Ari Augustine

オーガスティーン  アリ
 林明月 Lín míngyuè
Ari Augustine

Meet Ari Augustine

Book Editor. Author. Poet.

Ari Augustine brings a wealth of experience to the literary world. She was a Top 100 Book Blogger at Bookish Valhalla, the Founder of CraftQuest, a Literary Agent Intern at TriadaUS, blogger for Writer In Motion, and return panelist for WriteHiveCon and Weeknight Writers.

Though Ari has an unholy devotion to sweater weather, misty mountains, dark academia settings, and a piping cuppa tea, she is also especially fond of photography, video gaming, spooky folklore, and crime documentaries.

welcome

Welcome to the chaotic desk of speculative fiction writer and book editor, Ari Augustine.

This corner of the dark web offers temptation and triumph for all kinds of creatures: it is a haven for mischievous gremlins on the prowl for disturbingly human stories that blend genres; a temple for Quillmasters who are still cultivating their creative process and view storytelling as a sacred art; and a hidden harbor for wandering souls determined to write the stories they’re meant to, not just what the mainstream establishment demands.

Whether reader or writer, you’re free to wander under the starlit skies here. To dabble in the arcane arts of shadow, soul, and ink. To fearlessly seek out your own little alcove, where you can experiment and grow, your words weaving their own kind of magic. As you explore, don’t be surprised to find a mug of whiskey-spiked hot cocoa and a platter of mooncakes–a respite for weary travelers navigating the perilous path of reading, writing, and publishing.

Because let’s face it: the journey to a compelling story is as grueling as it is rewarding. Take a moment to honor yourself, to bask in the warm embrace of good company, to find comfort in shared struggles, to gleam inspiration, to feast on stories freely offered, and to raise a glass to the beautifully chaotic world of storytelling.

Here’s to you, the architect of dreams and conjurer of worlds.  

Cheers!

FANTASY AUTHOR EDITOR WRITING COACH POET
Legendary Creature of Dark Forest

the editor

The rarest of editors and a wizard of stories to help fight off your darlings, spin magic around your monsters, and curate hiraeth within your reader’s hearts.

Half Light by Ari Augustine

the author

Come visit the worlds of Ari Augustine, dark spaces and fantastical worlds to tap into an elixer of eternity.

The Root Abyss

Join Root Abyss

Within these lands are the  hidden realms, a place of magic where readers can dig deep into Ari’s psyche and learn about things not found in the outworld.

TESTIMONIALS

"Ari is an AMAZING EDITOR! If you need an editor - you know, the kind that gets everything in one sweep, the kind that makes you cry because they get your book and preserve your style, the kind that gets to the heart - She's AMAZING!"

Jennifer Burrows, Hunted by Darkness

"Y'all, Ari is a phenomenal editor. She brought to my attention what wasn't working in my MS in such a respectful manner while giving me ideas to solve the issues. She nailed it. Like... she gave me glasses and suddenly I can see. That good."

Crystal J. Bell, Author of Upcoming Release, THE LAMPLIGHTER (Spring 2024)

"Ari has this beautiful way of pointing out problems in my MS without discouraging me or making me feel like a "bad writer". More than just a good editor, she's supportive. Like a cheerleader, she gets me excited and ready to write! Her suggestions are so clear and concise, but if I still have questions she's there to brainstorm with a bounce ideas off. I've had three rewrites on my current MS and I am so happy with the end result, which I know I wouldn't have without Ari. I'm so happy with it! And it's because of her."

Erin Wilkerson, Author of RESONATE

"Ari has a fantastic way to invite writers to give it another go. She cares about intended meaning and suggests other perspectives to decisions that don't ring ideal, but always keeping power and choice on the writer. Working alongside Ari as your editor is ensuring your grasp over your own universe and story. Her process for more complicated things is closer to a curious, honest conversation, so as to better understand the universe at work. She is always easy to reach and a joy to work with just as often."

Bernardo Álvarez Monjaras, Author of ELDRITCH CENTURY: THE DEPTHS & LORDS OF VAALA

"Hiring an editor can be a costly endeavor. It can take a decent chunk of time as well. Both of which a self-publishing author can feel short on most of the time, but after a sample edit I felt much more confident investing time and money with Ari. Not only is she pleasant in her communications, her editing style was just what I needed and wanted. Being the type of person that I am, I wanted direct, honest critiques, but I'm kind of on the sensitive side. Ari was able to weave together feedback that was valuable, and congenial without being coddling. Her remarks on my manuscript were detailed and, my favorite part, she took time to explain why she felt a certain change would be beneficial. There were not evaluations on my work. There was only story craft. I learned a lot from the edits she produced. I am confident that the next story will be much improved because of Ari's instruction and feedback."

Scott Petty, Author of THE PHANTASTICAL TALE OF ASTER & HIS RED GEM

"What truly sets Ari apart is her dedication to nurturing my unique style in a kind constructive way. I was nervous because this is my first short story and English isn't my first language, but she made me feel safe and comfortable making mistakes. She didn't just edit. She mentored me, guided me, and taught me how to dig deep into my characters and world. With her guidance, my story transformed into something I'm incredibly proud of."

Suzy Tan, Emerging Writer

"Ari is absolutely wonderful! I hired her to proofread my story, a dark science fantasy with deep world-building. The tale had already been through critiques and edits, and Ari still found places to tighten and clean. She’s got such a keen editor’s eye and anyone would be lucky to have her pass through their story. Hire her!"​

K. J. Harrowick, Author of LIGHT BEYOND THE GLASS