruno, who’s my favorite little buddy.

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Don’t forget to register for our upcoming virtual launch. We’re excited to meet and learn more about all of you! Rozi Doci New York City Metro chapter co-coordinator