Stacey Lastoe
 
 
 
 
 
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Writer. Editor. Producer. For the past 18+ years, I’ve worked across digital media, bringing stories to life with clarity, creativity, and editorial precision. My background spans everything from lifestyle journalism to branded content, SEO strategy, and large-scale editorial packages.

Most recently, I’ve overseen major projects like the 2025 Women's Health Travel + Wellness Awards, editorial partnerships for Tripadvisor and Fodor’s Travel, and helped shape TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2023. Before that, I was a senior editor at CNN, where I worked on Explore Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain’s digital home. Our Emmy win for Little Los Angeles remains a career highlight.

I got my start in book publishing, editing English composition textbooks—a dream gig for someone who genuinely loves grammar and punctuation (really). After a few years in New York, I pressed pause to backpack around South America. When I landed that role at CNN years later, it felt like the most full-circle moment imaginable.

Today, I balance freelance writing and editing with project-based consulting, often focusing on travel, food, and lifestyle. I'm as comfortable shaping a 3,000-word reported feature as I am optimizing SEO headlines or producing branded content that actually reads well.

I live in Brooklyn with my husband Steve and coonhound Hubie.

Writing Clips

 
 
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EDITING Testimonials

Stacey Lastoe is one of my all-time fav editors because she lets your voice sing, always makes your story better and is just a delightful person. I am always happy when her name appears in my inbox.
— Jennifer Allford
Stacey is the ideal blend of creativity and discipline as a writer and editor. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit shine through in her writing, bringing readers right alongside her on the journey. And she’s an expert at honing in on the killer details of every story, refining each piece until it shines. Stacey is an editorial pro through and through, but she never forgets about the fun.
— Casey Barber
Stacey is a great communicator: responsive, clear, open to ideas, and always approachable. As an editor, she also has a keen eye for detail. I can always count on thoughtful and valuable feedback that may include notes of support, but also astute questions and comments that help me fill in any gaps or reign in my thoughts. Some of my strongest pieces have been edited and shaped by Stacey and for that I’m very grateful!
— Vivian Song
Stacey is a beautiful editor. Her style is subtle, yet powerful and she always keeps the integrity of my voice and message.
— CeCe Olisa
Stacey is one of my favorite editors to work with. When my stories are in her capable hands, they consistently emerge even more compelling and tightly edited. I also trust her expertise as a frequent and knowledgeable traveler. Her ideas for articles are often angles I wouldn’t have thought of myself, but they always make for an excellent read. And, on a more mirco level, she always responds to my emails, which is a rare and wonderful thing in this business. Any writer is lucky to work alongside her!
— Juliet Izon
Stacey was the first editor I worked with after changing careers. Lucky me! She set a fantastic example. Her insightful, thorough edits were communicated with tact and humor. Stacey helped me grow as a writer and gave me a solid foundation for my first writing job.
— Nina Semczuk
Working with Stacey is one of the highlights of my career. She’s made me a better writer by always keeping me honest in my technical skills as a journalist. She’s given me confidence by entrusting me with major stories and likewise having faith in unique pitches, but even more importantly she has the ability to be honest and direct.

She goes out of her way to make sure I have the resources I need on assignment, and I always feel supported in the field. In an industry that can be competitive, she always makes me feel included. Above everything, by being a genuinely kind person, she encourages the best in others personally and professionally. Stacey’s been a leading force behind what I’m proud to call my life’s work.
— Joshua Mellin

Email: staceylastoe@gmail.com

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