Hi there! Welcome to my writing and editing website!
I’m Kelly Esparza (she/her), and I’m a writer and editor. I hold a BA in English and a BA in Creative Writing with a concentration in fiction from the University of Arizona. I am the author of A Spoonie’s Guide to Self-Acceptance (read the 4-star review here), a poetry chapbook published by Bottlecap Press!
Currently, I am seeking traditional publishing as I am querying an adult speculative murder mystery. This book was a semi-finalist for the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Awards in the fiction category! I was previously agented, but my agent left the industry. My short stories, essays, and poems have been published in various literary journals and anthologies.
On the editor side, I have 5 years of editing experience and have edited on Upwork and Fiverr for 2.5 years and for small presses and literary journals for 4+ years. I offer developmental, line, copy edits, and proofreading edits on all types of writing, including nonfiction, poetry, and fiction books, essays, short stories, business writing, poetry collections, children’s books, and more.
When I’m not writing books, I like to work out, read, watch movies and TV, and spend time with my friends and family.
I am also a monthly contributor/blogger for Path2Pub, an online resource for writers seeking traditional publishing. I am also the editor-in-chief of FLARE Magazine, a literary journal dedicated to publishing disabled and chronically ill creators’ stories, essays, and poems in order to shed light on the struggles, the triumphs, and the harsh realities that come with chronically ill/disabled life.
Buy my new book, a poetry chapbook: A Spoonie’s Guide to Self-Acceptance
I am selling signed copies through here!
You can also get a digital PDF here! Physical copies through the small press might take some time, so I highly recommend buying a copy through me (plus they’re signed!)
Coming to bookstores soon! Time Tested Books (@timetestedbooks on socials) and hopefully more to come!
Release: Nov. 3, 2025, Bottlecap Press
New Merch!
Through my Etsy shop, I am selling 2″ x 2″ and 3″ x 3″ stickers that relate to the above chapbook.
2″ x 2″ is $4.43.
3″ x 3″ is $4.75.
I have also created and ordered bookmarks of the same design and will be selling at book events and such. You can also buy from me. I take Venmo and PayPal. Use the contact form on this website to order, add your address, and I’ll direct you where to pay.
Bookmarks are $5.
The butterfly illustration is by me.
Kelly Esparza 