From Reader to Reviewer to Editor: How Pinto Prose & Publicity Was Born

If you’re here on my blog, you probably already know a little bit about me, but let me introduce myself properly.

I’m Cynthia—book lover, reviewer, and now, editor and PR consultant. My love of books goes all the way back to my Berenstain Bears days, growing up with The Babysitter’s Club and moving on to Sweet Valley. I’ve never not had a book in my hand, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I always knew I wanted to work with books, but breaking into the industry in a way that still paid the bills? That was the challenge. At the time, I was stuck in a soul-sucking PR job in an extremely toxic environment. So in 2014, I started a book blog, joined NetGalley, and began reviewing books before their publication dates. It kept me immersed in the book world and supported my reading addiction—because let’s be real, I could never afford to buy all the books I want to read! 😆

Then, life happened. Between a global pandemic, a new baby, and a move to the suburbs, my blog fell to the wayside. I was still reading but at a much slower pace. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon bookstagram and joined my first buddy read that I truly rediscovered my passion. Not only did I start reading more than ever, but I also found a community—one that welcomed me at a time I didn’t even realize how much I needed it.

The Editing Lightbulb Moment

Through bookstagram, I connected with so many incredible indie authors—writers with incredible stories to tell but without the big budgets or built-in teams of traditional publishing. Some of the books I read were beautifully written but riddled with typos and errors that took me out of the story. I kept thinking, If only they had a second set of eyes on this…

Then, in October 2024, I discovered Morgan Gist-McDonald’s editing course with Paper Raven Books—and something clicked. Editing was the way I could finally work with books in a meaningful, impactful way. I wasn’t just another reader spotting errors; I could actually help authors shape their stories into something polished and powerful. That’s why I offer affordable manuscript reviews rather than charging sky-high per-word editing rates—because every writer deserves a fair shot at putting their best work forward.

Bringing PR Into the Mix

As I launched my editorial business, I had another realization—I had 15 years of PR experience, and it didn’t make sense to leave that behind. I had worked on high-profile book campaigns, from Lara Spencer’s Flea Market Fabulous to Haylie Duff’s Real Girl’s Kitchen. More recently, I helped secure interviews for the founder of Bookshop.org and built connections with book-focused podcasts.

And so, Pinto Prose & Publicity was born—offering services that cover everything from manuscripts to media, helping new authors break into the industry with both a polished book and a strategy to promote it.

What’s Next?

This blog will be a space for both readers and writers. Expect:

📚 Book reviews & recommendations
✍️ Editing & publishing tips
📖 Behind-the-scenes of my editorial journey

If you’re an aspiring author, I’d love to help you bring your story to life. If you’re a reader, I’ll keep the bookish content coming! Either way, let’s get lost in stories together.

✨ What’s your bookish origin story? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear it!

HEY, I’M CYNTHIA…

Welcome to my personal book haven! I’m all about diving into stories and chatting with fellow bookworms.

I read pretty much anything and everything in the fiction world, except for horror (it’s just a little too spooky for me!). But give me a twisted psychological thriller, and I’m in.

I also love reading ARCs (advance reader copies), so you’ll often find my reviews up before or right on the book's publication day.

Happy reading, and let’s get lost in stories together!

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📚✨ May your bookshelf always lead to love, suspense, and the unexpected.