Ilana Weitz’s love affair with reading started early. A bookworm from the age of five, she maxed out her library card on every visit and often sacrificed sleep to finish the latest Goosebumps or Animorphs release in one sitting. She was the nerd in school who excelled in English class and loved writing papers.

While studying communication in college, Ilana worked as a copy assistant and general assignments reporter at the university newspaper. As a nonprofit professional, she honed her writing and editing skills by contributing to press releases, academic articles, impact reports, and newsletters.

Ilana’s first foray into professional book editing was working on R. P. Dunwater’s 2022 debut independent YA fantasy novel, The Blight of Blackridge (Book of Payne, Book 1).

In her spare time, Ilana enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, exploring the local food scene, volunteering in her community, and working on her own short stories and novel. And, of course, reading. Her favorite authors include Ted Chiang, James S. A. Corey, Louise Erdrich, Stephen King, and J. R. R. Tolkien.