MEET THE EDITOR

Liz Kazandzhy

As a lifelong lover of words, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career related to writing. So when I landed a job as a professional book reviewer with Kirkus Media, I was ecstastic—I was actually getting paid to read and write!

However, my excitement waned with every negative review I had to write. While some books that crossed my desk were phenomenal, most were lacking in one way or another, and I found myself repeating the same hopeless plea to myself: “If only this book had an editor! It had so much potential!”

After a few years, I realized that being a book reviewer wasn’t for me. Like a doctor who shifts from treating disease to preventing it, I longed to get involved earlier in the literary process—to actually improve content rather than simply critiquing it after the fact. So in 2018, I shifted my focus to editing, and I haven’t looked back since!

I absolutely love being an editor, and I look forward to learning how I can help make your content the very best it can be!

A Bit About Me

SUCCESSFUL EDITOR

You can check out my editing success on Upwork, where I’ve worked with over a hundred clients and am in the top 3% of freelancers (Top Rated)

PUBLISHED AUTHOR

I’m a published author of religious nonfiction and a podcast host, which you can learn more about on my author website

WIFE AND MOTHER

I’m the mother of three wonderful girls and am married to a Ukrainian (hence the unique last name, pronounced “cousin G”)

MUSICIAN, DOG LOVER, AND PROGRAMMER

I play several instruments, trained guide dogs for the blind for 10 years, and enjoy web development as a hobby

Why “Watchful Wordsmith”?

Clients consistently mention two things about my editing: (1) my meticulous attention to detail and (2) my ability to refine and elevate their writing. So when I was considering a business name, “Watchful Wordsmith” seemed like the perfect fit.

watchful: “carefully observant or attentive”
wordsmith: “a person who works with words; a skillful writer”


If you’re looking for someone who will treat your words with the care they deserve—helping readers connect with your important message—you’ve come to the right place!

Contact Me Today