Author.
Editor.
Storyteller.
Zoe T. Conley writes character-driven fantasy and romance that explore resilience, identity, healing, and the courage it takes to become yourself.
Long before she became a novelist, Zoe was a storyteller in other forms. She began in ballet in Cleveland, Ohio, before pursuing acting and graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. She later spent nearly seven years working in entertainment costuming with Disney in Orlando, Florida, helping bring beloved stories and characters to life.
Though the medium changed, storytelling remained the constant thread. Writing novels became a natural home for her love of character, emotion, and the transformative power of a well-told story.
Today, Zoe is the author of four published novels in The Pledge Tale Series and a freelance fiction editor specializing in developmental and line editing. She is currently completing the Editing and Publishing Certificate through UCLA Extension, bringing both formal editorial training and a lifelong background in storytelling to her work with other authors.
As an editor, Zoe approaches manuscripts with the same focus on character and emotional depth that shapes her own fiction. Drawing from her background in acting, she has a particular passion for character motivation, relationships, emotional arcs, and the choices that make characters feel fully realized on the page. Her approach is collaborative and intentional, helping authors strengthen their stories without rewriting their work or stripping away the voice that makes it theirs.
Whether she is writing her own stories or helping another author shape theirs, Zoe believes the most memorable fiction begins with characters who feel deeply human.
She can usually be found writing or editing at all hours of the night with multiple drinks cluttering her desk while her cats, Olivia Lu and Flynn, sleep nearby to keep her company.
Fantasy, Romance & Character-Driven Fiction
Stories about resilience, redemption, and the courage to take up space.
Zoe writes character-driven stories that explore healing, identity, love, and the complicated choices that shape who we become. Whether set in dark academia halls, crumbling political systems, or worlds filled with impossible choices, her stories are ultimately about people finding the strength to reclaim their own voices.
The Pledge Tale Series follows two women, Adelaide Nightingale and Juliet Laremy, whose lives unfold years apart within the same magical society. As they navigate a world shaped by power, privilege, social expectations, and long-buried secrets, both are forced to question everything they have been taught and decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the truth.
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“It’s truly refreshing to read a book bursting with healthy relationships. I will definitely read anything Zoe T. Conley publishes in the future.”
- Blog: Wine Cellar Library
“Zoe Conley has delivered a masterpiece with A Way With Darkness. It’s a dark, enchanting fantasy that keeps you guessing until the very end. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and unpredictable twists, this book is a must-read for any fantasy lover. I’m already anxiously awaiting what comes next in this series—because there is no way this story is done unraveling. If you haven’t picked this up yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. You won’t regret it.”
- Angie | The Simplest Nest
“Dark, yet somehow cozy, "A Way With Darkness" is both a comfort and a punch to the gut. Seriously, a must-read.”
-Korey Willis, Author of The Karma Project
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“Darkness Folding is a rich, emotionally charged read with jaw-dropping twists, tension that leaves you breathless, and a cliffhanger that makes you desperate for more. Zoe Conley has crafted a story where every feeling, from desire to heartbreak to triumph, sticks with you even after you’ve finished it!”
- Vintagev_reads
“The political intrigue adds a whole extra layer of depth. Alliances shift like smoke, truths unravel at the worst possible moments, and just when you think you know where things are going… the story tilts, deliciously, into chaos. This book is dark, seductive, and emotionally gripping—a romantasy that doesn’t just tell a story, it claims you.”
-InkedSirenXO
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“Don’t read this just for the romance. Read this for the political intrigue and the female rage. For the love and heartbreak that women go through and how they persevere. Zoe writes about corrupt leadership full of awful men, but also about men who love unconditionally. She also writes about women empowerment and resilience.”
-Chesly Sandel
“This book really said “patriarchy, control, trauma, and forbidden love” and then lit the whole system on fire?? Yeah… I was locked IN.”
- ARC Reader
“Darkness Released: The Aftermath is a solid continuation that blends action, emotion, and intrigue. It’s a story that will linger in your thoughts, leaving you eager to see what comes next while appreciating the journey along the way.”
- Lilith's_Library_
Fiction Editing With Depth, Emotion & Intention
My approach to editing is about digging the story out of the pages. By focusing on character motivation and development, emotional truth, and meaningful relationships, I help authors uncover the strongest version of the story they’re already trying to tell without losing the voice that makes it theirs.
Looking for an Editor?
Tell me about your story! Follow the link below to fill out my inquiry form with a little information about your manuscript, your editing needs, and what you hope to get out of the process. From there, we can see if we’re a good fit.
Let’s Talk Craft
Follow my editing account on Instagram for bite-sized writing lessons, practical craft tips, and a closer look at character motivation, development, relationships, and emotional storytelling.
Testimonials:
I’d lost focus and found myself tangled in the weeds of my manuscript, but Zoe helped me rediscover and clarify my core message with empathy and insight.
After several long months of trying to self-edit, I realized I desperately needed a fresh, expert perspective on my story. I sought an editor who would focus on what mattered most—strong characterization, effective storytelling, and clarity of message—while respecting my vision. I also wanted someone who truly understood the process from the inside out: not just editing, but writing and publishing their own work. Zoe Conley brought exactly that combination, blending sharp editorial insight with unwavering support and passion for the craft, and helped elevate my manuscript far beyond what I could have achieved alone.
Zoe dedicated herself to understanding what made my story unique and pinpointing areas where clarity would help my readers experience the vision I carried in my head. She balanced being a cheerleader and a peer with being a direct and effective communicator. Our collaboration throughout the editing process made an immediate and lasting impact. Even my critique partner and beta readers have recognized the dramatic improvements brought about by Zoe’s thoughtful, precise, and actionable suggestions.
Zoe never overstepped my vision or tried to alter my voice; her only goal was to ensure my message came through with absolute clarity. Even when I didn’t initially agree with some notes, her feedback always prompted me to reflect and ultimately strengthen my writing. Writing is such a vulnerable and emotional journey, and I am deeply grateful for Zoe’s skillful, compassionate guidance every step of the way. I look forward to working with her again and celebrating many more successes together.
-Erika Tritz, Author
Zoe has helped me with a few projects and has been amazing to work with. She pays attention to the flow, the details that are missing, certain points that matter the least/most to the story, and character development. She helped me build a stronger story by suggesting which moments to focus on and which ones would pull a reader out of the story. She made sure the readers would be invested in the characters with her extensive experience in character work. She makes supportive and clear comments that are easy to understand and implement. Not only were my stories better, but she helped me feel more confident in my work too. She has great advice to give, since she is a writer herself. I recommend her to anyone who wants to build a stronger foundation for their story (and writing in general).
- Chelsy, Developmental Editing Client.
