Professional Book Editors, Proofreaders, and Publishing Consultants

JEN BOUCLE has been providing writing and editing services to corporations, businesses, and individuals for over thirty years.

• GHOSTWRITING: Over the past several years I’ve ghostwritten a number of books, ranging from business/marketing to travel to fiction. Specific titles available upon request.

• FICTION: Over the past two years I’ve written and sold the first novels in what will be two mystery series, one as J.A. Squires to Echelon Press, and the other as Alicia Stone to Mainly Murder Press. Read about the first book with Echelon, Assignment: Nepal, at www.ireneadlermysteries.com.

• MARKETING/BUSINESS COLLATERAL: For going on ten years I’ve been doing all the marketing writing for an email/SEO/social media marketing company, which includes articles, press releases, email content, web content, case studies, white papers, some SEO work, and other business collateral. Based on a case study that I researched and wrote, the company won the Promo Interactive Marketing Award.

• VIDEO SCRIPTS: I continue to enjoy writing the scripts for marketing and educational video projects, working with a number of different video companies. Samples are available upon request.

• EDUCATIONAL COLLATERAL: I came out of academia and so am comfortable working on educational materials. One of my ongoing clients provides educational materials to corporations; another needs educational collateral for teaching assignments.

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DEANNA BRADY is a highly versatile freelance writer and editor with more than two decades of experience. Known as an "editor's editor," she ghostwrites, rewrites, develops, and copyedits a wide range of material, including self-help/how-to books, novels (both literary and genre fiction), creative nonfiction, biographies/memoirs, proposals, cover and query letters, articles, essays, scripts, business communications, and Web content. She has written and edited marketing and advertising copy for Fortune 500 companies and is adept at editing ESL and translated text, as well as scientific/technical material. In addition, she specializes in projects concerning spirituality, ecology, Native American Indian culture, psychology, allopathic and complementary medicine, and health, and she particularly enjoys working with fantasy, science fiction, historical, romance, adventure, mystery, and young adult literature.

Deanna spent more than a decade as a magazine editor. She also taught at California State University for a dozen years, has written several children's textbooks, and is an award-winning author of short fiction and poetry. Her many happy clients greatly appreciate her expertise, gentle guidance, and ability to preserve their individual voices and help make their manuscripts shine.

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BETH BRUNO

Developmental editing

Writing assistance

Fiction and nonfiction: adventure, children's books, contemporary, education, humor, memoir/biography, mystery, romance/women's fiction, historical, creative nonfiction, literary fiction

"I want to thank Beth for the spectacular job she did editing my book, which has just been published. When Beth first received the manuscript, she understood what was missing and recognized the changes needed to improve the flow, characterization, plot, etc., of my novel. She had a keen eye for small details. Beth was also always very available to discuss suggestions, and she quickly came up with alternatives to solve the problems we encountered along the way. She guided me through the particulars of my novel to the final polished product. The result: A published book." Oscar Medina

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CARLY CANTOR is a publishing industry veteran who has worked in-house at a New York publisher as an acquisitions editor and is a two-time published author (history books). Most recently, she has worked as an independent consultant and project editor for Random House, Prentice Hall, and  iUniverse. She also represents authors as an agent with a well-established NYC agency. Her extensive experience includes critiquing, organizational and development editing, and line editing of fiction and nonfiction projects. She is a meticulous hands on editor who “becomes one” with every project, paying close attention to both the big picture and the small details.

Note: Carly is not accepting submissions until April 1, 2013

She has often worked with academics, psychologists, and medical doctors on high-level material in the social or life sciences and has helped them make their writing more accessible to a trade audience. One thrilled client, a doctor, said of her, “She is a consummate wordsmith, with the facility of not only understanding and integrating scientific and technical material but also illuminating arcane and otherwise opaque descriptions. She expertly shapes the structure of a presentation for better narrative flow, simplifying complex material to make it reader-friendly.” 

Carly also edits fiction, with an understanding of the importance of subtlety and nuance. She approaches fiction with an appreciation for how the brain works and for the idea that a reader likes to pick up clues and figure some things out for himself rather than be told everything directly about how characters are thinking and feeling. One novelist client said, “I have been guided by a number of different editors throughout my career. Without any hesitation, I can say that [she] is the best editor I have ever worked with.

Services offered:

• Manuscript evaluation / critiquing
• Development editing
• Line-editing and writing assistance
• Ghostwriting

 “Carly was indispensable for the birth of my memoir. She helped me to not only tighten my writing but also improve the structure of the narrative to make it more thrilling. I found a very effective, inspirational guide in her ability to culturally translate my experience in Korea for American audiences.”
—Jid Lee, author of To Kill a Tiger (Overlook, 2009)

“My personal experience in working with Carly has been very rewarding. She has the grit to drill down into the material so that nothing is taken for granted. She also demonstrates an intuitive skill to help add an overarching structure to the work that helps expand its scope, further increasing the book’s accessibility to those audiences we wish to reach. Her persistence in getting the content to seamlessly flow from one technical subject to the next is a true gift.”
—John W. Cassidy, MD, author of Mindstorms: The Complete Guide for Families Living with Traumatic Brain Injury (Da Capo Press, 2009)

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MICHAEL CARR has edited or copyedited 300+ fiction and nonfiction titles for major publishers and authors. Notable nonfiction authors include Bernard Goldberg (NY Times best-seller Arrogance), CNN anchor Lou Dobbs (Exporting America), Rev. Al Sharpton (Al on America), and CNN Crossfire host Tucker Carlson (Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites). Michael edits most fiction genres but specializes in literary and historical, crime/mystery, drama, fantasy, and science fiction.

Notable authors include Brad Meltzer (#3 NY Times best-seller The Zero Game), NY Times Notable Book of the Year author Archer Mayor (The Surrogate Thief, Gatekeeper, The Second Mouse), crime grandmaster Donald Westlake (the Dortmunder series), and the fantasy master Michael Moorcock (The White Wolf's Son).

Michael has also edited eight published volumes on world affairs and some twenty self-help books (medical, psychological, personal growth, and business) and has translated a dozen novels and other literary works from Spanish to English.

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KATHRYN CLAPPER is a writer’s editor. She is passionate about partnering with both nonfiction and fiction authors to bring their ideas and stories alive. With 10 years of experience editing more than 300 titles and textbooks for major publishers such as National Geographic, Candlewick Press, Scholastic, Prentice Hall, Pearson Longman, and Blackwell-Wiley, Kathryn knows what it takes to convert an idea into a bound book. With every manuscript, she acts as an advocate of the reader while holding true to the author’s style. Her talents do not stop at developmental editing, however. As an eagle-eyed copyeditor and proofreader, she relentlessly perfects details while keeping the big picture in mind.

Kathryn is a certified English teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University (anthropology) and a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (teaching and curriculum). Her areas of expertise include literary nonfiction, YA fiction, biography, general interest nonfiction, scholarly works, children’s nonfiction, and instructional content in the humanities and social sciences.

Kathryn offers the following services:

• Copyediting and proofreading
• Developmental editing
• Project management
• Nonfiction: literary, scholarly, children’s, textbooks, other instructional content, Web content
• Fiction: YA, mass market, literary, historical
• Manuscript critiques and writing assistance

“Thank you for a truly excellent job in editing my nonfiction book. Before retaining your services, I interviewed a number of editors for the job. All of them were highly credentialed editing professionals. However, I was looking for additional qualities in selecting my editor: intellectual integrity, sensitivity, encouragement, and someone that truly enjoys working with writers. I found these qualities and more in working with you. I also found an inspirational guide. You did an outstanding job!” Henry Dahut

“If I were to build my dream editor from scratch ... Kathryn Clapper. She’s everything an author needs and wants: highly skilled, thorough, professional, dependable, kind, and cool under fire. With more than 70 books in print, I’ve worked with plenty of editors in my career, but very few are in Kathryn’s class. I can always trust that in her capable hands my work will shine. She is, simply, the best!” — Trudi Strain Trueit, children's fiction and nonfiction author

“I worked with Kathryn Clapper on a book a while back and found her approach refreshing after a couple of not-so-wonderful experiences with other editors. Entirely professional, she was relaxed and friendly without losing focus on the job at hand, demanding of high standards without making either one of us crazy, and forthright about business matters without being cold. I would work with her again anytime. A thoroughly pleasant professional.” — Stephen Peters, writer/storyteller

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Developmental Editing | Copyediting | Line Editing | Content Revision

JESSICA COOMBS loves books. Her foundation as an editor rests on writing workshops, editorial services for two small presses, independent editorial work, and a thorough education that includes two MAs, an MFA, and a PhD. She is also an author who understands a writer’s needs. She provides copyediting (line editing) at an affordable price.

She specializes in historical fiction, literary fiction, contemporary/mainstream, and short stories as well as historical/biographical non-fiction and can also be consulted about other genres.

Jessica is especially talented at streamlining wordy prose, focusing the narrative voice, and catching logical and historical errors. Additionally, she can shepherd any type of text translated into English through a process that ensures accuracy, fidelity to the original, and natural sound and rhythm in the target language.

¡También corrige textos en español! En español Jessica tiene las mismas especialidades (histórica, literaria, cuento) y el mismo nivel de profesionalidad.

“It’s something that’s heard a lot, but in this case, I honestly couldn’t have done it without your help.” – J. Gunnar Grey (Author of Deal With the Devil, Trophies, and Format Your eBook the Free and Easy Way)

“I’ve enjoyed working with Jessica. She made some great suggestions for revisions, and did a very thorough job of line editing.” – Gary Inbinder (Author of The Flower to the Painter and Confessions of the Creature)

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ROSANNE CORNBROOKS CATALANO specializes in children's and young adult books, fantasy novels, and Christian/inspirational manuscripts. Prompt and professional, Rosanne works well with any author's voice, providing clarity and punch while respecting the integrity of the work.

Rosanne's love of the written word began with her passion for books, but her knowledge of punctuation, grammar, diction and style comes from a lifetime of exceptional training. A poet herself, Rosanne understands the blood, sweat and tears that go into writing.

She gives each author's work the care it deserves, drawing on her diverse life experiences and knowledge in many fields like period clothing, genetics, all aspects of theater, Celtic legends, rustic camping, the martial arts, architecture and languages (Latin, French, Anglo-Saxon, Middle English, a little Welsh and Japanese).

Add that to the marketplace savvy she learned working in publishing houses, and you have an experienced editor who can polish a manuscript and get it past that crucial first reader!

• Copyediting, developmental editing
• Children's/young adult
• Science fiction and fantasy
• Christian, inspirational

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PAUL W. COVER is an editor and writer with more than thirty years of publishing experience.  He specializes in science fiction and fantasy.  His first novel, Waking Beauty (HarperCollins), was short-listed for the Tiptree Award.  He has also published the novels Tumbling After (HarperCollins) and Dracula: Asylum (Dark Horse).  His short fiction has been collected in Everland and Other Stories (PS Publishing) and has been nominated for the Nebula, World Fantasy, and Shirley Jackson awards.  Paul has a Master's Degree in Creative Writing and English Literature from The City College of New York and is a graduate of the prestigious Clarion Writer's Workshop.  He is also a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America.

Book editor, proofreader, and creative writing consultant science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal

Paul brings his writerly sensibilities and publishing experience to his editing work.  He was the science fiction and fantasy editor for iPublish.com, Time-Warner's ebook and print-on-demand program, where he worked with bestselling authors like Walter Mosley as well as discovering and publishing many new voices.  In addition, he has edited for Del Rey Books, TokyoPop, and Night Shade, where he worked with such talents as Hugo Award-winning authors Mike Resnick and Michael Swanwick.  Paul is a tough and thorough editor whose passion is helping writers realize their potential by working with them to bring out the best in every manuscript.  He can't guarantee that after working with him your novel will be accepted for publication, but he can guarantee that it will be a better novel.  Chances are, you will also be a better writer.

As a copyeditor, Paul is in high demand for his rigorous attention to detail and his comprehensive knowledge of the science fiction and fantasy genre.  He has worked extensively for Harlequin, Baen Books, Tor Books, SciFi.com, Small Beer Press, Kensington, St. Martin's, and others.

Services offered:

• Substantive editing

• Copyediting

• Ghost writing

• Copywriting

• Science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal

"Paul is a top-shelf editor. He enhances the author's vision and voice rather than inserting his own, communicating with intelligence, wit, and clarity. Any author, whatever their credentials or bibliography, would learn something working with Paul. I know I wouldn't have a career without him."—E.E. Knight, author of the Vampire Earth series.

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ESTHER DAVID-ROLAND is a writer and editor whose experience includes writing and editing in technical and non-technical subject areas. She has worked as a journalist, writer, and editor for more than 25 years and brings her many years of experience to each project. As a freelance copyeditor, Esther has worked with major publishers, businesses, and individuals, and has worked extensively with authors whose native language is not English.

* Book editing (nonfiction)
* Developmental editing (nonfiction)
* Manuscript copyediting and proofreading
* Technical, medical, and scientific copyediting
* Website copyediting and proofreading

“My editor went above and beyond the call of duty.  Not only did she fix the flow, grammar and punctuation, she challenged me on what I wrote.  It forced me to either stand behind or get rid of parts of my book.  I really appreciated her passion and l look forward to working with her in the near future on my next book.” - Carlton Bogan, Certified Life Coach, The Gibbor Project

"Esther coached, edited, commented, and offered constructive suggestions.  Her ideas and comments were more helpful than those I received from colleagues. " John R. Schultz, consultant, writer, retired professor

"Esther was great! She was very informative and clear as to the reasons for changes she suggested. Very bright and intuitive, it was a pleasure working with her and hope to do so again soon." (Contact information on request)

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Karen was the editor of choice for master crime writer John Gilmore (Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder). Several encyclopedic works she edited won American Library Association Outstanding Reference Source Awards. Nonfiction clients have included Walt Disney Company, Penn State University, the State University of New York, Comic Relief, and March of Dimes.

Karen has world-class journalism credentials from London's Times and Regional Newspapers and has written hundreds of features and articles. Her book, Santa Anita Morning Rhapsody, was the first to document mornings at a thoroughbred racetrack. Lyricist and composer, she recorded a CD, Someone Loves, that airs internationally.

Her many areas of expertise include literary works, history and historical fiction, British language and culture, drama and screenplays, children and young adults, crime and mystery, nature and the environment, science fiction, fantasy, music, poetry, romance, and travel.

• Copy editing and proofreading
• Screenplays
• Fiction: historical, mainstream, literary, crime
• Nonfiction: history, politics, scholarly, psychology, health, science
• Poetry

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ALICE DAY has been an editor since 1988. After earning a graduate degree in creative writing at Brown University, she has worked at the book publishers Henry Holt and Company and Carroll & Graf Publishers. Writer Don Smith, whose awards include 19 regional Emmys, said of Alice Day, "She's the kind of editor every writer should be so lucky to have." Alice Day is an award-winning writer with eight collections of poetry and a novel that have been published by nationally-recognized publishing houses. Kathleen Wakefield, whose novella won the 2008 Cleveland State University novella contest, said "that [Alice] has been an editor at a major New York publishing house gives her insight into that complicated world; that she is a poet, I believe, gives her the sensitivity to find the beauty of a writer's individual work." Alice Day has the skill and experience to focus on a writer's vision and help the writer realize it. She's a hands-on editor who's not afraid to cut words and offer insights. And she has a poet's sensitivity to language.

Fiction editing specialist 

Fiction editor for numerous award-winning authors--Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN/Faulkner Award--and first-time novelists. 
She does detailed manuscript evaluations, as well as developmental/substantive editing, and is also a skilled copy editor.

Her fiction specialties include short stories, novellas, literary fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction, women's fiction, chick lit, thrillers, mysteries, and detective/crime novels.

"After researching many, many book editors, I chose Alice because I was impressed with her extensive list of accomplishments, both as an editor with top publishing houses and as a poet and author in her own right. [That she] actually managed to exceed my (already sky-high) expectations was quite a feat! She took a manuscript that had completely gone off the rails in terms of pacing and focus, and put it squarely back on track – somehow she was able to see through all the extraneous, meandering subplots and envision the work as it was meant to be. As my editor, Alice not only extracted (read: rescued) the core story from its runaway cast of supporting characters and sub motifs, but went on to cultivate the roots of that core story until it transformed into a road map of the simply but poignantly plotted, character-driven literary novel I had sat down to write more than two years before. In addition to several such fundamental plot fixes, Alice also provided a meticulous list, complete with page numbers, of every chronological inconsistency, every mix-up of a character’s name or background, and every oversight in which I had unintentionally and prematurely revealed plot twists and other information to the reader. I was blown away by how thoroughly she knew every detail of each and every character and minor event of the novel inside out, in just two weeks – in this way too, she had become more versed in my own novel than I was at that time. Throughout the editing process, Alice was very generous and patient with me in answering my millions of questions about her invaluable feedback and suggestions. I feel confident that I’ll not only be able to rewrite the novel in accordance with the new, cogent outline Alice helped me create, but also, to use this restructuring to push the narrative, and the writing, to its fullest literary potential."
- - Carrie Wharton-Hanford, first-time novelist

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Developmental editing, ghostwriting, and book proposals for submission

HENRY DENARD is a writer and editor of commercial mainstream nonfiction and fiction.

Denard co-founded and was editor in chief at a publishing company (distributed by Random House) where he oversaw (and often helped to write) dozens of books.

Denard’s bestselling nonfiction and fiction authors include Chris Wallace, Catherine Crier, Matthew Modine, Brett Favre, Joe Namath, and Steven Pressfield. Denard’s titles have been featured in “The New York Times” (including front page) and on “Sixty Minutes,” “Oprah,” “The Today Show,” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Two of Denard’s published books sold to film studios for over $1 million.

Denard recently helped to write, edit and publish The Fiscal Cliff by Ayse and Selahattin Imrohorogolu (2012, Ending Spending) on behalf of Joe Ricketts (founder of T.D. Ameritrade).

Denard has also written for The New York Times Magazine and American Express’ Departures magazine.

On the film side, Denard produced The Conspirator, starring James McAvoy, Kevin Kline, and Robin Wright; directed by Robert Redford; Gone in 60 Seconds (Touchstone) starring Nicolas Cage; The Negotiator (Warner) starring Samuel Jackson and Kevin Spacey; and Citizen X (HBO). He is a member of the Writers Guild of America (the screenwriters’ union).

Denard has experience with contract negotiations, film and book production, sales, distribution, marketing, publicity, and subsidiary rights.

He can assist with literary agent and publisher selection as well as the fiction or nonfiction submission package, including query letters and book proposals. He also has experience in Final Draft.

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Before STACEY DONOVAN became a professional editor more than 20 years ago, she worked in a literary agency where she learned how to say no more often than yes, and include reasons why. A stint in advertising followed, teaching her to tell it short and sweet, meet deadlines, and most important: never give up.

Donovan is a six-time published book author of both fiction and non-fiction. She has edited or ghostwritten more than a dozen published books for her clients. Two became New York Times Bestsellers, and another nominated for Best First Novel by International Thriller Writers.  She is experienced in many genres: Contemporary/Mainstream; Caper/Detective; Erotica; Gay/Lesbian; Literary Fiction; Mystery; Psychological Thriller; Suspense; Women’s Fiction; Young Adult; Memoir/Autobiography; Creative Nonfiction.

Specialties

• Detailed critique/evaluation of your manuscript
• Developmental/structural/stylistic edit of your manuscript
• Complete revision of your manuscript
• Collaborate with you in a mentoring capacity as you edit your manuscript
• Collaborate with you on a query and/or synopsis when the manuscript is ready for publication
• Determine with you which literary agent would be suitable for representation
• Determine with you whether to pursue mainstream, small, or self-publishing
• Consultation on your initial and/or ongoing Social Media strategy

Donovan is a writing coach, mentor, collaborator and ghostwriter. She has published dozens of non-fiction articles on design and art, and specialized in celebrity interviews with experts in their field. She is also a Publishing and Social Media strategist.

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MARLO GARNER is an editor, children's author, and illustrator. She has been editing children's books and teaching writing for children since the late 1990s. She is on faculty at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Continuing Education and teaches ‘Writing for Children's Books.’ Her first book for children Let's Visit Space was recently released in 2007 by Macmillan McGraw-Hill, and her second Author at Work, Dr Seuss is forthcoming. Marlo’s middle grade chapter book Ginny Giles series, is due for release mid 2009 from Clean Slate Press. She is currently writing a YA novel, a middle grade fantasy, and innumerable picture book texts (which spring forth at the most inopportune times). Marlo is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI).

Marlo believes in not only editing the work of her clients, but in teaching them to become better writers, equipping them with knowledge they will need as they continue on their journey, while keeping the integrity and unique voice of each author’s work. Marlo is passionate about all sub-genres of children's books and finds it almost impossible to choose which she prefers editing, reading, or writing. She will happily tackle texts in rhyming verse and is a wizard with a rhyming dictionary and her mental metronome.

She provides:

• Copyediting & proofreading
• Developmental/substantive editing
• Cover letters, query letters (free with contracted service)
• Correct formatting & understanding the submission process
• Critiques, writing instruction & mentorship
• Children's books: picture books, poetry, magazine submissions, chapter books, young adult, children's non-fiction.
• Literary fiction, crime, fantasy
• Illustration, illustration critiques and advice for aspiring illustrators.

"Marlo ... is a far greater editor than any I have ever worked with. She did far more than simply read and comment upon my text, as others have done. Marlo worked with me extensively to develop my characters and plot into something of incredible beauty and fluidity. She dedicated her time to my novel, often working late into evening and in the early hours of morning to complete her task. Marlo took my book beyond the extraordinary. She has an instinct and passion for the fine and poignant; a talent for enriching even the most ordinary of text. She breathed new life into every word, every line, every striking sentence!" Michelle Izmaylov

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VAL GERARD, MA, PhD in Biology

Editor/Writer, Science and Medicine

Val Gerard retired in 1999 after 30 years as a scientist and professor.  With a strong record of publications and successful research funding, she now uses her skills to help others achieve similar successes.

Scope:  biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, cell biology, chemistry, developmental biology, ecology, environmental policy, environmental science, evolutionary biology, genetics, geography, geology, marine science, mathematical modeling, medicine, molecular biology, oceanography, physiology, veterinary medicine, zoology, and related fields.

Academic Editing/Writing Experience:

• Science and medical editor and writer since 2001.
• Past and current clients from Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Patagonia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, the U.K., the U.S., and Venezuela.
• High rate of client success with manuscripts submitted to scientific and medical journals, and with grant proposals to various funding agencies, including NIH and NSF (largest successful grant to date, $120 million).
• Assists clients in developing written materials for commercial websites, brochures, etc.
• Specializes in organization, interpretation, and clear presentation of complex information.
• Helps clients improve their own writing skills for future projects, including non-native English speakers.
• Provides rapid turnaround.  Helps you submit your grant proposal, manuscript, book, chapter, or report on time.
• More than fifty publications (see publication list, below) and one million dollars worth of successful grant proposals of her own.
• Past experience as associate editor and/or reviewer for over two dozen scientific journals, including Science, and government funding agencies.

“Dr. Gerard is a wonderful writer. She took something that was a bit dry and made it engaging and easy for regular people to understand. Also, she is lovely to work with.” Vanessa Spann, associate editor, Healthy Travel Media

“Dr. Gerard help was the key for the success of my PhD thesis. She right away picked up my writing flaws and worked with me so I could understand the right way to write. Also, her suggestions about structure and comprehension were right on the mark. My committee was very impressed with the quality of the work presented and I have already recommended Dr. Gerard work to some of my colleagues.” - Successful Ph.D. Candidate in immunology, 2010

"DONE!!! The paperwork is signed and submitted, the after-defense party has been held, and I am feeling very good!!! As far as congratulations go - you deserve MUCH credit. Thank you once again, Val. That mock defense was incredibly helpful, as at least 2 questions were nearly word-for-word! Your assistance with the talk was also of great benefit, as [my advisor] said that it was one of the best defense presentations he had ever witnessed! I can put this project on the 'finally finished' pile. Your help in all this has been pivotal. I will never forget it. I have never—in my life—ever—received such targeted, useful professional advice, and productive feedback. It has been a true pleasure working with you, and learning a new way of writing and putting together a scientific story." Successful Ph.D. candidate in Ecology, U.S. 2007 (contact information on request)

"I had completely given up on the Masters, I emailed my tutor again this week and he said he would chase it up. He has just emailed back saying it has not only passed but been awarded a distinction! I owe this to you over and over, I would have given up but you just kept pushing me on."  M.Sc. in Medical Education, UK, 2009 (contact information on request)

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SHERRY GERSHON has performed developmental and intensive line-editing for over 350 books, primarily novels by new authors, and she contributed the chapter entitled "The Book Doctor is In: The Seven Most Common First Novel Problems and How to Avoid Them" in THE PORTABLE WRITERS' CONFERENCE (Quill Driver 2007.

A former bookstore owner, Sherry knows what sells: Her own books have been published by Forge/Tor, Viking and Warner; her first book was nominated for the PEN West USA Literary Award for Nonfiction, and her first novel was aired as a TV movie. Some of her editing clients have subsequently sold their books to major publishers, including Knopf, Harper-Collins, Berkley-Putnam, St. Martin's Press, Greenleaf Book Group Press, and Jossey-Bass.

She particularly enjoys working on mysteries, thrillers, adventure novels, and speculative fiction/science fiction, but has also had experience with young adult novels (two YA novels she edited were published by Knopf), memoirs, and both contemporary and historical fiction (including an historical published by St. Martin’s Press).

Sherry also writes résumés, cover letters, and follow-up letters, and provides her résumé clients with a free job search handbook, six months of free updating, free lifetime storage, and lifetime updating and/or future work at 50% off.

“THE BLOODIEST QUEEN will be my thirty-third published book; I've grown lazy and jaded and had thought there was little anyone could teach me, but I wound up being blown away by Sherry’s editorial acumen. She understood all the nuances of the scene in question better than I did — and pointed out exactly what wasn't working, and why. She then gave me a suggestion which was nothing short of brilliant in terms of making the whole thing work beautifully.

Trust me, Sherry is an honest, top-notch professional editor. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an established professional, if you're writing a novel and could use some help, please consider Sherry.” — Jeanne Kalogridis

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ANNE GREENBERG was an in-house editor of children's books for 16 years at Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books, specializing in fiction for readers 5-8, 8-12, and young adult. As a freelancer, she focuses on developmental editing, editing, and copyediting of adult fiction and nonfiction, in addition to children's books (but not picture books). At Pocket/S&S she edited more than 550 books (including all-new Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys titles) and worked with seasoned and first-time authors.

"Guess what??? We got a STARRED PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW!!!! And I do mean 'we.' " —Deb Caletti, author of The Queen of Everything

"It has been nothing but fun working with you on Charmed and, of course, Charlie's Angels. And I will always be grateful to you for giving me my first 'break' with Clueless. You definitely played the biggest role in launching me on this career." —Elizabeth Lenhard

“Late in 2011 I signed with a literary agent! After we worked together I put everything you taught me (honestly, your feedback had a huge impact on my future writing) into another manuscript for young adults. This novel went on to attract the attention of my wonderful agent. Thank you for helping me to learn the craft. I'll always remember working with you.” —Lacey (On file with network coordinator)

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CAROLINE HILEY is a full-service editor who specializes in copyediting novels. She has worked with both traditional publishers and independent authors to help make their stories shine.

Her focus in all editing is consistency, accuracy, and clarity, so that authors can successfully connect with their readers. Because she writes fiction and nonfiction herself, she knows the creative process from both sides and understands how editing can help or hinder.

No matter what genre, Caroline thoroughly grooms a manuscript, checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and style; tracking character traits and story timeline; confirming proper names, dates, places, and other technical or historical elements; flagging any spots that may raise a question in the reader’s mind. Authors then accept or reject the revisions, and move on to the next stage in their novel’s progression.

In addition to copyediting, Caroline offers substantive editing (also called line editing), a more detailed work-through of a manuscript without the full immersion that goes with developmental editing.

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SARA HOPKINS worked as an editor for Bantam Dell, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Eagle Publishing, My Day magazine, and BowTie Press. She earned a certificate in copyediting from the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

As an in-house editor for Bantam Dell, Random House, and Eagle Publishing, she was responsible for the production of initial hardcover and paperback trade titles, approximately sixty books per year; she continues to work as a contractor for these same publishers. Sara’s fifteen years of experience in both the production and editorial sides of the publishing process has given her the practical knowledge to read manuscripts and identify problems in technical quality, language, and thought, as well as provide positive and useful feedback. She is skilled at pointing out, marking, and correcting mechanical errors and inconsistencies; errors or inappropriate grammar, usage, and syntax; and errors or inconsistencies in content or timeline.

Sara specializes in developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. She has worked on over two hundred titles and prides herself on her many repeat clients. Nonfiction titles she has worked on include biographies, wellness and fitness (she is a certified yoga instructor), travel, politics, and current events. Her list of fiction books covers nearly every genre from science fiction to erotica but she has a special passion for manuscripts that involve a critical timeline or chronology, fantasy world, or period setting. The devil is in the details, and Sara likes to get in there too, polishing every manuscript without infringing on the author's vision.

Notable books Sara has edited include The Art of Detection and Touchstone by Laurie R. King, Fractured and Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter, Keeper of the Keys and Sinister Shorts by Perri O'Shaughnessy, The Master of Heathcrest Hall by Galen Beckett, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and Wisdom of Menopause by Christiane Northrup, The Wisdom of Yoga by Stephen Cope, and Dangerous Games by Keri Arthur.

In addition to developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading, Sara also offers help with book evaluations/critiques and ghostwriting. She is interested in every step of manuscript development and provides an author with concise and constructive feedback to help his or her ideas mature into a refined manuscript, ready for publication.

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ANA HOWARD specializes in fiction and, as the author of eight published novels, offers a unique editorial perspective.  Her books include contemporary and historical children’s, young adult, and adult literature. She has worked with both small independent publishers such as Roberts Rinehart and Brown Barn Books, and with large publishing houses such as Penguin Putnam and American Girl. She has seen one of her novels made into film and has won numerous literary awards.

She believes that even in today’s tough publishing climate, it is still possible for new writers to enter the business and succeed.  Second to writing her own novels, she loves to mentor others to help them achieve their goals.  She knows firsthand how writers benefit from the help and support of others writers and/or editors.  Her goal is to help you make your unique writing shine.

Editing Specialties

• Developmental editing
• Manuscript critiques/evaluations
• Query letter writing/synopses
• Fiction:  children’s, young adult, and adult, all genres
• Memoir

Other

Her historical fiction novel, The Magic of Ordinary Days, has been adapted for the screen and produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions as television movie for CBS, 2005. Anne is currently contracted for story consultation and collaboration with screenplay writer on a sequel to The Magic of Ordinary Days for Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, soon to be produced.

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SUE JORDAN offers copy and line editing in both fiction and nonfiction. As a freelancer for both trade and university presses, her nonfiction credits range from history to current events, memoir to ethnic studies. She is not afraid of footnotes, endnotes, or bibliographies.

She welcomes all sorts of contemporary fiction but has a special love for fantasy and science fiction: she was active for many years in the f/sf field as a reviewer and frequent convention panelist, edited three original anthologies of women's f/sf, and has served on juries for several science fiction awards.

Sue is a thorough but sensitive editor. Her goal is to shape and polish prose while maintaining each author's distinctive voice. She is especially committed to writers whose stories are too seldom heard, including women, people of color, working people, and people from small towns and rural areas.

She brings to her editing her varied experience as a writer: her published work includes many essays, feature stories, and reviews; several short stories; one novel; three one-act plays, all of which have been staged; and an ongoing blog. She's also an avid bread baker, an enthusiastic singer, a horsewoman, and a novice dog trainer who has earned several obedience titles with her Alaskan malamute. Recently she completed mediator training and plans to put these skills to use in her community.

Her version of the Serenity Prayer hangs near her desk:

Grant me the serenity
to recognize the prose I should not change,
the ability to improve the prose I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

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SANDRA JUDD is an editor, proofreader, and indexer with more than 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. Her clients have included university presses, large, mainstream publishers, and smaller presses and professional organizations. She has edited or proofread over 300 published books, on topics that include politics, history, business, literary criticism, ethnic history, anthropology, science and medicine, industry manuals, memoirs, Christian and inspirational, parenting and relationships, humor, and fiction.

She has edited 20+ volumes in the Health Reference Series published by Omnigraphics, all published under her name as editor.

She has also edited professional journals and newsletters, business plans, scholarly articles being prepared for publication, economic plans to be distributed to the state legislature, and a number of dissertations.

 She has prepared indexes for more than 30 published books.

She strives for precision in language and is devoted to making the author's voice heard.

• Proofreading and copyediting
• Stylistic editing
• Substantive editing
• Indexing
• Fiction: Thrillers, mysteries, Christian, historical fiction
• Nonfiction: Inspirational, self-help, business, science and medicine, ethnology, history, political science, memoirs, scholarly/textbooks

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JEFF KARON is a writer, teacher, and consultant who has helped students and professionals for over twenty years. He has edited, revised, and proofread publications that include reports, theses, dissertations, textbooks, proposals, essays, stories, and articles. His Ph.D. is in English with a specialization in Rhetoric and Composition, a choice that signals his devotion to clarity and power in language. Prior to his years as an English professor, he studied and taught philosophy, critical thinking, and logic, publishing in these fields as well as in literary studies. He has led writing and editing workshops for students, teachers, and artists. Currently, he is leading creativity workshops and developing ways to build honor in the classroom and workplace.

As a writer and teacher, he believes that we should strive for excellence by practicing effective and fair techniques at all times. He has combined a life-long interest in the martial arts with writing: if you choose to work with him, he will ensure that your writing is powerful, not merely competent.

Scope: Poetry, creative nonfiction, scholarly/educational, biographical essays, business and self-help topics.

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JOHN DAVID KUDRICK (MA in Journalism, Professional Writing: Fiction).

You are sitting at your computer, smiling, with an incredible sense of satisfaction in your heart. After more hours than you can count, you've finally finished your novel – a story from deep inside your soul that you want to share with the world.

But soon the questions start hitting your mind: Is it the very best that it can be? Will anyone even want to read it? Will an agent or publisher want to look at it?

With more than a decade of experience as an editor, John David understands the gamut of feelings that comes with getting your novel from your hard drive onto the shelf at your local bookstore. That's why he'd love to partner with you in getting your novel to the next level, whatever stage you may be at after you've written it …

Editing Services:

• Developmental Editing – Specific guidance and comments on how you can fine-tune your story.
• Substantive Editing – Hands-on editing help in reorganizing and revising the structure and content of your story for better readability.
• Copyediting – Line-by-line editing and polishing of your story.
• Proofreading – Making sure the smallest detail of your story gets fixed.
• Book Proposal Development – Jointly creating a compelling, well-crafted proposal.

Genre Specialties:

• Christian fiction (all genres – for both adults and young adults)
• Action / Military
• Historical Fiction
• Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) / Fantasy
• Contemporary / Mainstream

As an editor, John David has been privileged to work with some of the best publishers of fiction in the nation, including Whitaker House (where as senior editor he worked on James Byron Huggins' Nightbringer, a book that Library Journal named one of its annual top five Christian novels), David C. Cook, NavPress, Realms Fiction, and Marcher Lord Press.

"You have a true talent, John David, something God-given. All the learning in the world can't give it to you, and nothing can take it away. You comprehend on several levels far beneath the story itself, a rare thing in literature these days. You can have my back anytime."
– James Byron Huggins, Author of A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, Leviathan, Cain, Hunter, Rora, Nightbringer, The Scam, and Sorcerer

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FLOYD LARGENT specializes in history, natural history, anthropology and the sciences on the non-fiction front, and speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror, and allied fields) otherwise. He's published his own e-book on fiction marketing (100 Great Places to Sell Your Short Stories, Both On and Off the Web), and is intimately familiar with technical writing, having worked as a technical writer and editor for ten years. He's also been published in most of the popular American history magazines, including American History, America's Civil War, Old West, and True West. Mr. Largent can provide publishing assistance (especially with short stories and journal articles), content development, manuscript evaluation, and mentoring services, supplemented with advice concerning manuscript mechanics,query letters, book synopses, and proposals.

Developmental editing

Submission and Publishing Assistance

"My career as a content editor has been nearly as varied as my basic writing career. I've edited and rewritten academic papers, marketing copy, web content, short stories, brochures, book-length manuscripts, and many, many technical reports. I enjoy working with other writers, and am particularly gratified when I can impart some of my hard-won knowledge of manuscript mechanics and submission. I'm not an agent and can't replace one, but I can certainly show you ways to make your copy more pleasing to an editor's eyes. Let's get started ... Floyd"

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Lynda Lotman
Freelance Network Coordinator
Copy Editor, Proofreader
Science Fiction
Historical Fiction
Ethnic, Christian, Jewish topics

LORNA LYNCH has over twenty-five years of editing, copyediting, and proofreading experience, and has worked on more than a hundred books to date. She also co-owned a monthly newspaper for seven years, where she wrote and edited hundreds of articles. She has a tremendous instinct for what "works" and what doesn't in both fiction and non-fiction, and has guided numerous authors to publishing success. Her primary goal is to see that writing with some potential becomes writing with great potential, and she works closely with authors to achieve that goal.

Her area of expertise is character-driven fiction; however, she has edited books of all stripes, including political commentary, how-to books, humor, mysteries, romance novels, children's books, young adult fiction, detective novels, and psychological thrillers.

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KELLY LYNNE is the proud “auntie” to over 50 published novels, novellas and short stories, which have sold to Kensington Publishing, Carina Press, Cerridwen Press, Awe-Struck Publishing, Samhain Publishing, Wings ePress, Bradley Publishing,, and The Wild Rose Press as well as author self-published titles. These books have gone on to earn high praise from reviewers and readers, as well as multiple awards and contest wins. As an editor for The Wild Rose Press, she edited contemporary western and light paranormal romances, with heat ratings from sweet to spicy. Outside of romance, her fiction fortes include sci-fi, fantasy, speculative fiction, young adult, and stories of psychic or supernatural phenomena.

Empathic about the “feel” of a story, Kelly provides suggestions so that authors may revise with their own style in mind, preserving the individual voice, while alerting authors to current trends in publishable styles. Developmental fiction editing requires an emotional investment in the work—an investment of time and effort that Kelly is happy to make.

Specialties:

DON McCLAIRE uses forty years of editing and writing experience to help both fiction and non-fiction writers polish their work for publication.  He’s spent his career as a magazine editor (11 years), award-winning public relations executive (six years), head of his own marketing communications firm (21 years), professional editor, and writing instructor.  He’s written and placed hundreds of press releases and trade magazine articles, and has produced three non-fiction “how-to” books two young-adult novels, and four Donna McClaire-bylined romance novels, all published. McClaire’s work won him The Public Relations Association’s highest award, the Silver Anvil, plus two Golden Trumpets from the Chicago Public Relations Associarion. 

Note: Don is not accepting submissions until March 1, 2013

McClaire knows firsthand, after editing for others for years and judging numerous writing contest entries, the many mistakes unpublished writers make.  He spreads this knowledge by conducting workshops at weekend writing conferences and teaching two online writing classes: Editor-Proof That First Chapter for WriterUniv.com, and 21 Steps to Fog-Free Writing, at WritersOnlineClasses.com.

He'll edit your manuscript, correcting things you may have been doing wrong your whole writing career.  Areas of focus include appearance, hooks, plot, motivation, dialogue, setting, point of view, research, conflict, and voice. He'll also edit weak verb forms, strip away author intrusions, identify character filters, ban redundancies, eliminate foggy phrases, correct passive voice sentences, slash misused and overused words, and correct other writing bugaboos.  These are all problems an acquisitions editor or literary agent won't take the time or effort to tell you about, but they could keep you from being published!

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HOLLY MONTY, MA MAC ELS
APA format, Chicago Manual of Style

Since operating as a freelance editor and writer, Ms. Monty, a Microsoft Word and LaTeX expert, has worked on books and articles published by many of the world’s leading publishers, including Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, MIT Press, W. W. Norton, Sage, John Wiley, Springer, Lawrence Erlbaum, Pearson-Prentice Hall, Praeger, Greenwood, Blackwell, and other top names in academic and nonfiction publishing. To date, she has edited more than 2,000 published journal articles, more than 150 nonfiction books, and a wealth of dissertations and theses. Ms. Monty is proud to have worked with a diversity of students and academics from a broad range of our nation's universities. Given her wealth of experience, she is adept at working within the precise terms of your university's thesis/dissertation guidelines or with the publication guidelines of any peer-reviewed journal.

"Holly was FANTASTIC. She was SO thorough and submitted everything back to me earlier than I needed it! Even after she was done with the edit, I had some questions, and she was very speedy in her responses. I appreciate that she took time to answer my questions. She really went above and beyond! My paper not only needed to follow APA guidelines, but my university had guidelines as well. She did both perfectly."
—Nicole Foster, Trinity International University.

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THEODORA O'BRIEN

Owner, award-winning publishing company, 1994-2001

Freelance editor (with this network only) since 2002

Critiqued and edited hundreds of manuscripts

Dozens of authors now happily selling their books !

Editing and Publishing Services

• Detailed written critique/evaluation of your manuscript that asks questions, points out conflicts, confused timelines, characterization difficulties, etc., in the manuscript itself so the guide is always there for you to follow as you rework it.
• Mentor you with creative ideas, and guide you through the whole gamut of what’s what in the publishing industry (i.e., whether traditional or self-publishing is best for you).
• Hands on content edit (aka copy-edit, aka line edit), structural/stylistic edit of your manuscript, doing everything to get your manuscript ready for a traditional agent, a traditional editor, a self-publishing company, or ready for submission to an e-publisher.
• Work with you on a query and/or synopsis when the manuscript is ready for publication, should you want that.

Genres and Topics:

Fiction: Action-Adventure, Action-military, Chick Lit, Contemporary/mainstream, Detective/Crime/Police, Espionage, Fantasy, Historicals, Horror, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thrillers, Time Travel, Urban Fantasy, Westerns.

Trade non-fiction: Auto-biographies, Biographies, History, Memoirs, Travel.

Author: How to Write a Best Seller

I once had an author who wrote a delightful book that centered around a case that involved the pitfalls of working with voodoo. He sent me a question after we’d finished his book: “How do you do that hoodoo you do?” I had no real answer for him and don’t to this day. Editing is as much a gift as writing is. You can do it or you can’t. Most editing-minded people can train themselves to fix commas, semicolons, and sentence structure, but the hoodoo in knowing what a story needs to make it right, to make it whole, to  make it sensible, well, that’s hoodoo that can’t be explained. It helps that I’ve had twenty-plus years of experience (which means I’ve edited hundreds of manuscripts and seen dozens of them become books on shelves) to hone the gift, and that I like doing it, but that doesn’t make it explainable, it just makes it great for you, the writer, that you’re going to be the beneficiary of all that ability when you hire me.

As editorial director of my own publishing house, I published almost 100 titles, garnering several awards in "Best Of" categories. Almost half of the titles were bought for paperback reprints, and two were optioned for TV/movies. I have invaluable knowledge about the industry, the type of people who run it, how to work within it, and tips for getting your foot in the door. I've reviewed, evaluated, and edited hundreds of manuscripts through the years, and I use that knowledge to help my clients produce results-driven manuscripts, query letters, and synopses.

Attard, Ryan. FIRSTBORN, urban fantasy. "As a novice author, my greatest concern was that my story, characters, and, ultimately, the essence of the story would be stripped away by editorial modifications. Theodora made sure to prove me wrong. Firstborn would have never been completed without the input this wonderful woman gave me and I am now the happy author of an urban fantasy novel. Will definitely come back to Theodora for the next installment of the series."

Easson, Shayne. WRATH OF ZAR, Part One of the Demons of Destiny series (fantasy).. "I am absolutely sure I wouldn't have gotten the publishing contract if it hadn't been for Theodora's evaluation and editing. What an enormous find she was for me!"

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Developmental/substantive editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading, and manuscript/query letter critique. Genre specialties include:

Juvenile Fiction: young adult, middle grade (ages 8-12), leveled/early reader (ages 5-8), picture books, series fiction

General Fiction: contemporary trade and mass market fiction, romance/women's fiction, mysteries, thrillers

ANGELLE PINGTON has been a professional book editor since 2001. She was an in-house acquisitions/development editor for Penguin Group (Puffin/Speak) before becoming a full-time freelance editor of children, juvenile, and adult fiction. She has edited award-winning young adult novels, middle grade series, illustrated picture books, adult romances, thrillers, and mysteries.

Angelle has a positive, professional demeanor; a straightforward, kind approach to editorial feedback; and a meticulous eye for detail and accuracy. She truly enjoys helping authors shape their work, encouraging them to learn more about their characters, to explore something unexpected with their plotline, and to strive to inspire emotion (of any type!) in their readers.

"Angelle, you need to know that as an editor, you're a writer's dream…your insight makes writing a joy."—Jonathan Friesen, author of Jerk, California and RUSH (excerpted from acknowledgments)

"Deep, heartfelt thanks to my editor, Angelle, whose guidance and wisdom I value beyond power of speech."—Linda Gerber, author of the Death by Bikini Mysteries, Trance, the Lights, Camera, Cassidy series, S.A.S.S.: Now and Zen and S.A.S.S.: The Finnish Line (excerpted from acknowledgments)

"Thank you…to Angelle who took a huge chance on a princess who should not be a princess and a writer who has never been very good at staying inside the box."—Anne Osterlund, author of Aurelia and Academy 7 (excerpted from acknowledgments)

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JAMES POWELL is "a good literary surgeon," as one of his accomplished clients noted. As an editor of fiction and non-fiction, he views manuscripts with a broad, comprehensive vision and an eye for detail-for "the right word in the right place." Powell's editors will tell you that his books need no editing, as Powell is, himself, an editor. He will read your fiction with an eye to making it believable and your non-fiction with a knack for making it both convincing and engaging. His books and short stories have been translated into many languages and are known throughout the world. His list of publications includes The Tao of Symbols (Morrow 1982), Energy and Eros (Morrow 1985), The Prentice Hall Global Employment Guide (Prentice Hall 1983), Mandalas: The Dynamics of Vedic Symbolism (Sterling 1980), Derrida for Beginners (Writers and Readers 1996), Postmodernism for Beginners (Writers and Readers 1998), Eastern Philosophy for Beginners (2000), and Deconstruction for Beginners (2005), and Slow Love: A Polynesian Pillow Book (2008). His short story "The Silence of the Hummingbird" was published in Spanish in Revista Katharsis in Malaga, Spain and his journalism has appeared in the Santa Barbara Independent and Montecito Journal.

Books, memoirs, theses, and dissertations (APA, Chicago Manual of Style, and MLA formats)

"I was impressed by his knowledge of the subject and his insight into spirituality in general.  He not only provided constructive critique but also was an expert mentor. He really transformed my book into something beautiful. He does magic with words and, at the same time, is very pleasant to work with." - Ahmad Javid

“I am very happy with James Powell’s editing services.  He understood my voice, he offered deep insights, and his work was of the highest caliber.  His turn around time was ahead of schedule, and his price was very fair.  I would not hesitate to use him again or refer him to others.” --S. Bales

"His editing really streamlined my ideas. His knowledge of Asian culture, literature, and history created a great dynamic between us. Essentially, my editor also acted as a collaborator. On a couple of occasions, his editing enabled me to reflect on my writing and re-write (or add) more information to clarify some chapter sub-sections. On another occasion, Mr. Powell suggested that I add some ideas to further support my thesis. His expertise, directed me to a field of research where I quickly found and added information that helped clarify and substantiate the thesis in that chapter sub-section. The writing that I am doing these days is very specialized and requires an editor with very highly developed editing skills who also has deep knowledge of Asian culture. As I am under a deadline and a poor editor of my own work, Mr. Powell's service offered much needed support." —(Contact information on request)

"In December, 2003, James Powell edited a grant proposal for me, a doctoral candidate in Greek Literature. His meticulous editing caught typographical and grammatical errors while improving the clarity of my argument. His changes were extremely effective but in no way altered the style or 'voice' of my writing. Moreover, he (thankfully) worked extremely quickly, as I was under a pressing deadline!" —Trinity Jackman

"The turnaround time was excellent. The work was fabulous!!" —Nova University student. (Contact info on request)

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ARLENE W. ROBINSON has developed and edited 500+ full-length manuscripts in a variety of genres since 1996. Her clients include women's fiction author Angie Daniels, London Times best-selling nonfiction author Catherine G. McCall, Bram Stoker Award-short listed Sue Dent, award-winning Young Adult author Hannah R. Goodman, and AFCW-nominated Christian fiction author Laura Frantz.

Arlene welcomes new or published authors as clients, and enjoys helping journalistic, business and academic writers transform their writings into marketable, polished products for mainstream readers. Arlene's area of expertise include:

Specialities:

• Substantive and Structural editing and critique (nonfiction)
• Developmental editing and critique (fiction)
• Stylistic editing and style conversions (fiction and nonfiction)
• Copyediting and proofreading (fiction and nonfiction)

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Manuscript Evaluations, Critiques, Organizational and Developmental Editing, Line Editing Commercial fiction, romance, women’s fiction, science fiction and fantasy, young adult fiction, narrative non-fiction

ANGELA ROSE is a publishing industry insider whose most recent in-house position was at Random House’s Ballantine Bantam Dell imprint, where she worked for five years. While there, she edited a wide variety of commercial fiction and non-fiction, including several books for the Loveswept digital publishing line, and provided editorial support for a list of acclaimed, bestselling authors that included Mary Balogh, Barbara O'Neal, Suzanne Brockmann, and H. P. Mallory. She also evaluated hundreds of submitted manuscripts and book proposals in the following categories: general fiction, women’s fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, young adult fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, and self-help. In addition, Angela has done freelance editorial work for Amazon, Harlequin, and Callisto Media; has acted as a judge for two 2012 literary contests; and has received pitches at several writers’ conferences.

As an editor, Angela addresses both big picture issues and minute details. She gives writers in-depth suggestions on how to fix problems with plot, structure, characterization, pacing, and more, and is also a pro at catching inconsistencies, repetitions, errors, and fixing clunky dialogue and prose. To her, there is nothing more satisfying than helping an author produce his or her dream book.

Before embarking upon her career as an editor, Angela earned a bachelor’s degree with high honors in English from the College of William and Mary and attended the Columbia Publishing Course in New York City.

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NANCY ROSENBAUM

Nancy excels as a rewriter, proofreader, editor, fact-checker, and indexer of fiction and nonfiction books. She is also an APA format expert and in-demand editor for theses and disserations.

Nancy works from the reader's perspective to help her authors generate more polished manuscripts, whether they self-publish or pursue commercial representation. Her clients' works have been on subjects as diverse as memoirs, fictional tales, short stories, self-help and new-age topics, diet and personal health care, and wealth management, to career and business management, political treatises, philosophical and social science critiques, business development and marketing optimization, textbooks, historical studies, travel and tourism guides, and finance and economics. Whether her clients need assistance with book proposals, query letters, critiques, or fine-tuning of completed manuscripts, Nancy is ready and able to provide just the right touch to hold the reader's attention.

Nancy earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Mt. Holyoke College and studied technical documentation and business communications at Northeastern University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"The network's prompt response detailing potential editors allowed our text to be in the hands of an editing professional in no time. The knowledge, professionalism, and editing service offered by Nancy greatly enhanced the content and flow of the textbook. Additionally, Nancy provided comments and insight that went well beyond the service paid, and returned the ~44,000 word textbook within weeks. I highly recommend the network and Nancy."

"Seriously, you saved my life. English is my second language. I was desperate looking at all the words I had to put together so that it would flow nicely using APA style. This was an immense mountain to climb. I decided to search the web to see if I could find help. I did not know about your network but I figured I would search for APA Editor and there you were. I also thought it would be too late since there was only 5 days before my paper was due.  I sent the email anyway out of desperation....and ding! I got a response right away. I could’t believe it and was afraid it was a scam. But I had nothing to lose. Nancy took by messy words and made a wonderful essay with it. She rearranged the headlines, wrapped it all up in APA, check my reference list to make sure I had quoted everyone. I received an amazing final product. I now can carry on working full-time doing a Master knowing that there is someone who can help me at the most difficult times...editing. My husband also wants to thank you since I was so much easier to live with once I found you! Ha! Thank you so much!

"I couldn't believe she finished editing when she said she would. The APA style was making me nuts and Nancy really helped and made it a lot less stressful. She eased the worry and my thesis was just approved and I need to print it and bind it. I would recommend her to anybody who needs an editor. Nancy knows APA! When I write my great American Novel, I’ll be contacting her again." —Joanne Richardson

"I had fairly low expectations because it was a 'web business,' but I was very wrong. I couldn’t have dreamt of receiving the thoroughness of editing, knowledge, and follow through that was provided by Nancy. She caught an error in my reference list that I would never have found. I don’t know how she did it! I am so pleased! Keep up the good work!"

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As a freelance editor, Geoff has edited novels, memoirs, marketing and advertising materials, textbooks, research papers, websites and whatever else has comes his way. He has a strong background in fiction, history, the sciences, and sports.

Geoff specializes in developmental editing, copyediting, line editing, and proofreading. A strong communicator, he works as a team with authors to help them bring out the best of the manuscripts.

"I've had the privilege of working with Geoff, and he is a consummate professional. A talented editor with a keen eye for detail, Geoff always offers fresh and creative ideas to help strengthen my prose without compromising my voice. If you are looking for a caring, prompt, thorough editor, he is definitely the person to contact." —Lisa Fox, author of Knightly Desire

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Writer, Manuscript Copy Editor, Developmental Editor, Critiques, Evaluations

Fiction: science fiction and fantasy, horror, mystery, mainstream, short story

Nonfiction: business, labor, literary criticism, memoirs, math, technical and science documents

Academic editing and scholarly writing consultant: theses and dissertations

APA format and Chicago Manual of Style

A.J. is an editor, proofreader, and writer with wide experience both in fiction and in nonfiction, the latter with specialties in business writing, business methods, business history, communication, and literary analysis. He also writes both nonfiction (primarily articles on business-related topics and book reviews in various areas of fiction and nonfiction) and fiction and has won several minor awards for his short stories.

As a freelance editor, he enjoys the challenges of working with both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. His specialty is science fiction (and he edited the four-volume Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature), but he moves easily among genres. Although he thrived as an in-house editor, he decided in 1997 to pursue freelance work, primarily to be able to work more directly with authors and to have greater flexibility and choice among projects. He prides himself on helping authors write so that they convey exactly what they want to, polishing their work and exploring with them the best ways to tell their stories or to present their facts and theories while maintaining the authors’ own tone and style.

His career in the publishing industry, spanning more than 25 years, began at SAGE Publications. While pursuing graduate work in economics at UCLA, he taught at California State University, Northridge, and other colleges in the Los Angeles area. After deciding that the publishing field suited him better than academia, he took a position at Salem Press, earning promotion to the position of project editor within several months. He worked in-house at Salem Press until starting work as a freelance editor, and Salem Press remained a client until it went out of business.

A. J. has edited nonfiction work, both books and papers (including more than a dozen successful theses and dissertations and dozens of articles published in academic journals), in a variety of fields, including various social sciences, technical research, and medical research. His work includes dozens of books and more than 50 journal issues in the social sciences, research methods, mathematics, political science, psychology, business and management, history, and health and medicine, among other topics.

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RACHEL STONE

Manuscript Evaluations, Market Assessment, Global Reorganization, Developmental Editing, Copyediting, Proofreading, Rewriting, Ghostwriting
Education, Science, Nonfiction

Rachel is an experienced publishing executive and hands-on editor and proofreader who has worked at Prentice-Hall, MacMillan, and John Wiley & Sons, among others, where she developed college textbooks in a variety of disciplines. As the science director for Amsco School Publications--which publishes texts and review books for the 6-12 market--she was responsible for developmental editing of her own titles and assessing manuscripts for publication and marketing.

The list of titles that Rachel worked on at Amsco included: Amsco’s AP Biology; Amsco’s Science, Grades 6-8 (a 3-book series); Preparing for the OAA Science; Preparing for the FCAT Science, Grades 8 and 11 (two books); MCAS Science Grade 8; Life Science Work-Text, Revised Edition; and Forensic Science (IP). Along with the books, she also edited, wrote, and rewrote catalog copy and marketing information.

Rachel’s skills include global reorganization as needed, heavy developmental editing, rewriting, copyediting, and proofreading, She excels at transforming manuscripts into an accessible, informational tool of instruction for its intended audience.

Rachel edits for clarity and comprehension, taking into account macro as well as micro editing, the big picture as well as the small.

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Bestselling Book Editor

Editor for three New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling authors

Caroline T. has been editing popular fiction for 20 years and has 200+ novels under her belt. Her ability to see the big picture, combined with an in-depth knowledge of today’s publishing market, makes her an invaluable partner in the editing and publishing process.

A former in-house editor at Pocket Books—a division of Simon & Schuster, the premiere New York City publisher of commercial and trade fiction—an outside editor for Harper Collins/Avon, and a reader for The Literary Guild and The Rhapsody Book Club, Caroline’s particular expertise is historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and romantic suspense. Carla Neggers, Karen Robards and Andrea Kane—three New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling authors—had books edited by Caroline.

She also specializes in suspense thrillers, crime fiction, amateur sleuths, sagas, inspirational romance, westerns, urban fantasy, and African-American popular fiction.  She holds workshops on the writer’s conference circuit and speaks at numerous venues to help advance the cause of popular fiction for women.Known for her accessibility, Caroline is available to answer any questions a client may have; from a simple inquiry regarding point of view switching, to a larger issue regarding career path. She is a hands-on editor, likes to put her blue pen to work, and enjoys brainstorming with writers.

She is a mentor, a guide and a source of vast knowledge on the subject of popular fiction.  Caroline offers content and developmental editing with commentary; minor line-editing if necessary, submission help, and career consulting.

“Caroline and I worked together as an author/editor team for a dozen years.  She is, by far, the finest editorial partner I've ever had the good fortune to work with-- a partner in the truest sense.  Her commitment extends beyond the novels to the authors themselves.  Her instincts about how to make the book the best it can be are dead-on, and her willingness and abilities to achieve that end (without making the author feel that the book is no longer his/her own) are amazing.  She has experience in a broad range of genres, and she puts that experience to work whole-heartedly.  There is no one I would more strongly recommend to you if you want to make your book the best it can be, and if you want the best chances of becoming published or further published!” -- NY Times bestselling author, Andrea Kane

"I was in need of an experienced developmental editor to take my book to the next level. Caroline's feedback was spot-on and exactly what I was looking for. I had originally planned on spending much less on an editor and was nervous about paying so much money, but what I got was worth the cost. She didn't try to re-write anything, for which I was grateful, she just pointed out how I could get more out of my characters and scenes. I think my future writing projects will also be better because of this process." Isabel Morin

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MARIE VALENTINE's editorial work ranges from conceptual and developmental brainstorming to copy editing and proofreading, as well as the nitty-gritty of print and Web production. She has worked in acquisitions and production for the renowned new age book publisher Llewellyn Worldwide. She has also served as a news editor and writer, business technology editor, poet and small press publisher of experimental works by contemporary writers. Marie will use her knowledge in literature and nonfiction to clarify your thoughts with minimal alteration, but she is also open to experiments and will adapt easily and quickly to your perceived vision and goals. A flexible editor and proofreader with a light touch, Marie will help your prose shine while keeping your personal style intact.

• 10+ years proofreading experience (print, web, digital, books, magazines, news weeklies, chapbooks and more)
• 6 years business and technology editing experience
• 5 years book manuscript editing experience, both fiction and nonfiction
• 4 years publisher acquisitions experience - Ruminator (small press), university press (U of MN), commercial press (Llewellyn). She knows what publishers look for in a book.
• 9 years academic editing and formatting

Editing Services:

• Content organization
• Structural and substantive editing
• Proofreading
• Formatting and style editing (MLA, Chicago, APA, AP, project-specific)
• Copy editing

Scope:

• Literary fiction, creative nonfiction, plays, screenplays, poetry, short stories, novellas, essay collections, textbooks.
• Other writing categories: Articles, student papers and scientific reports, publisher submissions and proposals, website copy consulting.

Marie’s areas of specialization: English and Spanish literature, business and IT, spirituality and religion, journalism and communications, cultural studies, psychology, ecology/botany, contemporary art and art history, women’s studies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, linguistics, philosophy.

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MADGE WALLACE began doing oral histories while living on Maui in the 1990s. She joined a team of volunteers who interviewed prominent alumni for her high school’s oral history project. It occurred to her that there might be a commercial market for oral histories, or better yet edited narratives based on oral histories, but at the time she was a busy realtor and freelance writer raising young children. At the time, too, there was no affordable way to self-publish such a finished product attractively and economically.

Fast forward to the computer age, where we now have easy ways to record interviews in person or by phone; transcription services and software; and high quality, reasonably priced small-run full-color book publishing. Suddenly a good idea is a reality!

Madge spent many years as a realtor, both on Maui and in Colorado, where the secret to her success was her interviewing skill — finding out what people really wanted in a home and helping them get it. Along the way she freelanced as a columnist and feature writer for the Maui News, continuing to develop her interviewing and writing skills. Along the way she wrote five published books, including her award-winning first novel, Paying the Price, based on her life as a realtor on Maui.  

When she became a Personal Historian, she realized that she had in fact fictionalized her own memoir in Paying the Price. She coined the term Creative Personal History to describe this niche in the personal history business. She belongs to the Association of Personal Historians, and is program chair for the Pacific Northwest chapter.

She is often asked  what the difference is between a Personal History, a Memoir, and an Autobiography. Here’s her answer:

Personal History

It’s your life – but how much does your family really know? We’ll interview you, transcribe the interviews, and craft a flowing narrative for you. We’ll retain your voice, your expressions, and your sense of humor—and  rely on you for the facts. We’ll add your vintage and recent photos, sent to via email or by snail mail. If you choose, our graphic designer will turn your story and photos into a work of literary art.

Memoir

Telling a portion of your life, with no attempt at being comprehensive. Tales of your childhood, your first marriage, your Peace Corps experience, your military years, your business — whatever specific recollections you’d like to pass on — with photos to illustrate the story.

Autobiography

The story of your life from beginning to now, with all the details fact-checked and supplemented by research. A much more ambitious project, which you may write yourself and just require the services of an editor, or which you may prefer to dictate and let the us write the book entirely.

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KIMBER WHELAN, Developmental Editor

Kimber’s clients have included fiction publishers such as Baen Books and the Hachette Book Group (Orbit Books, Grand Central Publishing, Forever). Her work spans many genres, including science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, erotica, literary, mainstream, magical realism, thrillers, and mysteries.

She has a passion for short fiction, encouraging budding talent, and helping writers overcome creative blocks. In this pursuit, she has served as a volunteer editor at Flash Me Magazine, enjoyed membership in several formal and informal critique groups, and created a writing support community.

Kimber is a foster and adoptive mom, and was herself adopted at birth. Her work has appeared in numerous books and blogs, as well as adoption and childcare newsletters.

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Our professional book editors and proofreaders serve writers and publishers of fiction and nonfiction. Manuscript editing and proofreading for first-time authors and published pros.

*Note: The editors in this network will turn down your manuscript if they do not see a way to improve the material. In this case, however, they might offer mentoring as you learn the craft. They will also decline to edit your manuscript if they determine that your work is in such good shape that paying a freelance editor would be a waste of your money. Although they believe that every manuscript should be read and critiqued by someone other than the author, it may not be necessary to pay a professional to find the few flaws and kinks in an excellent manuscript.