Meet Leena Kazak

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leena Kazak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Leena, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is really tough, and I’d be lying if I said it’s something I’ve completely conquered—it’s definitely an ongoing process. Some days, I feel incredibly proud of my accomplishments as both a first-time author and an editor. But there are other days when self-doubt suffocates me.

On those tough days, I try to ground myself in the present. I’ve found that when I let my thoughts spiral, it’s usually a sign that I need to step back and take a break—especially from social media. Comparing myself to others or feeling like I’m not doing “enough” only feeds the negativity, so giving myself space to take a break is crucial.

One thing that really helps is imagining what I would say to my best friend if she had just written a novel or edited an incredible manuscript. I’d be so freaking proud of her! I wouldn’t let her minimize her accomplishments or question her worth, so why should I allow myself to do the same? I try to channel that same energy and talk to myself with kindness and encouragement.

We’re often our own harshest critics, and I’ve realized how important it is to take a step back and view myself—and my work—through a lens of grace. It’s a practice, not a perfect process, but reminding myself why I started and celebrating even the small wins helps me stay positive.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an author and the proud owner of a freelance editing business! My debut romantic fantasy novel, The Moon’s Daughter, is releasing on December 16th. It’s the first book in a trilogy. This story has been eight years in the making, and I can’t wait for the world to meet the characters who, until now, have lived only in my imagination. Writing has been a part of my life since I was young—I’ve always loved creating and telling stories—but this is my first time actually publishing my work. I’m equal parts excited and nervous to share my story with the world!

In addition to writing, I’m a freelance editor through my small business, LK Editing Services, where I work with indie authors to help bring their stories to life. Editing is such a rewarding process because it’s not just about refining prose; it’s about collaboration, creativity, and helping authors share the best version of their stories with readers. I’ve had the privilege of working on incredible projects across a range of genres, and I’m constantly amazed by the stories we have inside us. Since I am author myself, I know that every client thinks of their work as their baby (I know I do!), and I love treating their manuscripts with the same love and care that I do for my own.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For me, the three most important skills are reading, writing, and editing. Though they are all connected, each serves a unique purpose. Reading opens up uncharted worlds! I’ve learned so much from reading bestselling novels and seeing how those authors shape their stories, build suspense, and create unforgettable characters. Writing is a skill you develop through practice—consistency is key, even if it’s just a sentence or two on busy days. Lastly, editing requires patience, precision, and practice. Before I branched out into novels, my editing experience began with college essays, where I learned to help students impart their hardest life struggles in 650 words or less.

For aspiring authors, read widely, both in and out of your genre. Write often, even if it feels imperfect! The hardest part is getting your first draft down.

For aspiring editors, practice wherever you can—edit for friends, beta read, and observe how professionals work. Read across genres to understand different styles and focus on collaboration.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I truly enjoy collaborating with fellow indie authors and freelance editors! The writing community has been incredibly supportive, and I’ve been fortunate to build some amazing relationships along the way. It’s been such a rewarding experience to learn from more seasoned authors while also sharing my knowledge with newer writers.

I’d love to connect with indie authors at any stage of their journey so we can support and uplift one another—there’s so much we can learn and accomplish together!

I’m also always looking to expand my circle of editor friends. Having a small network of trusted professionals has been invaluable, especially when I need to refer clients I can’t accommodate. If you’re an editor, let’s connect and grow together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leenakazak.com
• Instagram: @leenakazakbooks
• Other: Editing Service:

  www.lkeditingservices.com
  Instagram: @lkeditingservices

Image Credits

Sofia Meriggi
Artscandare